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Guest composer Samuel Hazo headlines conference
March 19, 2008
KALAMAZOO--Western Michigan University's School of Music,
with guest artist Samuel R. Hazo, will host three performances
and several special sessions during the 40th annual Spring Conference
on Wind and Percussion Music Thursday, April 3.
The daylong conference begins with rehearsals at 8:30 a.m.
and will conclude with a 7:30 p.m. performance by the University
Symphonic Band and Samuel R. Hazo All-Star Band. Held each year
to promote the performance, understanding and composition of
quality wind and percussion music, the event is open free of
charge to music educators, high school and college students,
parents, and anyone interested in band music. All activities
take place in WMU's Miller Auditorium and Dalton Center Recital
Hall. Details on the day's scheduled performances follow.
For additional information on rehearsals or special sessions,
please contact David Montgomery at (269) 387-4702 or John Lychner
at (269) 387-4628.
40th annual Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music
Thursday, April 3
1 p.m., Miller Auditorium
The Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music's opening
act is a concert presented by the Rockford (Michigan) High School
Wind Ensemble. The band, which is led by Brian E. Phillips, will
perform Hazo's "Chorus Angelorum," among other works.
2:45 p.m., Miller Auditorium
The DeSoto (Texas) High School Wind Symphony will perform
under the direction of Harry D. Blake. Among other pieces, the
ensemble will present Hazo's "Solas Ane." The program
also features a movement that Blake has dedicated "to the
memory of Leonard V. Meretta--colleague, mentor, friend."
Meretta, professor emeritus of music and founder of the WMU bands
program, passed away July 23.
7:30 p.m., Miller Auditorium
The Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music culminates
with an evening performance featuring the University Symphonic
Band, led by David W. Montgomery, assistant director of bands
at WMU. Also performing will be the 120-member Samuel R. Hazo
All-Star Band, which represents some 70 Michigan high schools.
The band is composed of students who have been nominated by their
band directors as outstanding performers. The closing concert
features two of Hazo's original compositions: "Sky is Waiting,"
performed by the University Symphonic Band, and "Ride,"
performed by the Samuel R. Hazo All-Star Band.
Guest artist Samuel R. Hazo
Each year, the Spring Conference on Wind and Percussion Music
focuses on one guest composer and conductor whose works are featured
throughout the day's events. This year's featured artist is Hazo.
Recipient of the National Band Association's 2001 Biennial Composition
Award, he has received a number of professional commissions in
addition to composing original scores for TV, radio and stage.
His works have been featured in full-length programs on National
Public Radio, and his original symphonic compositions include
performances with Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, David Conrad
and Richard Kiley. He has also written arrangements for three-time
Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter Lucinda Williams.
Hazo has served as a music teacher at every grade level, kindergarten
through college, including tenure as a high school and university
band director. He received his bachelor's and master's degrees
from Duquesne University, where he served on the Board of Governors
and was named Duquesne's Outstanding Graduate in Music Education.
He serves as a clinician and is currently a faculty member in
Pennsylvania's Upper St. Clair School District.
Media contact: Kevin West, (269) 387-4678, kevin.west@wmich.edu
WMU News
Office of University Relations
Western Michigan University
1903 W Michigan Ave
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5433 USA
(269) 387-8400
www.wmich.edu/wmu/news
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