By Madison Cresswell
October 20, 2020
ARKADELPHIA, Ark.–Ouachita Baptist University’s Division of Music will host percussionist Caitlin Jones in a solo guest artist recital on Wed., Oct. 28, at 8 p.m. in Ouachita’s McBeth Recital Hall in Mabee Fine Arts Center. Seating in the hall is limited to current students, faculty and staff due to COVID-19, but the performance also will be available at www.livestream.com/obu.
Jones teaches percussion at Lee University and Southern Adventist University in Tennessee. She has performed with the Aiken Symphony Orchestra, Augusta Symphony, Charleston Symphony, Rock Hill Symphony Orchestra and the South Carolina Philharmonic Orchestra. She also served as a front ensemble technician for the Sacramento Mandarins Drum and Bugle Corps in the 2020 season, was the marimba soloist for the American premiere of “Concerto for Marimba and Orchestra” by Roumen Boyadjieff, Jr. with the Cleveland Orchestra of Tennessee in 2018 and was noted as an “Emerging Leader” by the Percussive Arts Society in 2016.
To begin her recital, Jones will perform “Blues for Gilbert” by Mark Glenworth, “Bolero for Ed” by Chip Webster and “Four Dances for Marimba: I. A Lullaby Dancing, II. Song, III. Waltz” by Gordon Stout. Next, she will perform “bounce!” by Anthony M. Di Bartolo and “Blackbird” by Paul McCartney. Jones will conclude with the world premiere performance of “The Long Road” by Andy Harnsberger.
“Being a part of a world premiere of a musical composition is a truly unique and special experience for audience members,” said Dr. Ryan Lewis, Ouachita assistant professor of music. “We will be the first in history to hear and see this piece performed, and the fact that it will happen at Ouachita is very special for our students and university.”
In addition to Jones’ performance, she will work with Ouachita percussion students in a studio workshop on Thursday, Oct. 29.
“It is always great to see what students are working on in different music programs,” Jones said. “Music has so many possibilities in terms of interpretation, development and overall sound, so it is great to see what students are doing and if I would do things similarly or completely different.”
Due to COVID-19, many of Jones’ performances were canceled this year, but she said she is “happy this concert is still happening and to have the opportunity to visit Ouachita Baptist University for the first time.”
“I hope to bring something unique, yet accessible, to the Ouachita community with my playing and piece selection,” Jones said.
Jones earned a Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Florida, a Master of Music from Lee University and a Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of South Carolina. Jones also has been published in the Percussive Arts Society online journal Percussive Notes.