The NIU Percussion Ensemble performed a tranquil and harmonious showing during their Huskie Sound Garden event at 1 p.m. on Monday at MLK Commons.
Influenced by English songwriter and musician Brian Eno, the ensemble performed an array of soothing sounds and music, meant to relax the senses. The event was coordinated by Connor Butler and D’Andrae Atkins, senior students of the school of music.
Percussive instruments such as handbells, woodblocks, cymbals, windchimes and many others were played by members of the ensemble at stations set along a wide area on the grounds of MLK Commons, creating a dynamic and distinct arrangement of sounds flowing freely throughout the space. Ambient chords played alongside from surrounding speakers, creating a low, lulling sound to accompany the percussive elements.
Some students who visited the Sound Garden found it relaxing and quite enjoyable, with many students seen sitting or lying in the grass around the ensemble. Navya Sampathi, a first-year physics major, thought the Sound Garden’s display of sounds was delightful.
“It was very peaceful and calm to listen to the music. I liked it a lot, and I’d like to come back if they did it again.” Sampathi said.
Rafael Aguirre, a junior music major, provided his own insight as a spectator regarding the different sounds that were showcased.
“I didn’t know what to expect at first, but it was cool how freeform the performance was.” Aguirre said. “The woodblocks were my favorite, they filled space in a really natural way.”
A previous performance of the Huskie Sound Garden was performed the year before, but Butler and Atkins’ performance and inspiration is mostly their own, and the result of the cooperation of the entire ensemble.
A special feature of this performance was allowing the audience to join the performers to play alongside them. The many small stations that sat around the field were open to all to play any of the instruments available. Though only a few passersby felt compelled to assist in the performance, Butler confirmed that many of the students who assisted with the event were volunteers themselves.
“The goal today was to see how many people’s day we can make. If even one person came and listened to us, or even passed by and thought it was neat, that means a lot to me.” Butler said.
While Atkins and Butler are both projected to graduate within the coming year, both are willing to coach up-and-coming students to give their own take on the performance for years to come.
