The marimba is a keyboard percussion instrument that is struck with mallets. It is similar to a xylophone except the keys are made of a different kind of wood and are more resonant. It has both a beautiful and unique sound.

Paul performs a wide variety of music on the marimba. His repertoire includes his own original compositions, classical music (such as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart), jazz standards, and contemporary four mallet pieces. The later refers to the technique of using two mallets in each hand.

Paul has studied marimba at the Conservatory of Music at Capital University with the former president of P.A.S. (Percussive Arts Society). Bob Breithaupt and also with the percussionist of the Akron Symphony Orchestra Mark Maynor.

Paul also plays drums in his own group called the Paul Stranahan Trio, the jazz-rock-fusion band Rare Blend, and the experimental group Broadview Collective. He can be heard on CDs "Climbing Somewhere" and "Solar" from his Trio and "Evolution Theory" and "Infinity" from Rare Blend.

Performances:

Sunday, January 23, 2011 starting at 2:00 pm @ the Lakewood Public Library - as part of their 'Sunday with Friends' concert series. (15424 Detroit Rd. Lakewood, OH 44107). Paul Stranahan performs Solo Marimba. Paul will play his original compositions, some Bach, and contemporary four mallet pieces specifically written for the marimba.

Click HERE to see live performances of Paul on Marimba.

Marimba song samples (about 30 seconds a piece) can be heard here:

• Etude in C Major (Clair Omar Musser)
  
  
• Flight of the Bumble Bee
  
  
• Mellow Tune (Paul Stranahan)
  
  
• Siciliana (Bach)

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