That's what will be featured in the Joliet Junior College Percussion Ensemble Tuesday night.
From simple blues to Caribbean steel drums, The JJC Fine Arts Center will play host to a variety of music beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Terry Peeples will direct the 60-minute concert, which will include 10 pieces from JJC students including a special guest appearance by the Minooka High School indoor drum line. It will be Peeples' 18th concert produced in nine years teaching at JJC.
"It's really a concert about the kids and their talents," said Peeples, a Joliet West and JJC graduate. "They're great kids who work very hard.
"A concert for their local community will be a perfect way to showcase their passion for music."
The drum line, which spent five days last April performing at Orlando's Disney World along with the rest of Minooka's band, will be featured in the middle of the concert. They will be doing two numbers from romantic composers orchestrated for percussion.
"The students are anxious to perform. Playing in front of a captive audience is different than at football game or in a parade," said Peeples. "The kids are excited to play for their families and friends in the Joliet area. For a change, all the focus will be on them."
The concert will open with a performance similar to the genre seen in Stomp or Blue Man Group. "Junk-funk" will feature everyday objects being played or beaten on to create music. An array of things such as garbage cans, brooms, and forks will be used as musical instruments, immediately capturing the audience's attention.
"Some of the hottest things performed now include stuff from your kitchen or garage. They create a unique sound and rhythm that is much different from a guitar or piano. You don't want to miss the beginning of the show for anything," said Peeples.
Kate Johnson, a Minooka High School senior and drum line member, is looking forward to next Tuesday night. "It will be fun to show what we can do. I love drumming plus the holidays area nice time to perform," said Johnson, who plans on taking her talents downstate to the University of Illinois next Fall.
Peeples has included local junior high schools in his JJC concerts in past years. This year will be the first time Peeples has invited a high school.
"It's a great recruiting tool for the music program at JJC. I hope the high school students see the talents of the older students. That will only foster a stronger local awareness," said Peeples.
"Plus the JJC students will be able to see the abilities of Minooka and both schools will benefit."
A medley of Christmas songs performed by JJC students will close out the concert.
