Golden Rain Percussion Ensemble is coming to Goodrich, bringing with them the beat of some different drummers.
The ensemble features percussionists Dave Taylor, Terry Breese, Dan Maslanka and Keith Claeys.
‘The four of them have been playing together since 1977…so it is a very tight group,? said Donna Heiderer, co-director of FAME (Fine Arts; a Mainstream in Education).
The group, performing 7:30 p.m.on Feb. 9 at the Raymond C. Green Center for the Performing Arts in Goodrich High School, 8029 S. Gale Road, showcases a variety of more than 100 instruments with styles ranging from contemporary music to African, Latin, and historical jazz.
Heiderer said she selected the ensemble after having seen them previously and remembering them as being outstanding performers.
‘I saw them perform probably four years ago at the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) and they were the featured entertainment. They were wonderful. They make it very visual,? said Heiderer.
Additionally, Golden Rain will be working with students, bringing an educational aspect to the performance that FAME requires of all their guests.
The group will be working in the schools doing percussion workshops in the high school and the middle school.
‘I think one of the most exciting things they’re going to be doing is classes with the eighth grade history classes, teaching how drums were used in the Revolutionary and Civil wars,? said Heiderer.
For students at Reid and Oaktree Elementary Schools, the ensemble will be performing shows designed for the younger crowd.
‘They are very in tune with trying to make their music accessible… it’s a passion of theirs,? said Heiderer.
During the show, Heiderer said students Adam Bishop, Mike West and Alec Bretzloff and alumni Asa Lane, Ryan Riviette, and Nicholas Weils will perform songs with the group.
‘It’s a big opportunity for them to be able to play with professionals,? said Heiderer.
The performance marks FAME’s third of the season, following the Michigan Opera Theater’s presentation of ‘An American Songbook? in September and actor Michael Mauldin in ‘An Evening with Mark Twain? in December.
In conjunction with Golden Rain’s performance, FAME is scheduled to host their second annual amateur photo contest during the event.
FAME works to educate through different art experiences and has disbursed over $4,000 earned from presentations back into the schools in the form of workshops and artist in residency programs.
Heiderer said the show is an opportunity to entertain the whole family.
‘It’s definitely family appropriate for any age, and I think that’s because it’s so visual,? said Heiderer. Golden Rain is ‘going to be a treat for both their eyes and their ears.?
Tickets for Golden Rain are $20 for premium seats, $15 for reserved seats and $12 for students and senior citizens. To purchase tickets call: (810) 591-2220. Details: www.goodrich.k12.mi.us.