FARLEY, Iowa -- The sound of drums echoed through the gymnasium at Seton Catholic School in Farley, but there were no drums in the school's gym.
The incredible drum sounds came from people.
InPulse, a male vocal a cappella quartet from Minneapolis/St. Paul, wowed students, teachers and staff members with its unique performance. The group performed three songs, complete with drums and bass.
"We make all of our music without instruments," said Matt McDonald, the baritone voice in the group.
The Dubuque Arts Council artist-in-residence will finish a two-week stint in Dubuque with performances at tri-state area schools this week and a concert Friday night at Clarke College.
The performance included a segment where McDonald taught students how to make three simple drum noises with their mouth.
"What better thing to do with your time than figure out how to make drum noises with your face?" McDonald asked the crowd.
Although McDonald is the baritone, he also does some of the vocal percussion sections. "You're going
free concert |
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| set InPulse will perform in a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, in the Clarke College Jansen Music Hall. For details, contact the Dubuque Arts Council at 563-556-7748. |
Many of the students were surprised by the simplicity of the drum noises.
"It's easy to make the noises with your mouth," said Anne Marie Greenwood, a seventh-grade student. "I thought they'd be hard."
McDonald emphasized how important practice is for vocal percussionists.
"If you want to practice, please don't practice at school," McDonald said. "Instead, take those drum noises to your parents and show them how amazing you are."
InPulse has broken from the traditional a cappella group and instead defines itself as a vocal band. The men tour schools to advance the art of a cappella vocal music by showing students the form of music.
After the performance, some students talked about the "cool" performance.
"Amazing," said Paul Knipper, an eighth-grade student. "I won't forget it."
Inpulse - Matt McDonald, of the a cappella quartet Inpulse, talks about the group and its purpose.
