AYPO's Percussion Ensemble, led by Director Doug Wallace, takes the stage for the "Inspirations of Frank Zappa" Concert on Sunday, May 5, 3:00 p.m. at Langley High School in McLean, Virginia. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors (65+), $10 for students (including college with ID), and free for music teachers. Tickets are available online or at the venue box office on the day of the concert.

"Honoring the upcoming 20th Anniversary of his death and the recent inclusion of his works on ITunes, I decided to do a concert remembering Frank Zappa (December 21, 1940 - December 4, 1993)," said Director Doug Wallace. "This year's percussion ensemble concert will feature two pieces by Zappa (The Black Page #2 and Tornado), as well as music by some of his biggest influences, Halim El-Dabh, Edgar Varèse, and Igor Stravinsky. This is the most ambitious concert that I have ever programed in my 11 years as Percussion Director with AYPO, and it will stretch the students' musicianship and virtuosity to the limits. Perhaps the most important piece on the concert is the work that inspired Zappa to become a musician, Ionisation by Edgar Varèse.  Premiered in 1933, Ionisation is the first concert percussion ensemble ever written. Way ahead of its time, Ionisation is still one of the most relevant and studied percussion ensemble pieces in the repertoire."

The Percussion Ensemble is comprised of musicians from the American Youth Philharmonic, American Youth Symphonic Orchestra, and American Youth Concert Orchestra. Percussionists audition every year, along with all other aspiring musicians, for a spot in the competitive program. They perform pieces for the aforementioned orchestras throughout the season and present this special percussion concert annually.

"I'm extremely proud of our percussion program," said Music Director Daniel Spalding. "Without a doubt, our AYPO percussion ensemble performs at a professional level unmatched in this area. For high school percussionists, having the chance to study under Doug Wallace is a huge opportunity. I heard the ensemble in rehearsal a few weeks ago and believe me, they are amazing."