In 2002, Nick Petrella and Diane Helfers Petrella formed the ensemble, which is dedicated to commissioning and performing new works for percussion and piano. Both are on the faculty of Oakland University, where she teaches piano and he teaches percussion.
Diane served as chair of the piano department at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp from 2000-2002, and was on their piano faculty for 10 years. Nick holds eight designs for sticks, mallets and percussion accessories currently on the market. He has published extensively, including The Multiple-Percussion Book with CD, which has been translated into French, German, Italian and Spanish.
Joining the ensemble for this concert are special guests Deborah Gross, principal keyboardist with the Grand Rapids Symphony, and David Gross, the Symphony's principal timpanist. Both have served as adjunct professors at Grand Valley State University, where David continues to teach percussion.
The program will include Two Movements for Percussion and Piano by John Allemeier; Dance for Five Drums, by Jan Bradley; and Sonata for Two Pianos and Percussion, by Bela Bartok, among other pieces.
For more information call Grand Valley's Department of Music at (616) 331-3484.
