Bringing out friends, families and children in costumes where fun was to be had by all young and wise, the Millikin Percussion Ensemble presented the Halloween Concert on three separate occasions, October 29^th and two on October 30^th 2015. It was the Popular Haunt of the Halloween weekend. Once you set foot into Albert Taylor Theater audiences were introduced to a frightening display. There was a giant cobweb sprawling across the entire ceiling and gravestones marked along both the left and right sides of the stage. There was a toxic waste container and more cobwebs up and down the sides of aisles. There was even haunted house sounds playing in the background enhancing the already ghostly mood. The stage and atmosphere were set; it was time to be entertained by the talented percussive sounds of the Millikin Percussion Ensemble.

It began with an introduction prologue that was reminiscent of Vincent Price’s spine chilling voice over in Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” It was raspy, scary and albeit somewhat boisterous chuckle that lingered as it faded out. Audiences were first treated to Jabba the Hut as he slithered across the stage during a segment they called “Turn Down for Hutt” where the players were introduced in their finest regalia. There was a wizard and a lumber jack that reanimated a monster and a dancing taco and of course Deadpool was there. Austin Powers also came to play along with Ron Burgundy, Boba Fett, a cat and a dog. As well as a Ricola Guy in lederhosen, Ariel blowing bubbles, two old Jedi’s, a costume with dreadlocks and finally a box of Wheaties.

First up on the set list was “Death by Ooga Booga.” It was thrilling, upbeat and had some wind chimes with fantastic vocalizations all conducted by Jabba himself. “Rain Forest” crept in and utilized Boomwhackers, colorful tuned percussion tubes to make wonderful sounds and hand movements. It tapered off leading the audience to believe it was done only to be surprised it was not quite finished. It ended with a lovely together “whack” so to speak. Next up was “Zombie Survivors” conducted by a very tall Lego Man. The percussion sounds during this part were a perfect accompaniment to a shown “Lego” adventure projected onto a screen filled with twists and turns and a narrow escape before getting away in a tiny boat. Jam Box showed the audience the wonderful sounds of Cajónes a six sided, box-shaped percussion instrument originally from Peru that is played by slapping the front or rear faces (generally thin plywood) with the hands, fingers, or sometimes various implements such as brushes, mallets, or sticks. The percussive sounds during this were heart- pumping and African-esque you feel the beat in your chest it was so powerful. It involved a lot of stamina and teamwork.

“Bad Dentist” was a hunt between a dentist and Cecil The Lion. There was a built-up hunt and chase between the two using a variety of percussion instruments and even some lion growls and a tap number that was short and sweet. It ended with the dentist being eaten by Cecil that grew loud applause and some snaps from the entirety of the audience. “Clicks” was next which had performers all dressed in black and were only outlined by glow in the dark had painted claves. They utilized their hands and even used hand movements behind their back and under their feet and over their heads. Hearing and seeing sounds from the stage known only the by the glow of the claves truly had the appearance of floating in mid-air and it was oddly mesmerizing and very intricate. The science fiction part utilized old fashioned new bulletins radio announcements and flying saucer sounds to convey the hysteria and destruction out of this world creatures were doing. It was the kind of percussion was heart pumping and racing yet eerily soothing at the same time. After building up momentum with pretty much every instrument on the stage it faded to silence that was very pleasing.

After a short pause to announce the Costume Contest winners, the Millikin Percussion Ensemble was back to pay dirty rotten tricks on Sasquatch. The creature was lured in with Jack Links Beef Jerky only to be giving the run around and never receive the jerky he wanted. Next Sasquatch was lured in with Bubbles by Ariel only to be jolted by the sound of a Gong near his face. Sasquatch was not happy but revenge would have to wait until later, as a projection screen unfurled from the ceiling to play Percussion House on MTV Cribs, where the audience was taking on a tour throughout the whole house. The audience was introduced to a “Good Vibe” room where the vibes were psychedelic and groovy with Sasquatch listening to the beat and getting lost in the music. To end this Spooktacular Event “Samba Macabre” was the perfect end to a night full of “Tricks and Treats” as Sasquatch launched beach balls into the crowd. All performers were on hand to close the concert with a bang and a boom full of booming pulsating sound using all their might and strength. The crowd was delighted so much they gave them a Standing Ovation. Cheers to the Millikin Percussion Ensemble this year’s festivities were a BOOtiful Masterpiece.