PRESCOTT, AZ – January 8, 2025 – The soft chime of flowerpots, struck with gentle mallets, resonated through the Prescott High School band room as students explored Flowerpot Music, a meditative and playful work by composer Elliot Cole. Guided by internationally acclaimed percussionist Peter Ferry, the students transformed a game of sound into a shared artistic journey. Part of Arizona Philharmonic’s manos percussion concert January 12, 3 PM at Ruth Street Theater, this work sits alongside classical compositions, rhythmic explorations, and staged performances.

Ferry, known for his dynamic and innovative approach to percussion, brought a unique perspective to the workshop. “If you’re ever unsure what to do, you can always stop and listen to what’s happening,” he told the students. His guidance encouraged players to explore sound, space, and movement while letting go of perfectionism. Through playful exercises like the “bloom,” where individual sounds layer into a growing wave of music, students were challenged to listen deeply and interact intuitively. “This is all about fostering your own enjoyment and curiosity,” Ferry added.

In rehearsal, students tapped flowerpots to create delicate tones, some closing their eyes to listen better and find their place within the soundscape. “I found I could hear better with my eyes closed,” one student shared, while others focused intently, mapping the room through sound. “From a music teacher’s point of view, this is a phenomenal experience for students,” remarked Arizona Philharmonic Artistic Director Henry Flurry. “From an audience point of view, we get to witness a group of people interacting, not totally unlike a chamber music concert, gently directed by a master facilitator like Peter Ferry.”

Audiences can experience Flowerpot Music live during the manos percussion concert on Sunday, January 12, at 3 PM at Ruth Street Theater in Prescott. This eclectic program features Maria Flurry, Joshua Ferrell, and Bensen Kwan, showcasing percussion’s versatility through classical works by Saint-Saëns and Debussy, global rhythmic traditions, and the meditative Flowerpot Music, performed with Prescott High School students. Tickets are available at AZPhil.org or by calling (855) 321-6724.

Community Lecture Series 1/11, 11:00 amOn Saturday, January 11, at 11:00 am, AZ Phil’s ongoing Community Lecture Series is interactive this month. Maria Flurry, Principal Timpanist with Arizona Philharmonic and the Flagstaff Symphony delves into making music with water. Her manos colleagues weigh in with Bensen Kwan introducing steel pan music and Josh Ferrell illuminating the musicality of the drum set. Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for children and are available at AZPhil.org.

** Please note ** the Community Lecture Series is a separate event from Sunday’s pre-concert talk and will feature distinct content.

About Arizona Philharmonic

Founded in 2018, Arizona Philharmonic (AZ Phil) is Prescott’s only professional orchestra focused on classical music, presenting large and small concerts that engage and inspire listeners. In its seventh season in 2024-25, AZ Phil draws musicians from across Arizona and is committed to offering transformative music, while nurturing community participation and supporting the needs and growth of the Prescott area performing arts scene. Recognized in 2021 by the Prescott Chamber of Commerce for Excellence in Arts and Culture, Arizona Philharmonic is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ticket information, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities can be found at AZPhil.org or on Facebook.