The Collegian

Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: Arts

Famous drummer Jim Rupp plans to perform with Hillsdale College's Big Band in its final concert on April 25.

Rupp has performed with Ray Charles and Maynard Ferguson and currently holds the drum chair in the Woody Herman orchestra.

Big Band Director Chris McCourry said the drummer shapes the rhythm and character of the whole band, so he expects the substitution of a guest drummer to change the sound dramatically.

"The drummer powers the band," he said. "I'm interested to see how Jim Rupp changes how the band plays."

Senior Jeff Myers, a trombonist in the band, said he saw Rupp perform during his freshman year.

"All I remember was that he was this epitome of perfect focus and perfect energy," Myers said. "It was a collision of the two, and I guess that's what it takes to play at the professional level."

This final concert will be challenging in other ways, McCourry said. Of the 10 concerts the band has performed in this year, this will feature the hardest music the band has played yet, he said.

"Chris McCourry does a terrific job at programming some pieces that are going to challenge us all the way up to performance," Myers said. We will be ready for it. This week will be a cram week."

Myers said McCourry has worked more with sections on their own than in past years which has improved the quality.

He said this year's concerts will feature junior Tricia Schoon and a new vocal quartet comprising junior Kris Hiett, freshman Isaac Johnson, sophomore Artyom Chelbayev and freshman Kayla Hoyt.

"I really enjoy it," Schoon said. "It's something different from what I've done before."

McCourry said he anticipates the audience's reaction to this weekend's shows.

"I've worked [the band] really hard," he said. "It's time to enjoy the fruits of our labor."

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