Carnival

Composer Matt Ownby holds a Bachelor of Music degree from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Music degree from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he later served as Adjunct Professor of Percussion.He is active as a clinician, composer, marching percussion arranger, and Adjudicator for the Drum Corps Midwest Judges Guild. Currently, he serves as Assistant Director of Bands at Novi High School in Michigan and is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

One of his most spectacular compositions is St. Thomas Suite, a fifteen-minute, three-movement work for solo marimba accompanied by three percussionists. It was written in memoriam of the composer’s late Uncle Greg, who lived on the island of St. Thomas in the United States Virgin Islands.

The final movement of St. Thomas Suite, Carnival, was inspired by the Spring Carnival held on St. Thomas each April. This month-long celebration honors the island’s African heritage with drumming, dancing, musical competitions, fireworks, and parades. This heritage, combined with the many sub-influences of the diverse group of settlers over time, is a true celebration of the Virgin Islands’ multi-cultural community.

Instrumentation:

• Solo (Bass-)Marimba

Accompanied by three percussionists, playing on:

• Bongos
• Congas
• Timbales
• Toms
• Surdo
• Rhythm instruments