On November 24, the UTC Percussion Ensemble will present its annual fall program, “Beat Hunger” at the Roland Hayes Concert Hall in the UTC Fine Arts Center (Palmetto at Vine St.). The concert beings at 7:30 pm and is open to the general public.

As the event is a fund-raiser for the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, a $2.00 check to Chatt. Community Kitchen or two non-perishable food items are requested. This event is traditionally very well-attended, so early arrival is recommended to get a good seat.

Local service organizations such as the Chattanooga Community Kitchen have had a difficult year with the demands on their services and the current economy. The Percussion Ensemble "Beat Hunger" program is an opportunity for you to give something to the community and be rewarded for your efforts. The $2.00 donation or donation of two non-perishable food items from those attending this concert adds up to a significant contribution to the Community Kitchen. The “Beat Hunger” concert has become a Chattanooga tradition on the UTC campus and is one of the most popular of all ensemble concerts sponsored by the department.

The UTC Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Monte Coulter, is the primary training ground in concert percussion techniques for students majoring in Music or Music Education at UTC. Although the majority of players in this group are pursuing degrees in Music or Music Education, often there is room for talented non-majors also. The diverse number of percussion instruments and the great variety of sounds that may be achieved from them help to make the concert an enjoyable experience for all.

Dr. Monte Coulter is the director of percussion studies at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and Coordinator of the Graduate School of Music. He received his BS degree in Music Education, and his MM degree from The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, and the Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the University of Memphis in 1994. He is currently Principal Percussionist/ Assistant Timpanist of the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra, and has performed as a principal player in three of the four largest professional orchestras in Tennessee, as well as with the touring companies of Man of La Mancha (with Robert Goulet), Rich Little, The Electric Light Orchestra, The Moody Blues, Bernadette Peters, Shari Lewis, Al Jarreau, Art Garfunkel, Randy Newman, and others.

For further information on this event, please contact the UTC Music Department Office at 423-425-4601.