The West Virginia University Concert Band and the WVU Wind Symphony will present a concert featuring a concerto by guest composer Brett Dietz at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 20, at the Creative Arts Center.
The program will be in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre. The soloist for the Dietz concerto will be George Willis, head of the WVU Percussion Program.
During the first half of the concert, the WVU Symphonic Band, conducted by Dearl J. Drury and Christopher J. Nichter, will performA Festival Preludeby Alfred Reed,Down Longford Wayby Percy Grainger (transcribed by Leroy Osmon),Huntingtower: Ballad for Bandby Ottorino Respighi andTempered Steelby Charles Rochester Young.
Following intermission, the WVU Wind Symphony, conducted by WVU Director of Bands John Hendricks, III and Nicole Gross, will presentRocky Point Holidayby Ron Nelson, followed byConcerto for Percussion and Symphonic Bandby Dietz, featuring Willis as percussionist.
The Wind Symphony will close the program withBrookes Chicago Marine Band Marchby Roland Seitz.
Dietz is a composer and percussion instructor at Louisiana State University. He received a bachelors of music in percussion and a masters of music in composition/theory from the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University. His music has been performed throughout the United States, Europe, Sweden, Korea and Australia by numerous ensembles. Dietz is also a founding member of Tempus Fugit Percussion Ensemble and has performed with the group throughout the United States and Europe since 1993.
Willis is a native of Pittsburgh and received a bachelors degree in music from Carnegie-Mellon University and a masters from Temple University. He also holds a masters in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh.
His musical affiliations in Pittsburgh have ranged from being principal percussionist with the Butler Symphony to a member of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. Willis is also principal percussionist with the Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble and has performed with the Philadelphia Orchestra, the River City Brass Band, the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra, the Pittsburgh Ballet Orchestra and the Civic Light Opera.
For tickets, contact the Mountainlair or CAC Box Office at 304-293-SHOW.