Chix with Stix host banging good time

    Paint cans, coffee cups and djembe drums were just a few of the instruments that were used by the group Chix with Stix at their performance this past Monday at Max Noah Hall. 
    “I didn’t really understand why there were old paint cans with wooden sticks in them sitting on the stage,” said Blair Janzen, a junior music education major.  “But once the group came out and started playing with them, I got excited because I knew their performance was going to be interesting.”
    The paint cans were just a preview as to what was to come for the rest of the evening.
    Chix with Stix is a female percussion group that expresses its musicianship through performances that tie in both new and traditional percussion ensembles. 
    “This was our first performance here at GCSU and we have felt so welcomed,” said band member Lisa Gillespie.  “We have had such a wonderful time here, and getting from place to place can be difficult at times but GCSU has been more than helpful.”
    For almost two hours, Chix with Stix entertained a full house of both faculty and students.  Their performance was powerful to many.
    “Honestly, I find it an inspiration because you often see men performers, so it’s nice to see a all-women’s group,” said Carrie Bettinger, a senior psychology major.  “And the cool thing is they all have other professions.”
    The audience could buy their own Chix with Stix egg shakers before the performance and were even encouraged to play along with the group.
    “The group did a great job of making everyone feel welcomed,” Janzen said.  “Having the egg shakers was a good idea and a nice way to incorporate the audience into their performance.”   
    During the show, the group even brought out their own shakers and integrated them into one of their pieces.
    “Sharing music with my friends is important and having the audience get involved is also fun,” Gillespie said.
    Chix with Stix are not only musicians but are also mentors and educators who strive to bring percussion music to a wider audience.
    “Making music with other woman is empowering,” band member Karen Hunt said.  “We want to encourage other women to do this.  Playing music together allows us to come out of our boxes and our comfort zone.”
    The performance came to a peak when the group used tableware in one of their pieces.
    “When they brought out the table onto the stage, I was confused as to what they were doing,” Bettinger said.  “I thought it was some type of joke, but when they sat down and started playing the cups and bowls with sticks, I was shocked.  The tableware performance was by far my favorite moment of the evening.”
    Chix with Stix received a standing ovation from the crowd and some people left wanting more.
    “I got to work with them in a master class and they were so awesome,” Janzen said.  “And the performance tonight was even better. The group is remarkable and I suggest to anyone to go and see Chix with Stix.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Feb 23 2007. Filed under Features. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry