Ole Blue Takes a “Joyride”

Brian Nozny tests sheet metal sounds.

Birch Creek concertgoers are sure to be pleased at the concert on June 27 at 8 pm, Comedy and Pops, featuring a song titled “Joyride” that was composed by Birch Creek’s Percussion Program Director Ben Wahlund. The song is especially interesting because it utilizes an old truck as it’s main instrument.

The truck named “Ole Blue,” is a baby blue 1971 Chevrolet C30 pickup that has been used around Birch Creek for several years. Percussion students will be drumming on Ole Blue, using different parts of the vehicle to play the parts of the song.

“It’s meant to be fun,” said Wahlund. “This is something you don’t normally get to see.”

According to Wahlund, it is a really unique tune not just because of the unusual use of a vehicle for the song, but also because it is slightly different each time it is performed.

In addition to “Joyride,” composer Brian Nozny will unveil his fresh composition titled “Skeleton Key” that will utilize old scaffolding and a wooden pallet as the main instruments. The scaffolding and pallet were donated by Dan Kiehnau for the performance.

Nozny notes that the piece is very high energy and will give students the opportunity for improvisation. He also mentioned that the song has changed and developed over the past few weeks and it will continue to transform throughout this week. For more information visit birchcreek.org.