Aeros July 4 2000

Houston-Based Percussion Ensemble to Provide Entertainment for July 4th

Houston, Texas---July 03, 2000. On July 4th, Houston Astros' fans won't find a fife and drum corps to lead the celebration of our Nation's birthday. But they will find members of the award winning Percussion One, a Houston-based community percussion ensemble. Founded by Lamar D. Burkhalter in 1994, this group is comprised of students from local junior high and high schools. To be selected to perform, students must audition for the ensemble and already be enrolled in a public school music program.

The purpose of the group is to provide young, talented players in all areas of percussion the opportunity to perform with an independent organization, focusing on performance excellence, technique and clinical instruction, as well as exposure to a wide range of music. "Our objective in creating Percussion One was to provide a forum for students to enhance and fine tune their playing skills, techniques and to develop an appreciation for the excellence of the art," said Mr. Burkhalter. "Opportunities to perform at events such as this provide a terrific forum for the students and we know that our music will be enjoyed by the Astros' fans." "We thank the Astros' organization for allowing us to play and we look forward to a winning game as we come together to celebrate our Nation's birthday."

A variety of musical selections will be performed prior to the game. Many of the pieces have been written and arranged by Mr. Burkhalter and his staff

Percussion One has been invited to perform for audiences around the world including a special invitation by Nexus to join that group and Kroumata in Germany to perform at the World Expo 2000 next month. Percussion One has performed for professional sports events including the Houston Aeros, the Houston Comets and the Houston Thunderbears. In 1997, the group was invited for a concert tour in Moscow and has won several of the Percussive Arts Society's "Call for Tapes" Ensemble Contests.