Performers in the 2012 Piano Bash “Flying Fingers” promise entertainment the whole family can enjoy.
University of Idaho faculty and students, alongside community piano teachers have prepared an interactive concert to be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and 3 p.m. Sunday in the Lionel Hampton School of Music Haddock Performance Hall. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for seniors and students and $20 for families of four (each additional child is an extra $4).
This collaborative concert is one of 10 that Jay and Sandy Mauchley, professors emeriti from the Lionel Hampton School of Music, have produced since 1983.
“The bash is a collective performance of about 30 pianists from throughout the community, but also includes singers and instrumentalists throughout the duration of the concert,” Sandy Mauchley said.
Mauchley will perform throughout the 11-piece musical, and said audience members will be guided by “Tour Guide” Al Gemberling, professor of music.
“Gemberling will talk and explain in a humorous dialogue the various pieces being performed,” she said. “It will help the audience gain a better understanding of who and what is being performed.”
Performers will be in full costumes that represent their pieces, Mauchley said, and comedic actors will emerge onstage to enhance the experience of the interactive concert.
“There are six grand pianos incorporated into the performance,” Mauchley said. “At one time, all six pianos will be played simultaneously, with two players per piano.”
Kyle Ferrill, Lionel Hampton academic staff, said being part of this performance has been a lot of fun and he’s excited for opening night.
“I think music is sometimes taken too seriously, but this is a very fun, family-oriented performance,” Ferrill said. “Even the title ‘Piano Bash,’ makes the program sound fun.”
Ferrill said he thinks the audience will love the concert’s distinctiveness, and will end up enjoying it. He said although people might not recognize the song titles, they will probably know the tunes because the performance includes a lot of familiar music.
“This concert is designed to get UI and the community involved. It is also designed for younger kids to get interested in music,” Ferrill said.
Mauchley said the concert will take the audience on a rousing musical journey that everyone can enjoy.