Weekend 'Percussion Pops' concert aimed at children

A Saturday concert at the River Campus of Southeast Missouri State University is expected to delight children and grown-ups alike.

"The Percussion Pops Family Concert," scheduled for 10:30 a.m. in Bedell Performance Hall, is free to the public.

"Percussion Pops," presented by the Earl and Margie Holland School of Visual and Performing Arts, will feature rhythmic sounds of the Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band conducted by Dr. Shane Mizicko, director of percussion studies at Southeast.

"It's geared toward families with young children," Mizicko said, "but no one is too young or too old to attend. It's great for all ages."

The Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band will present lively versions of songs from movies children love, Mizicko said.

"We'll be doing recognizable songs, like 'Angry Birds' from 'Aladdin' and 'The Circle of Life' from 'The Lion King,'" he said. "We'll also be playing the opening theme from 'The Simpsons.'"

According to Mizicko, selections from "The Little Mermaid," "Casper," "Pirates of the Caribbean," "Madagascar" and the "Harry Potter" series also will be performed. The audience will be treated to slideshows to accompany the music.

"Some selections will be music only, but we're going to present five songs with visuals that everyone will appreciate," he said.

Modeled after the Department of Music's family holiday concerts in December, the Saturday concert will mark the second springtime performance of the Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band.

"My pride and joy is working with my students who play percussion and steel drums," Mizicko said. "I know they are ready to put on a great show."

Dr. Christopher Goeke, chairman of the Department of Music, said the concert is geared toward a different audience than most university concerts.

"I look forward to going," Goeke said. "Dr. Mizicko has done such a wonderful job of integrating multimedia into the performance. It's going to be a good one, and it's also an opportunity for the department to offer something to young people that their parents can enjoy at the same time."

Children can have their faces painted for free beginning at 10 a.m. Free balloons will be available after the performance. Noise-making shakers will be on sale in the lobby.

"We encourage the kids to participate in the show, Mizicko said. "They will be free to shake and move around during the performance of the songs."

The concert will last about an hour and there is a suggested donation of $1 for ages 6 and older.

For more information, contact the River Campus box office at 651-2265 or visit rivercampusevents.com.

klewis@semissourian.com

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