KPU drums up a whirlwind of musicians at annual workshop

Mon, Jan 30, 2017

Langley, B.C. – Woodwinds blow into town and drums roll for Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s (KPU) Woodwind Workshop and Day of Percussion this Saturday.

Hosted at KPU Langley, the workshop celebrates the worlds of woodwind and percussion and will feature clinics and performances by local and international artists. For musicians and music enthusiasts south of the Fraser, it’s an excellent opportunity to hear cutting-edge performances close to home.

“This event exemplifies the energy driving KPU’s music department,” said Daniel Tones, KPU music instructor. “We’re creating opportunities for education and performance in Langley that would normally only exist in Canada’s biggest cities.”

The Woodwind Workshop will feature some of Vancouver’s leading artists such as Julia Nolan (saxophone), Paolo Bortolussi (flute), Marea Chernoff (oboe), Allan Thorpe (bassoon), and internationally recognized clarinet virtuoso Francois Houle. The Day of Percussion rivals the Woodwind Workshop with its talented roster of musicians. Audiences will have the opportunity to hear Yamaha USA’s Terry Longshore, Roland V-Drums world champion Issah Contractor, world music guru Paul Bray, and Vancouver’s own Fringe Percussion.

“While growing up in Maple Ridge I simply didn’t have a musical outlet like this,” said Tones. “But that’s not the case anymore. We’re bringing exceptional talent to KPU Langley. This is an event not to be missed.”

Tones is an award-winning percussionist himself, and has performed across the globe. His recent performances have been at the Barbican (London, UK), the BEAST FEaST (Birmingham, UK), the Ojai Music Festival in California, and the Banff Summer Arts Festival. This spring he’s heading back to the UK to give performances and workshops at major venues in England and Scotland.

The Woodwind Workshop and Day of Percussion is open to anyone who has an interest in music. The event runs from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2017. Tickets are $20. Lunch provided with early registration.

High resolution photos of Terry Longshore, one of the musical guests at the workshop, are available on Flickr.

In addition to the workshop, KPU’s music department is continuing an exciting series of concerts and special events this spring. Below are a few select highlights. All events are open to the public. To learn more, visit kpu.ca/arts/music/events

Music at Midweek
Internationally renowned pianist Sara Davis Buechner
Feb. 1, 12-1:15 p.m.

Music Faculty Showcase Series
KPU woodwind faculty
Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased in advance by emailing music@kpu.ca.

20th Annual Fraser Valley Acoustic Guitar Festival
Featuring national fingerstyle guitar champion Michael Chapdelaine and more
Feb. 24 and 25

About Kwantlen Polytechnic University
Kwantlen Polytechnic University has served the Metro Vancouver region since 1981, and has opened doors to success for more than 200,000 learners. Four campuses—Richmond, Surrey, Cloverdale and Langley—offer a comprehensive range of sought-after programs in business, liberal arts, design, health, science and horticulture, trades and technology, and academic and career advancement. Over 19,000 students annually have a choice from over 120 programs, including bachelor’s degrees, associate degrees, diplomas, certificates, citations and apprenticeships. Learn more at kpu.ca. 

Media contacts:
Tatiana Tomljanovic
Media Specialist
t: 604.599.2883
c: 604.364.1288
tatiana.tomljanovic@kpu.ca 

Corry Anderson-Fennell
Manager, Media and Communications
t: 604.599.2840
c: 604.828.5232
corry.anderson-fennell@kpu.ca

For more KPU news:
@KPUmedia
kpu.ca/newsroom
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