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diversions
The
Steel Drum pulse
By Ryan Ritchie
On-line Forty-Niner
The Cal State Long
Beach Steel Drum Orchestra once again proved why the band
is much more than an average amateur band at the Carpenter
Performing Arts Center Saturday.
The band's approximately two-hour set included many of the
songs played at their previous concert May 2, but also featured
many more numbers. Director Dave Gerhart had the band playing
like a well-oiled machine in front of the nearly sold out
crowd for the 2 p.m. performance.
Unlike the previous show when the band's attitude was playful,
Saturday's concert highlighted the band's more serious and
professional side. The bright, multi-colored shirts were replaced
by solid color shirts and fewer smiles on band members faces
were seen. The group was no doubt having a fantastic time
on stage but seemed to be drawing its energy from the music,
not the crowd.
Throughout the concert, Gerhart took to the microphone to
explain and introduce songs and musicians. Before the second
tune, he led the band through mini-songs that showcased sections
of the band so the crowd had a better understanding of what
each musician contributed. With so many percussion instruments
playing together, this was a much-needed explanation for many
of the audience members.
The stadium seating, larger stage and excellent sound at CPAC
made for an easier listen than the Daniel Recital Hall. The
music was not as loud as the last concert and the larger drums
did not drown the intricacies of the band out.
The first half of the concert lasted 50 minutes and featured
only the CSULB Steel Drum Orchestra. For the second half of
the show, the CSU Northridge Steel Drum Band, the Rancho Verde
Steel Drum Orchestra, the Rusty Steel Drum Band and the #10
Tin Can Band joined the CSULB group. This part of the concert
was called the "Massive Band 2002" and lived up
to its name.
For another 50 minutes, Massive Band members wore either a
blue or yellow shirt and livened the show up. Performers from
CSULB loosened up thanks to the carefree approach the added
musicians brought to the songs.
Audience members rose to their feet and clapped loudly as
the band played "Rant and Rave," the last song.
The overwhelming applause was deserved and earned by every
musician that afternoon. Group members gave it their all during
every second of every song and put on a performance next year's
concert will have a difficult time duplicating. At the rate
they're going, if there is one group who can outdo Saturday's
concert, it just might be next year's CSULB Steel Drum Orchestra.
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Christine
Shin/On-line Forty-Niner
Richard Wilson, left, Jeremiah Kent and other
bass players jam it during Massive Band 2002.
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