DUNLAP — As Concord Schools percussion specialist Ben Runkel sees it, “Groove” is well on its way to being one of the most popular annual events of this area.
And there are 19 high schoolers, and almost 800 others who agree with him.
“Groove” is a high-energy percussion show that features the talents of 19 Concord High School students, as well as several singers, a bass and electric guitar player and part of the school’s hip hop dance group that placed first last year in a national competition.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for a 75-minute show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Concord Junior High School. Tickets, costing $7 each, are on sale at the high school music office or by calling 574-875-4105.
“We’ve been close to selling out for the last two years,” Runkel said. “The venue seats 800. I think we had around 750 last year.”
When Runkel hired on as the percussion specialist four years ago, the music section put on a concert for a small group of parents and friends.
But Runkel saw potential for something much bigger.
“We did something like this in the Chicago neighborhood where I grew up,” Runkel said. “So that’s where I drew my inspiration from. I added my own twists — and it’s improving every year.”
Runkel’s vision includes showcasing individual and group talent as well as a variety of musical styles.
“We’ve got classical and jazz pieces, as well as contemporary, funk, Caribbean and Latin, with some humor — slapstick stuff — thrown in,” Runkel said.
The percussionists use different types of drums and keyboards throughout the program.
“We are using a steel pan this year,” Runkel said. “And there’s a piece where the students create a unique sound by using the drum heads only.”
But “Groove” isn’t only about the percussion sound.
“There’s a lot of energy — almost sensory overload,” Runkel said. “From the time you walk in to the time you leave, you have tons of things thrown at you — one cool thing after another.”
Some of that high energy and sensory overload is provided by all the equipment Runkel brings in to fill the stage.
“We transform the cafetorium into an incredible venue for a concert. I want it to have that ‘rock concert’ feel,” Runkel said. “We rent of lot of lighting. We have video screens with pre-recorded and live video. It’s truly a multimedia experience.”
Runkel said he’s found that this style of entertainment appeals to people of all ages.
“The young kids love it and so do the grandparents,” Runkel said. “You walk away thinking, ‘I never knew percussion could sound like that.’”
Since mid-December the percussion group has been practicing each day.
“I’ve worked with some of the students since they were freshman. They are improving every year and reaching a cool point where they’re taking over the show, making it their own,” Runkel said. “That’s what I want. That’s my original vision.”
Although it’s challenging, Runkel is constantly thinking of ways to top the previous year’s show.
“Each year we take a step forward,” Runkel said. “I see this getting big. I don’t want to just limit it to the community. Once word gets out, I see multiple shows that attract folks from other communities and other states.”
Breaking News
Related Photos
-
Concord Winter Percussion members perform. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED
Concord Grooves: Musicians join with hip hop dancers for 75-minute show
- Breaking News
-
-
Council declines to fund sidewalks near schools
The Goshen City Council voted 4-3 along party lines Tuesday night to defeat a proposal to spend $62,500 on constructing sidewalks near schools in the city.
-
'Experience Michiana' segments to be taped in Goshen
The crew with WNIT program “Experience Michiana” is set to tape segments in Goshen this week. The segments will be broadcast June 27 and 28.
-
State officials warn people to be alert at fairs, festivals
The Indiana Department of Homeland Security and state police are reminding state residents to be alert for safety concerns when attending county fairs and other local festivals.
-
Goshen officials donate former Hawks Building to LaCasa
An agreement between Goshen city government and LaCasa Inc. allowing for the donation of the former Hawks Building to the local non-profit was approved Monday.
-
How to monitor a Facebook Page while out of the office
With the popularity of social media soaring by the day, it is important for online marketers to keep their Facebook page updated regularly, and monitor it daily to answer comments and questions that fans post.
-
GROUNDS FOR INSANITY: In need of a support group — or several
It’s an idea whose time has come. Actually, the country’s been ripe for it since the oil crisis of the Carter administration, but I was young then and hadn’t twigged to it yet.
-
Rocket Science gains some national exposure
NAPPANEE — Things were buzzing at Rocket Science Ice Cream Shop on a recent Friday when camera crews from The Food Network and The Cooking Channel arrived at the shop inside Coppes Commons.
-
Fabric repurposed for medical uses at local nursing home
NAPPANEE - One person’s trash is another’s treasure, the old saying goes. For a group of women at a nursing home in Nappanee, that saying has never been more true.
-
Welcome back, Inn: Oakwood Reopens
SYRACUSE — After five years of uncertainty, the Oakwood Resort on Lake Wawasee checked in its first guests under new ownership last week.
-
Christian music festival returns to Nappanee
NAPPANEE — For the second year in a row, Amish Acres is the host site for WFRN Radio’s Friend Fest, scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
- More Breaking News Headlines
-
Council declines to fund sidewalks near schools
Hoffa Mystery Still Fascinates After 4 Decades
Raw: 1 Dead in Shooting at Mo. Apartment Complex
Raw: Huge Fire Near Yosemite National Park
Raw: Obama Arrives in Berlin
3 Charged in Ohio With Enslaving Mom, Daughter
Obama Seeks G-8 Support on Syria
Raw: Volcano Erupts Near Mexico City
Kid Couture: Spending Big Bucks on Babies
Suicide Bombs Target Baghdad Mosque, Killing 29
Military Plans to Put Women in Combat Jobs
Solar Power Chargers in NYC Parks
Civil Rights Groups Sue NYPD Over Muslim Spying
Raw: First Lady, Daughters Enjoy Irish Sights
RAW: NSA Director Says 50 Plots Foiled
Boeing, Airbus Battle for Sales Supremacy
