The opportunity to see someone who is the world's best anything is a rarity. But brace yourself, because this Saturday is your chance to see musical all-star Bill Molenhof.
Molenhof, who is regarded as the best vibraphonist on planet Earth, will be coming all the way from Germany in order to perform on Saturday at Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda as part of the "Western New York Day of Percussion," which is hosted by the UB Marching Band.
The vibraphone is a close evolutionary relative of the xylophone but this percussion instrument utilizes more components.
"The vibraphone is quite flexible and can work well in most situations," Molenhof said in an interview with The Spectrum. "The only caveat is that it is not exceptionally loud. It is important that the beautiful acoustic, warm, human quality of the instrument can shine through."
Beginning with the piano at age five, Molenhof's strong love for music quickly made a transition to percussion. At age 10 he joined his school band and became more involved with percussion instruments, picking up the drums, marimba, and vibraphone. By age 16 he bought his first "vibe," and began to play small gigs around his hometown in Germany.
"I am not the world's greatest vibraphonist," he said humbly, "but I have tried as hard as I could to be included and mentioned in a list of people who are excellent at playing the vibraphone."
Don't be fooled, though. Molenhof is aware of how slim his competition is. He laments that the vibraphone goes overlooked as a tool of percussion, but takes pride in his unique composition.
"I can't really classify my music too well," he said. "I am more of a creative, improvising musician than a classical interpreting player. I almost always play in small groups instead of an orchestra. I have been around the world and my music writing and playing reflects that experience."
Molenhof thinks that good music is always a benefit to society, community, and the individual.
"We know beyond any doubt that learning music makes young people smarter in various ways," Molenhof said.
There will be 15 percussion ensembles performing at "WNY Day of Percussion." Further clinicians include Dr. Brad Fuster, music department chairman at Buffalo State College, Kay Stonefelt, percussion chairman at Fredonia State college, Tim Stodd, president NYS Percussion Marching Circuit, Ray Bennett, Vibes clinician, Bob Accurso, president of New York Percussion Arts Society and Larry Dubill, Hamburg High School director.
"This is a first of a kind in Western New York to have percussion groups from high school to the pros playing on the same stage. It's unbelievable," said John Hathaway, UB Marching Band business manager and public relations director.
Hathaway views "Western New York Percussion Day" as a great way to showcase UB's talents and attract students who may be interested in joining next year.
"We're trying to showcase the marching band and be proactive in the community," Hathaway said. "We're trying to offer venues and reach out to other schools and work together and get exposure for people who might want to be in the marching band. We have 45 freshmen interested. In the MAC conference there are normally 100-300 people in the marching band. We'd like to have about 150 players next fall."
Doors open at 9 a.m. with clinics running all morning and ensembles performing at 1 p.m. Tickets will cost $5 at the door or $3 pre-sale by calling 716-689-1100.
