Canton Symphony Orchestra's CONVERZATIONS Features Steel Drums, 1/12

The Canton Symphony Orchestra's ConverZations series picks up in the New Year with a lively presentation on steel drums. Jeff Neitzke, Professor of Percussion at University of Mount Union will lead the discussion on January 12, 2015 at 12:00noon. ConverZations are free public discussions featuring a variety of musicians and music-lovers alike. The series, sponsored by T. K. and Faye A. Heston and Ohio Humanities, takes place at noonon the second Monday of every month from September 2014 to May 2015 in the Zimmermann Symphony Center (The Z), 2331 17th St. NW, Canton.

Jeff Neitzke is Adjunct Percussion Professor at University of Mount Union and Ashland University. As a performer, Jeff has been a member of such orchestras as the Champaign-Urbana Symphony, Sinfonia da Camera, the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, the Akron Symphony Orchestra, and is currently the principal timpanist of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. Jeff also has a strong world music background, and has performed in such steel bands as I-Pan Steel Groove, the 7 Mile Isle Steel Drum Band, and in 2002, with the Phase II Pan Groove under the direction of Len "Boogsie" Sharpe in the Trinidad National Panorama Steel Band Competition. Jeff received his Bachelor's Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Illinois under Tom Siwe and Bill Moersch, and his Masters Degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Akron under Dr. Larry Snider.

The ConverZatons program will focus on the cultural importance of the drums to the people of Trinidad, for whom the instrument represents their journey from slavery and repression of the 1800s to a source of national pride. Jeff will explain how the drums are made and demonstrate music of the various styles including soca, calypso, reggae, and cha-cha.

ConverZations attendees are encouraged to bring their lunch, and the orchestra provides a light dessert. For more information on upcoming ConverZations lectures and other events run by the Canton Symphony Orchestra, visitwww.cantonsymphony.org/converzations.

Founded in 1937, the Canton Symphony Orchestra is a fully professional ensemble and organization dedicated to performing concerts that enrich, educate and entertain residents of Stark County and beyond. The orchestra performs classical, holiday, casual, and a variety of educational programs in Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2323 17th Street NW, Canton, Ohio, as well as other venues in Stark County. For more information, please visit www.cantonsymphony.org or call (330)452-2094. Administrative offices are located at the Zimmermann Symphony Center 2331 17th Street NW, Canton OH 44708.

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