Synergy showcases the distinctiveness of Millikin's ubiquitous, interdisciplinary alliances through a collaborative concert featuring performances by students and faculty across the College of Fine Arts.
This year's program will explore the unique relationship between music and sports. The program will feature a variety of music ranging from Rocael Hurtado's "Tennis Club" for marimba ensemble to Richard Lerman's "Travelon Gamelon" featuring six players performing on three amplified bicycles.
Members of the Millikin University wrestling team will join the ensemble for the premiere of a new work composed by Dr. Jeremy Brunk, Millikin assistant professor of music, entitled "Match Play."
The Millikin Chamber Percussion Ensembles, under the direction of Brian Justison, Millikin professor of music, have been widely acclaimed for their performances of concert repertoire for percussion instruments. They are a recent winner of the Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition and were selected to perform at the 2008 PASIC Focus Day session.
In 2013, the group was awarded a Downbeat Student Music Award for "Best Classical Group." Performances at numerous regional music festivals are also part of their activities. Additionally, their debut CD, "Best Kept Secret," received laudable reviews from both Gramophone Magazine and Percussive Notes.
The group has premiered more than 20 new works, including four such premieres at PASIC showcase concerts. They released their second CD in the fall of 2012 comprised solely of works premiered by the ensemble. For more information on the Millikin Chamber Percussion Ensembles, visit millikin.edu/percussion-ensembles.
For more information on Kirkland Fine Arts Center, please visit kirklandfinearts.com. Events at Kirkland Fine Arts Center are partially supported by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, and the Midwest Arts Council.