During the first month back, Millikin’s percussion ensembles prepared for their Synergy concert. This is a concert that has been going on for the past five years and is known for tying together the arts and music in a beautiful way. Percussion director Brian Justison gave a preview of what to expect of this concert this year.

The concert focuses on entwining visual arts, dance, and music. This year they will be playing pieces inspired by Impressionism, Surrealism, Pointillism, and more during the first half. Visual artists will react to what the percussionists are playing, improvising their artwork in a live setting. This half also features work by Millikin alumni Danny Buckley, all his pieces are based off the work of Salvador Dali.

The second half of the concert features a piece with eight timpani surrounding the audience showing how sound itself can be a piece of visual art. Justison said he wanted to use the auditorium as a sculpture to make the audience aware of the space. The second half also has two of Angela Miller’s choreography classes performing in and on sculptures while the percussionists perform.

“If there is one thing I want to say is that Synergy is something unique to Millikin. I know the art department, I know the dance department, and they are my friends. It’s almost like a big campus experience on a small campus. This will show how all the arts we have here at Millikin and in the world intertwine to make something beautiful,” Justison said.

Don’t forget to check out the Percussion concert Synergy on Sunday, February 23 at 4 pm in Kirkland Fine Arts Center. It sounds like a show that shouldn’t be missed.