The West Virginia University Wind Symphony, under the direction of conductor John Hendricks III and assistant conductor Dearl J. Drury, will perform a winter concert as part of the activities involved in the annual WVU High School Invitational Honors Band event at the Creative Arts Center, Feb. 10-12.

The Wind Symphony Concert takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 11, in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at the Creative Arts Center. Appearing as guest conductors will be: David Gillingham, renowned composer and professor of composition at Central Michigan University, Corey Spurlin, associate director of bands at Auburn University, and J.P. Lynch, Jr., director of bands at Jefferson High School in Shenandoah Junction, W.Va.

The narrator for the concert will be Bill Nevin, the announcer for the WVU Marching Band, as well as for WVU men’s home basketball games.

The program includes:

“Trieste Overture” by Pietro Deiro and arranged by Larry Daehn is a delightful concert opener is written in the style of Rossini’s Italian operatic overtures.

“Postcard” by Frank Ticheli, is a vibrant, whimsical, succinct and energetic work commissioned by H. Robert Reynolds, former director of the University of Michigan Band, in memory of his mother.

“No Shadow of Turning” by David Gillingham, is a fantasy based on the hymn tune “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” featuring a hand bell choir.

“A New Birth of Freedom” by Randol Bass, is a narrative setting of Lincoln’s immortal “Gettysburg Address.”

“October” by Eric Whitacre, depicts the sentimental feeling of the autumn season when there is a crispness in the air and subtle changes in daylight.

“Russian Christmas Music” by Alfred Reed, is a musical impression of old Russia during the jubilant Christmas season.

Approximately 350 student musicians, representing more than 100 high schools in West Virginia and several surrounding states, will participate in the Honor Bands Concert. They are recommended by their high school band directors and selected on the basis of their ability and accomplishments.

The students will audition Thursday evening and rehearse for two days before presenting the annual Honor Bands Concert, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre at the Creative Arts Center. The Honor Bands Concert is free and open to the public.

For tickets to the WVU Wind Symphony Concert, visit the Mountainlair or CAC Box Office or call (304) 293-SHOW.

-WVU-

CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4841 ext. 3108, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu

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