Event Title
Why Percussion? A Musical Discussion of the Instruments in the Back of the Orchestra
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Location
Biology Building, Room 101
Start Date
29-11-2018 6:00 PM
End Date
29-11-2018 7:00 PM
Description
Percussion was one of the last instruments to enter into the symphonic orchestra. At one time, it was thought that the percussionist needed only to learn timpani to take part in the orchestra; now a full battery of percussion instruments add to the orchestral landscape. The percussionist is looked upon to master a variety of sounds and techniques to achieve the wishes of the composer. Though impossible for this presentation to capture all the instruments in the percussion section, a discussion of some of the unpitched percussion instruments that are commonly found in the section will occur. Many instruments that are found in the percussion section, such as snare drum, have performance aspects that extend beyond the symphony hall. It is helpful for an audience member to understand a broader spectrum of sound that be found from a single instrument. Therefore, musical performances and demonstrations of the instruments selected will be shared to give context to both the experience that occurs for the performer and for the listener. Some history of instruments will add further context to understand how we got to where we are today and what the journey for the percussionist is now and into the future.
Why Percussion? A Musical Discussion of the Instruments in the Back of the Orchestra
Biology Building, Room 101
Percussion was one of the last instruments to enter into the symphonic orchestra. At one time, it was thought that the percussionist needed only to learn timpani to take part in the orchestra; now a full battery of percussion instruments add to the orchestral landscape. The percussionist is looked upon to master a variety of sounds and techniques to achieve the wishes of the composer. Though impossible for this presentation to capture all the instruments in the percussion section, a discussion of some of the unpitched percussion instruments that are commonly found in the section will occur. Many instruments that are found in the percussion section, such as snare drum, have performance aspects that extend beyond the symphony hall. It is helpful for an audience member to understand a broader spectrum of sound that be found from a single instrument. Therefore, musical performances and demonstrations of the instruments selected will be shared to give context to both the experience that occurs for the performer and for the listener. Some history of instruments will add further context to understand how we got to where we are today and what the journey for the percussionist is now and into the future.
Speaker Bio
Professor Latta currently performs throughout the Northern California region and Colorado. Prior to moving to California in 2014, he was Director of Percussion Studies for six years at Fort Lewis College. He taught percussion at Pacific from 2017-2018 while also serving as Assistant Dean. He holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Performance and Music Education from the University of the Pacific and a Master’s of Music in Performance from East Carolina University. In 2009, Jonathan finished his Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Arizona. Prior to returning school for his doctorate, Jonathan was a member of the United States Air Force Band of the Golden West. Dr. Latta’s other performing experiences include the Music in the Mountains Festival Orchestra, Stockton Symphony, San Juan Symphony, North State Symphony, Long Bay Symphony, Tar River Symphony, the Texas Music Festival Orchestra, the Durango Chamber Music Festival, the Animas Music Festival, and the Percussive Arts Society International Conference.