The program consisted of six performances, all of which incorporated an assortment of unconventional percussion instruments. Nichols even used audio and video of international news broadcasts as rhythmic devices in his music.
Specifically focusing his performances on these radio and television news broadcasts, Nichols used the voices news anchors to "explore new musical possibilities while commenting on our world outside the concert hall."
Nichols described his inventive pieces as an "investigation of speech as rhythm," using audio clips of himself and news anchors to help construct them.
The use of eccentric instruments is only one part of Nichols' diverse musical creations. He also integrates a variety of cultures into his work, with Middle Eastern, European and Australian influences.
Nichols hails from Northwestern University, where he received his bachelor's degree in music performance. Nichols went on to earn a master of arts degree and doctor of musical arts degree, both from the University of California, San Diego.
Nichols' experience also includes work with other artists, including Max Roach, Roger Reynolds and Evelyn Glennie.The program was a part of the School of Music's 2008-2009 Guest Artist Recital Series. The School of Music has more percussion performances coming up in late February.
The Seventh Annual High School Percussion Ensemble Festival Weekend will be held Feb. 20 and 21 in Weigel Auditorium, featuring guest artists Mark Ford (University of North Texas) and Ben Toth (The Hartt School).
"Drums Downtown VI" will be held at the Capitol Theatre Feb. 27 and 28, featuring students and choreographers from the OSU Department of Dance, the Advanced Computing Center for Art & Design, and the Department of Art.
Ian Bostick can be reached at bostick.21@osu.edu.
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