Simpson Student Performs Senior Percussion Recital

For Immediate Release
March 17, 2008

REDDING, Calif. –- Audiences who are used to piano recitals will have a rare opportunity to witness a senior recital on percussion. Jonathan Tucker, a music major in percussion performance at Simpson University, will perform his senior percussion recital on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at the First Church of the Nazarene.

His recital, in Redding, will showcase solo multi-percussion work and pieces for xylophone and a vibraphone. The hour long recital will feature duets and ensembles, including a performance with his professor, Dr. Dwayne Corbin, and a chamber ensemble composition which he co-wrote with Peter Lance, a 2001 Simpson alum. This work incorporates the element of interactive computer music.

"This is an epic piece," said Tucker. "I love the way technology has influenced music."

Tucker's love of music began when he was just 5 years old and noticed the drummer at his church. The drummer inspired me," he said. "After that I began banging on boxes and pans at home and when I was 7, I got my first drum set."

When it came to earning his college education, Tucker knew he wanted to pursue music. Dr. Corbin, Simpson's assistant professor of instrumental music, played an important role in Tucker's education and experience at Simpson.

"Dr. Corbin is the reason that I'm here," said Tucker. "He is a phenomenal percussionist and educator and has so much experience. He has been very influential and saw potential in me."

Dr. Corbin said Tucker plays with a high level of maturity and authority, which he finds especially impressive because prior to coming to Simpson, he was almost totally self-taught.

"Tucker approaches his craft with he highest level of discipline and energy," said Dr. Corbin. "He is constantly eager to learn, and approaches his performances in a very professional manner; so much so that we are doing a duet on his recital and I feel that we are equals, so it is a lot of fun for me as well."

Tucker chose April 4 for his senior recital last year and said a lot of thought has gone into this one night. The audience will not only experience his talent through his percussion performance, but also through the set design. Tucker is creating the backdrops and stage layout, which will feature original paintings by local artists including Simpson alum, Daniel Norman.

"I'm fascinated by art. I'm not merely fulfilling a requirement with my senior recital; I'm trying to present an artistic statement of who I am."

Tucker will graduate in Simpson University's spring commencement on April 26. He plans to earn a master's degree and continue producing music.

Simpson University, located at 2211 College View Drive in Redding, is a Christian university of liberal arts and professional studies offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. Simpson's academic programs also include ASPIRE, a degree-completion program geared toward working adults in the north state. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit http://www.simpsonuniversity.edu/.

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Contact: Wendy Matthews
wmatthews@simpsonuniversity.edu
(530)226-4126