Overture Magazine - 2018-19 Season BSO_Overture_MAR_APR | Page 6

in B A LT I M O R E S Y M P H O N Y O R C H E S T R A NEWS OF NOTE THE BUILD UP I BSO works with ellentube to present local drumming duo t’s not every day that our offices receive a call from Ellen DeGeneres’ team! But that’s just what happened when Ellen's producers approached the BSO about a unique collaboration featuring Baltimore drummers Timothy and Malik. Timothy Fletcher and Malik Perry, ages 21 and 19, respectively, became friends in high school and began drumming together, posting videos online and performing on the streets of Baltimore. They caught Ellen’s attention, and she invited them to play on her show twice last fall. After their second appearance, Ellen surprised 4 the duo by announcing a new digital Baltimore drummers Timothy series called “The Build Up,” that Fletcher and Malik Perry would provide the friends with some perform with the BSO during December’s A Swingin’ incredible life experiences and help to Nutcracker Family Concert. inspire music students everywhere. (above). Ellen DeGeneres announces the launch of One of those life experiences was “The Build Up” digital series the chance to perform with the BSO, on her talk show. (below-left). which Timothy and Malik did during last December’s A Swingin’ Nutcracker concert. Under the baton of Associate Conductor Nicholas Hersh, the friends performed a rendition of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” alongside the orchestra and in front of the ellentube cameras. “We had an amazing time working with Timothy and Malik,” said Hersh. “Their energy, enthusiasm and musicianship were incredible, and we are all very proud to see them representing Baltimore as a vibrant city full of talent and excitement.” The performance went so well that Timothy and Malik came back a few weeks later, appearing on the BSO’s Holiday Pops program! To watch the complete, 6-episode web series featuring Timothy and Malik, including their BSO debut performance, head to ellentube.com.