Virginia Allen guest conducts WMU bands
Nov. 4, 2000
KALAMAZOO -- The University Symphonic and Concert Bands will present their annual combined fall performance on Tuesday, Nov. 14, beginning at 8 p.m. in Miller Auditorium. This year the ensembles welcome New York artist Virginia Allen as guest conductor.
The University Concert Band will perform works by Vaughan Williams, Frescobaldi, Giannini, Ewazen, and Sousa. The University Symphonic Band will present compositions by Bremer, Gould, Arnold, and Grainger. The concert and parking in the structure adjacent to Miller Auditorium are open to the public without an admission charge.
A former conductor in the U.S. Army Bands Program, Virginia Allen was a pioneer for women in military bands. She was the first woman to command and conduct an active duty military band that included women when she was appointed Principal Conductor of the Army's band in Atlanta. As Associate Conductor of the United States Military Academy Band at West Point, she was the first woman conductor of that historic organization.
Allen is now an independent artist residing in New York City, where she is a member of the conducting faculty at the Juilliard School.
Media contact: Kevin West; 616 387-4678; kevin.west@wmich.edu