Washington, D.C. -- Percussionist soloist and renowned teacher Michael Burritt closed out this year’s Guest Artist Series, wowing the audience in Rachel M. Schlesinger Hall in Alexandria, Virginia, on February 22, 2018 with his dynamic and varied performance. This performance closed out the U.S. Air Force Band’s re-establishment of the popular series this winter after a seven-year hiatus.
The concert featured a world premiere of composer Matt Curlee’s “Pseudovector,” a solo composed for Burritt featuring him on both marimba and drum set. Additionally, Burritt was featured playing several of his own compositions, including “White Pines”, a percussion ensemble work that allowed Burritt to collaborate with the Concert Band percussion section, a venture that was especially exciting for Master Sgt. Marc Dinitz, who was a student of Burritt’s at Northwestern University before joining the Air Force.
Dinitz was the driving force behind Burritt being invited to join the Concert Band as a featured Guest Artist. “When I heard we were going to bring back the Guest Artist Series, I couldn’t think of anyone better to ask than Burritt. He’s a legend in the percussion world, such a skilled and charismatic performer who inspires musicians and audiences alike. I am so glad we were able to bring him here to a D.C. audience.”
Burritt, who now serves as Professor of Percussion at The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, will be reprising his performance of “Pseudovector” on Tuesday, April 10th when the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants perform at Eastman as part of their two-week Spring Tour.
“It is unprecedented to have a guest artist reprise on the road with us, but we are so excited to collaborate with Mr. Burritt again,” said Senior Master Sgt. Brian McCurdy, Superintendant of the Concert Band. “He is a member of the Rochester community, and working with him in his home city is a fantastic way to build bridges and connect our Air Force with their local culture.”
Click here to watch the the world premiere performance of "Pseudovector."
Click here to watch an interview with Michael Burritt, composer Matt Curlee, and Master Sgt. Marc Dinitz.
For more information regarding the Concert Band and Singing Sergeants’ spring tour dates, please visit http://www.music.af.mil/Bands/The-United-States-Air-Force-Band/Events/