POSTED: Sept. 11, 2012 – Multi-percussionist Joseph Gramley will begin the West Liberty University concert season with his distinctive multi-percussion sound at 7:30 p.m., Monday, Sept. 17, 2012 in Elbin Auditorium, located in College Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.
“Joseph Gramley gave his debut performance at West Liberty during the fall of 2007. His concert was phenomenal, filled with dazzling displays of technique and intriguing musical ideas. I am thrilled that Mr. Gramley is returning to West Liberty to deliver another stunning performance,” said professor Gerald Lee, who is the coordinator of the concert series and is now in his 11th year as a professor of music at WLU.
Gramley’s dynamic performances as a soloist have garnered critical acclaim and enthusiasm from emerging composers, percussion aficionados and first-time concert goers alike, according to Lee.
Gramley is committed to bringing fresh and inventive compositions to a broad public and often commissions and premieres new works. An invitation from Yo-Yo Ma in 2000 led Gramley to join Mr. Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble. In addition to participating in the group’s extended residencies in citi
es across the globe, Gramley has toured with Mr. Ma and the Ensemble throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, performing in the world’s finest concert halls. Along the way, Gramley has studied percussion styles and instruments from around the globe, collaborating with internationally accomplished musicians from India, Iran, China, Japan, Korea, and Central Asia.
A professor of music at the University of Michigan, Gramley also is director of the University of Michigan’s famed percussion ensemble.
Other WLU concerts planned for the 2012 – 2013 academic year include:
- American Brass Quintet – 7:30 p.m., Oct. 25 & 26 (The American Brass Quintet will be performing with the WLU Wind Ensemble on Oct. 25 and performing their own concert on Oct. 26)
- Robert Spring, clarinetist – 7:30 p.m., Feb. 21
- Craig Verm, baritone – 7:30 p.m., March 21
All concerts are held in College Hall and are free and open to the public.
The Division of Music at West Liberty University offers undergraduate degrees in music education, music performance and music technology. Among its many ensembles are University Chorus, Wind Ensemble, Chamber Choir, Percussion Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and the Hilltopper Marching Band. Its award-winning faculty members also are active as performers, clinicians and adjudicators.
Led by President Robin C. Capehart, West Liberty University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information, please visit westliberty.edu or call 1.866.WESTLIB.