The Poly Post

Issue date: 6/3/08 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Chris Sloan/Poly Post The Kellogg Soul Music Ensemble gave its first performance in more than a year Tuesday.

After more than a year's hiatus, the Kellogg Soul Music Ensemble's performance, held Tuesday evening in the Recital Hall, displayed hidden talents that brought soul back to the music department.

"Last night's show was a chance for our group to perform and show the music department, friends and family what we had accomplished over the quarter," said Ryann Clover, a featured vocalist in the show.

Tuesday night's performance was one of the biggest since the return of the ensemble in winter quarter. The ensemble had been absent from the music department for more than a year and was recently revived again by music professor Mark Chubb.

During winter quarter, the group was so small that it was only able to play during a noon-hour concert. The ensemble increased from 11 members last quarter to 19 spring quarter.

"I feel good. I'm very proud of the students, and I think that this was a great starting point for rebuilding this ensemble," said Chubb.

The recital featured 14 different songs that embodied the soul music genre and a few pieces from rhythm and blues as well. The show was produced and directed by Chubb.

"When soul music is discussed, there exists the music, which is deceptive because many people think that it's easy to perform. And I wanted a good show," said Chubb. "That's the other part of the culture of soul music and pop music in general. You don't just go to hear the music performed - you go to see a good show."

Soul Music Ensemble is part of the ethnomusicology ensembles that are on campus. This performance was one of 20 that the Cal Poly music department hosted during the spring quarter.

"Every ensemble in the music department has the
opportunity to put on a concert," said Michael Mariano, a third-year music education student. "So it was nice being able to offer something a little different from the more traditional shows we normally put on and play music that can reach out to a wider audience on campus."

The ensemble began the night with the piece "Ain't No Sunshine," written by singer/songwriter Bill Withers. The band and the vocalists had great enthusiasm and energy, which resulted in thunderous claps and giant roars from the audience.

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