Come on out and revel in the earthy tones and melodic sounds of the Marimba provided by Stan State’s Percussion Ensemble in their biannual concert, happening today in the Snider Recital Hall. This event will include performances by Stan State Percussion Ensemble and feature Stan Muncy, a percussionist, music educator at Stan State, and member of the Santa Rosa Symphony. 
“This semester we really wanted the Marimba to be the focal point of the concert, so it’ll be fun to have people hear the different styles of music and sounds we are able to create using that instrument,” said Stan Muncy.
The marimba is a percussion instrument which first originated in Africa. According to Vienna Symphonic Library, “The modern Marimba is made with chromatically tuned wood bars arranged in two rows, typically  on two levels with one higher than the other. The number of bars vary depending on the instrument’s size These bars are suspended from this string, which rests on pegs mounted on the frame.”
The marimba is like a xylophone, but with resonators that allow for darker, richer sounds and longer resounding notes. 
The Percussion Ensemble consists of four students. They practice three times a week at Stan State as a group, one day of which they practice with Muncy, and most, if not every student practices individually every day. 
“Each day we will make an effort to practice, even if it means staying past school hours. I think the latest I’ve left the practice room is 3 a.m.” said Philip Agbayani, ensemble section leader (Sophomore, Music Performance).
“I’m very fortunate that the Stan State Ensemble are very self motivated. They really are what makes the concert go well,” said Muncy.
The Ensemble will perform four pieces. One piece, which will be the drawing power of the show, is Fractalia. It is a quartet based-piece between two marambas and will feature Muncy himself. 
“It’s a fun piece with many layers. It is very pleasing to hear and I’m sure everyone listening in the audience will enjoy it,” said Philip Agbayani, the ensemble section leader (Sophomore, Music Performance).
In order to make the concert happen, the ensemble spends a lot of time rehearsing, which makes for a close group of friends.
“Percussion is also very social because we have a lot of the same classes, so we spend a lot of time studying and rehearsing together,” said Fernando Barragan (Junior, Music Performance), a member of the ensemble.
“The thing I like most about being part of Stan State Ensemble is making music with other people. Being able to play music with the same passion as you really adds another element to it,” Barragan said. 
The purpose of this concert is to really showcase what Stan State Percussion Ensemble has learned throughout the semester.
“I want the audience to enjoy themselves first and foremost, and I also want to expose them to something they maybe have never experienced before,” said Muncy.
Tickets can be purchased online or at Stan State’s box office. Free parking will be permitted in parking lot 3 for one hour prior to the event. Showtime will begin at  7:30 p.m.
Find your tickets and more info here.