Lee University’s School of Music will present its Percussion Ensemble, directed by Dr. Andy Harnsberger, professor of percussion, with guest artist Blake Tyson on Sunday, April 19, at 3 p.m. in Pangle Hall.  

The ensemble will perform original works by Tyson, including “Vertical River,” “A Ceiling Full of Stars,” “FireFish,” and “Cloud Forest.” 

The Percussion Ensemble performs a wide variety of music written expressly for percussion, which allows students to experience diverse styles, including contemporary genres, world music, and improvisation. Selections range from chamber works for three to four performers to works utilizing many instruments.  

Tyson’s compositions are performed in concert halls around the world, and his own performances have taken him to five continents and more than 30 states. He has performed in Egypt at the Ministry of Culture in Cairo and the Library of Alexandria, at international festivals in South Africa and South America, at the Beijing Central Conservatory, and in Norway as part of the European Cultural Capital celebrations. 
 
Tyson has been a featured artist at numerous Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), PAS Days of Percussion, the Northwest Percussion Festival, the Leigh Howard Stevens Summer Marimba Seminar, and is a member of the faculty of the Interlochen Arts Camp. 
 
He is a concert artist and clinician for the Zildjian Company and Malletech, where he has his own line of signature mallets. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from the Eastman School of Music, where he was awarded the prestigious Performer’s Certificate. Along with conducting the university’s percussion ensemble, Harnsberger is in demand as a recitalist and clinician across the country and internationally, presenting clinics and masterclasses at as many as 40 universities per year. He is also a performing artist and clinician for Malletech Instruments and Mallets, Remo Drumheads, Sabian Cymbals, and Grover Pro Percussion.   

The event is free, non-ticketed, and open to the public. Livestream viewing will also be available at leeu.live. Pangle Hall is located on the corner of Church Street and Central Avenue.   

For more information, contact Lee’s School of Music at (423) 614-8240 or [email protected].