An Arkansas Tech University Symphonic Wind Ensemble recording of a composition created to celebrate two long-time members of the ATU Department of Music faculty is now available to the public.
James Syler was commissioned to compose “Seasons” in honor of Karen and Ken Futterer, who served on the ATU faculty from 1980-2022. They retired together at the close of the spring 2022 semester.
“Seasons” was commissioned by Dr. Daniel A. Belongia, director of bands and professor of music at ATU, and a consortium of former Futterer students — Niall Blasdell of Dover High School, Ralph Brody of Clarksville High School, Tom Chentnik of Mountain Home High School, Dewayne Dove of Russellville High School, Dr. Michael Hancock of the University of Central Arkansas, Rusty Hart of Cabot High School, Clay Hooten of Dardanelle High School and Dr. Albert Nguyen of the University of Memphis — each of whom have gone on to careers as band directors and music educators. The project was also supported by ATU music student organizations Tau Beta Sigma and Sigma Alpha Iota.
The ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble gave a world debut performance of “Seasons” during a concert at Witherspoon Auditorium on Sunday, April 24, 2022. The recording was made over the course of that same weekend.
The ATU Symphonic Wind Ensemble was joined in the live performance and the recording of “Seasons” by soloists Dr. Erin Futterer (horn), Dr. Keely Futterer (soprano) and Carling Futterer (soprano). They are Karen and Ken Futterer’s daughters.
The recording of “Seasons” was made possible by the Pat and Roger Wattam Archival Recording Series in the ATU Department of Music.
