Eric Rath: Percussion Ensemble & Jazz Band Concert, feat. Henry Brun

On March 8th, we had our annual Percussion Ensemble Concert. This year, because of the timing of things, we decided to add our Jazz Band onto the same program and "kill" the proverbial "two birds." I wasn't sure how I'd like it (you know me... always questioning efficiency), but it turned out great and I'm pretty sure we'll be planning on using this format again next year.

So, knowing that we were going to run both groups that night, I started looking for a guest artist we could bring in that would play with both groups. I was given Henry Brun's name from Staci Stokes at Promark and proceeded to book the date with him. From the outset, he was very cool to talk to -- down to earth and real. The last thing I need or any of the students need is someone who thinks far too much of themselves and has all sorts of high maintanance requests and needs!

When Henry got to town, it was very apparent that he was going to fall into the category of "easy-going." Thank the Lord! I put enough stress on myself with the concert, that I don't need a Prima Dona to take care of on top of that!

The students really warmed up to Henry and he was very good with them. He got to meet with all of the percussion students from grades 6-12 at least a little and I think it was good for them to meet someone who has made a living being a percussionist.

On the concert, there were three sections: Percussion Ensemble by themselves, Perc Ens with Henry (INTERMISSION), then Jazz Band with Henry.

Thanks to Frances, here are some pictures from the evening. There are way too many to post here, so I'll try to pick out only the very best ones!