FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

November 21, 2007

GRINNELL COLLEGE DEPT. OF MUSIC SPONSORS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC EVENTS

GRINNELL, Iowa - The Grinnell College Department of Music will sponsor two upcoming instrumental performances conducted by percussionist Mark Dorr, lecturer in music.

On Friday, Nov. 30 at 7:30 p.m., the Grinnell College Percussion, Marimba, and Steel Pan Ensemble will perform a program including David Maslanka’s "Hohner;" "Marubatoo" by former NEXUS member John Wyre; "Atenteben" (Ghanaian flute and dance songs) by Bob Becker; "Living Room Music" by John Cage; and "Nola" by Felix Arndt. The inaugural performance of the steel pan ensemble will debut with Ray Holman’s "Steelband Paradise" and island favorites from the Caribbean.

On Sunday, Dec. 9 at 4:30 p.m., the Grinnell College Symphonic Band will perform a concert titled "Monsters, Mayhem, and Merriment!," which will include Michael Daugherty’s "Bizarro," based upon the comic book character of the same name; Eric Whitacre’s "Noisy Wheels of Joy" and "Godzilla Eats Las Vegas;" "La Tregenda" (Witches’ Dance) from the opera "Le Villi" by Giacomo Puccini; and "In the Hall of the Mountain King" by Edvard Grieg. The saxophone section will be featured during Leroy Ostansky’s "Poem and Dance," as well as "Root Beer Rag" by pop star Billy Joel.

Both of these free performances will be held in Sebring-Lewis Hall, located in the Bucksbaum Center for the Arts, 1108 Park St. on the Grinnell College campus. For more information, call (641) 269-4567 or e-mail dorr@grinnell.edu.

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