Percussionists at Bowling Green State University will beat their drums in memory of Roger Schupp Sunday, Sept.25 at 3 p.m. in Bryan Recital Hall in the Moore Musical Arts Center on campus.
Schupp, who taught percussion and jazz at BGSU for almost 25 years, died Dec. 15 at 55. He continued teaching up until a few days before his passing from cancer.
The concert will feature performances by his students and colleagues, as well as internationally renowned jazz drummer Carl Allen. Allen will perform Thad Jones’ “Groove Merchant” with the Jazz Lab Band I.
Speaking about Schupp and his legacy will be his widow, Tracy Schupp, long-time colleague Jeff Halsey and former student and owner of Black Swamp percussion Eric Sooy. Former student and colleague Olman Piedra will also participate as a special guest.
The program will reflect the range of Schupp’s interests and influence.
That includes a performance by the faculty jazz ensemble with Halsey, bass, David Bixler, alto saxophone, Isabelle Huang, marimba, Ariel Kasler, guitar, Daniel Piccolo, drums and cymbals, and Charles Saenz, trumpet. Schupp was the drummer for the group throughout his time at BGSU and organized its weekly sessions in downtown Bowling Green venues.
Also performing will be a marimba quartet of his students from his last semester, the BGSU Percussion Ensemble, and the Afro-Caribbean Ensemble.
A reception will follow the memorial concert.
The Missouri native was a versatile performer in the areas of classical, jazz, and world music. Schupp performed in a variety of ensembles including the Toledo and Austin symphonies, the Kansas City Civic Orchestra, and Austin Jazz Orchestra.
He was a member of the Toledo Symphony Percussion Trio, Toledo Symphony Concert Band, and Toledo Jazz Orchestra.
Schupp performed on recordings with the Hawk-Richard Jazz Orchestra, the Toledo Jazz Orchestra, the BGSU Jazz Faculty Ensemble and guitarist Chris Buzzelli as well as on recordings of works by composers Samuel Adler, Michael Daugherty, and Shane Hoose.
He also performed and recorded with such diverse artists and ensembles as the Royal Ballet of London, New York Voices, Marvin Hamlisch, Tommy Tune, Bob James, Clark Terry, Terrance Blanchard, Chuck Berry, Amy Grant and the Broadway touring casts of “A Chorus Line”, “Spamalot”, and “Wicked.”
Schupp presented concerts, clinics, and master classes in more than 30 states and 20 countries on five continents.
