An Evening of Xylophone Ragtime Music: February 9

The Percussion Ensemble, directed by Brad Fuster, chair of music, and Carlos Jones, assistant professor of theater, will play ragtime music specifically written for the xylophone, Thursday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall.

This concert celebrates the Music Department's acquisition and restoration of a 1919 Deagan wide bar Artist's Special xylophone.

Originally manufactured by J.C. Deagan Inc in the early part of the twentieth century, Deagan xylophones are highly collectible and hard to find today. The Artist's Special model is the most uncommon Deagan xylophone created, with the four-octave model being the rarest. Far more than antiques, these century-old xylophones are superior instruments-featuring rosewood bars which boast a bigger, warmer sound when struck.

Acquired by Buffalo State in 2011, the instrument was restored over a seven-month period. Pieces of the xylophone traveled as far as Arkansas to be repaired before being reassembled for use by Buffalo State faculty and students.

This concert not only marks the debut of the refurbished instrument, it also provides a rare opportunity to hear Ragtime music as it was originally written and presented.

"There is a small but charming and virtuosic body of Ragtime repertoire for the xylophone from the 1920s" said Fuster. "Brothers George Hamilton Green and Joe Green were considered masters of the instrument and wrote many of the pieces we know today. G.H. Green played the same make and model instrument we just restored."

Members of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra percussion section will make guest appearances at the concert. Theater and dance students will perform in period costume designed by Ann Emo, assistant professor of theater. Emily Boyce, associate professor of music, will play a solo Scott Joplin rag, and accompany the various xylophone soloists on piano.

This show is free and open to the public. Everyone is welcome to attend. Call (716) 878-3005 for info.