The University of North Florida Percussion hosted the Sympatico Percussion Group for Alumni Night. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni came together to enjoy performances focused on rhythm and collaboration.<\/p>\n
The concert was a celebration of UNF Percussion\u2019s creativity and an opportunity to honor UNF alumni and recognize percussionists who have shown dedication, musicianship, and community, according to the university\u2019s events calendar<\/a>.<\/p>\n Andrea Venet, the organizer of this event, directs the UNF Percussion Ensemble. Venet is an associate professor of percussion and head of the music department. <\/p>\n \u201cIn order to honor the past, present, and future of the UNF Percussion Department, Venet said, celebrating the past, present, and future is critical,\u201d Venet said.<\/p>\n \u201cSympatico is one of the world\u2019s renowned guest artists who work directly with our School of Music students. It is essential for them to gain exposure and grow as musicians through this aspect. This wouldn\u2019t be possible without the music community\u2019s support,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n According to Sympatico Percussion Group\u2019s website,<\/a> the group creates engaging and exciting programs. These programs are filled with virtuosity and poignancy, and filled with appealing melodies and vibrant rhythms from all over the world.<\/p>\n Bella Pantfoeder, a member of the percussion club board at UNF, said it was a fantastic experience to attend the Sympatico Percussion concert at UNF.<\/p>\n \u201cUNF\u2019s percussion program is vibrant and filled with life. They have become a true home for me in music and family,\u201d Pantfoeder said.<\/p>\n According to Venet, the concert was dedicated to the legacy of Charlotte Mabrey, who is credited as UNF\u2019s first percussion professor and whose career spans almost three decades.<\/p>\n \u201cWith over 30 years of dedication to the program, Charlotte Mabrey has made a difference in the lives of alumni. A generous gift from Art and Wendy Billingslea was also celebrated by UNF\u2019s percussion department,\u201d Venet said.<\/p>\n \u201cThis gift will support Percussion Excellence at UNF to continue Charlotte\u2019s legacy into the future,\u201d Venet said.<\/p>\n