Samuel Cerra’s Graduating Student Project will be a live recording session.
Performances by:
Kyle Aronson, drums
Sebastian Guerrero, bass
Yoon Seo Nam, guitar
Alan Villanueva, alto Sax & electronics
Samuel Cerra, malletkat
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SECOND STAGE: Samuel Cerra | Samu Elektric Band | Graduating Student Project
Sunday, April 19, 2026 | 7:00 pm 8:00 pm
program notes
Flows of the human mind:
Blurred Landscapes is a piece in odd meters that symbolizes the strange times we went through at the start of the pandemic, evoking the sense of the unknown we were experiencing.
Angularity, is meant to emulate the flow of the human mind – in this case, my own – emulating the moment when different thoughts are interrupting one another, creating so, different angles.
Abhakkalha, has a mystical vibe and maintains its integrity and smoothness despite being in 7/4. It also reflects the uncertainty we feel in moments when we have to make decisions.
February 9th, is dedicated to one of my idols and greatest inspirations, Chick Corea, and it was written in the exact moment I heard he left this world…and so my dream of playing with him.
Tricky Bop, carries a highly energetic vibe that can be described in two words: excitement and adrenaline. The metric modulation to a faster tempo at the end evokes the moment when the mind begins to generate stimulus after stimulus following a surge of adrenaline, before finally returning to the original tempo as the effect fades.
Scumpigghiu is the final song of the set and captures the moment when we find a flow of happiness and want to sustain it. The chromaticism reflects our intents to recreate that feeling of excitement.
artist bio
Samuel Cerra is a versatile performer, instructor, composer, and percussionist specialized in mallet instruments. His training spans classical, jazz, and contemporary music; science, and sound technology.
Known for his eclectic and versatile style, Samuel draws inspiration from his personal research, influenced by pianists and symmetrical elements, combined with his classical training. His unique approach can be described as a pianistic way of playing the vibraphone, blending his technique with his expressive musicality.
Through his compositions and performances, he tells stories and shares emotions, incorporating harmonies that spark within the listener’s heart. For him, music is his language, craft, and the way he found to impact the world we live in.
Samuel’s collaborations with esteemed institutions such as AMA Calabria, Berklee, Longy, and MABOS, along with his special guest appearance with the AMA Little Big Band, reflect his ability to enchant and inspire through music. Honored as “Most Active Mallet Performer” at Berklee in 2019 and 2020, and twice awarded the Cherubini “Named Scholar” distinction at Longy (2022 and 2023), his musical presence continues to captivate and elevate the world around him. He has recently graduated from the Berklee Global Jazz program and is currently pursuing a graduate performance diploma at Longy, refining his craft under the guidance of Eric Hofbauer and Neal Smith.
Second Stage Series
Be part of the excitement as Longy’s developing artists share their ideas, test their creativity, and invite you into their artistic journey. You’ll witness the energy and originality that emerge when musicians explore new possibilities and take bold steps in their growth. Every performance gives you a front-row seat to the making of tomorrow’s artists.
Longy’s performances are free and open to the public, but please register in advance.
Thanks to our partnership with the Massachusetts Cultural Council and their “Card to Culture” program, Longy School of Music of Bard College can offer free tickets to many of our diverse and innovative performance offerings. See the full list of participating “Card to Culture” organizations offering EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare discounts.