The UTM Percussion Studio performed their annual World Bizarre at the Soleil Garden Center in Union City on March 29.
The World Bizarre is the percussion studio’s largest fundraiser for the year. For $10, concert goers get food, drinks and music performed by the percussion studio. They also have the opportunity to win door prizes, and bid in a silent auction. The percussion studio partners with local businesses to host the event each year.
Logan Hays, the master of ceremonies for the event and a member of the percussion studio, said, “We are raising money to obtain guest artists (for the department) to help further the knowledge we have now, so we can pour it back to the community.”
Hayes said that the proceeds from this performance go to help fund the Roots of Rhythm tour, a tour that allows the percussion studio to perform for local schools and at different events in the area.
The studio performed a variety of music. The Jamaica Me Happy group, a steel-pan band made up of UTM percussionists, played a short set that included Elvis Presley’s I Can’t Help Falling in Love With You.
There were also pieces for soloists and small ensembles, such as a vibraphone piece played by Emily Sanford, a junior Music major from Trenton. The event also included large ensemble groups.
Some ensembles had non-percussion instruments, such as the Choro Group, which included a clarinet, a bass clarinet, a flute, a guitar and a cello, along with various percussion instruments.
The World Bizarre takes place the same weekend as Chamber Fest, an event that showcases high school students’ talent in a chamber music setting. High schoolers in the honors percussion group got the opportunity to perform a piece with the percussion studio during the event.
“Everyone’s had a great time! It can be stressful, but everyone enjoys it and we try to have as much fun as possible,” Hays said.
The UTM Music Department puts on many shows throughout the year. For more information about upcoming events, visit https://www.utm.edu/departments/music/Calendarofevents.php
