The Penn: Indiana University of Pennsylvania musicians to commemorate renowned composer [Scott Joplin Memorial Recital, 3 PM Sunday, April 9]

Student Newspaper, Indiana University of Pennsylvania

 The Hoodlebug Brass Quintet consists of (from left to right) 
Zach Collins, Heidi Lucas, Kevin Eisensmith, 
David Ferguson and Christain Dickinson.

 

 Scott Joplin (c.1867-1917) is profiled 
at AfriClassical.com, which features a 
Bibliography and comprehensive Works 
List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, 
http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com.

April 1, 2017 was the Centennial of the 

death of Scott Joplin. 

The Penn

April 3, 2017

Seth Woolcock, Lead Culture Writer

Dr. Matthew Baumer, IUP associate professor of music history, and a group of his colleagues will be celebrating “the king of ragtime composers” with the Scott Joplin Memorial Recital at 3 p.m. Sunday in DiCicco Hall, located in Room 121 of Cogswell Hall.

“Scott Joplin was one of the most interesting composers ever,” Baumer said. “He was one of the first African-American composers that was able to negotiate his way around all the disadvantages that was set before him.”

Baumer said he has been a fan of Joplin since age 10, and has loved playing his piano compositions ever since.

“Joplin was able to combine classical themes with popular ideas,” Baumer said.

Baumer will be joined on stage by fellow faculty piano players Sun- Min Kim and Evan Englestad. Also performing will be the faculty brass quintet of IUP, The HoodleBug Brass Quintet.

“It is our pleasure to be involved in this recital,” said Dr. Kevin Eisensmith, a member of the quintet. “Ragtime music was a predecessor to jazz music and translates well for the brass quintet. We look forward to a fun and interesting recital.”

Also adding to the recital will be the IUP Ragtime Orchestra, a group of 10 IUP students that are conducted by Janet Song Kim.