Earlier this spring, Alexandros Fragiskatos, visiting assistant professor of percussion and music theory, was invited to work with the Granville High School steel drum band, Blue Steel. He didn’t realize that this invitation would lead to a unique collaboration between the schools.
Fragiskatos learned that Andrew Krumm, Blue Steel’s director, was working on bringing Jonathan Scales Fourchestra to Granville and immediately wanted to join with Krumm to make the concert happen.
Jonathan Scales Fourchestra — featuring E’Lon JD on electric bass, Maison Guidry on drums, and Jonathan Scales on steel pans — is known for a genre-bending sound that combines elements of jazz, classical, and progressive rock.
“We decided it would be a great opportunity for us to partner and co-host the event,” Fragiskatos said.
The collaboration has strengthened the connection between the music departments of Granville High School and Denison University in unexpected ways.
“It brings dozens of Granville High School students and their parents to Denison’s campus and provides a larger, state-of-the-art performance space in Sharon Martin Hall, which would not have been possible at Granville High,” Fragiskatos said.
Denison music students also have the chance to participate in a masterclass with the musicians.
“While the concert itself is a fantastic experience, the masterclass provides an invaluable chance for our students to engage directly with professionals outside of our department,” Fragiskatos said.
Krumm has worked with Scales several times in the past eight years; this concert will mark Scales’ third performance in Granville.
“All of their performances are different, so even if you are very familiar with their music, you will hear something new,” Krumm said. “These are players that know each other so well that the music evolves and changes at each performance, and it is so inspiring to see music performed at that level.”
“All three musicians are virtuosos in their own right, and the energy and creativity they bring as a single unit is remarkable,” Fragiskatos said.
The Jonathan Scales Fourchestra concert is 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at Sharon Martin Hall in the Eisner Center. The event is free, but tickets are required and available at artsatdenison.ludus.com.
