Two world premiere pieces and a look back to a milestone in Arkansas Tech University history will be part of the final ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble performance of the fall 2019 semester.
ATU’s premier concert band will play at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, at Witherspoon Auditorium, 407 West Q Street in Russellville. Admission will be free and open to the public.
The ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble will offer debut performances of Roy Magnuson’s “The Softest Breath” and James Syler’s “Symphony No. 2.”
It has been a decade since Philip Parker’s “Celebration” made its world debut. Commissioned to commemorate the ATU centennial, “Celebration” will once again be performed at ATU as part of the Nov. 24 concert.
Hal Cooper, professor emeritus of music at ATU and member of the ATU Hall of Distinction, will serve as guest conductor. He was ATU director of bands from 1979-2011.
Parker, professor of music, has been a member of the ATU faculty since 1977.
Other pieces scheduled for performance by the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble on Nov. 24 include “Wildcat Run” by James Stephenson, “Rise Up” by Judy Bozone and “Three Latin Dances” by Jeff Tyzik.
T.J. Perry, assistant professor of music at ATU, will be a featured guest artist on the performance of “Rise Up.”
Magnuson, Syler, Parker and Bozone will be on campus to work with the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble in advance of the performance and to listen to the ensemble’s interpretation of their works on Sunday afternoon.
Christian Amonson, former recording engineer and videographer for “The President’s Own” U.S. Marine Band, will be on hand to record the concert as part of an ongoing project to produce an album of performances by the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, professor of music and director of bands, serves as conductor for the ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble.
Visit www.atu.edu/music to learn more about the ATU Department of Music.
