FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUSCALOOSA – The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences School of Music presents the Fall Spectrum Showcase Concert, a “Best of the Best” variety show on Friday, November 12, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL.  Faculty and students will be featured showcasing every aspect of what the School of Music has to offer. Ensembles to perform include the Alabama Wind Ensemble, Jazz Standards Combo, Oboe Studio, Trombone Choir, Horn Quartet, University Singers, Jazz Ensemble, Faculty Brass Quintet, Huxford Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Ensemble. The concert will also feature performances by UA faculty members Noel Engebretson, piano; Jonathan Noffsinger, saxophone; Susan Fleming, mezzo soprano; Paul Houghtaling, bass baritone; and Jubal Fulks, violin. The concert will culminate with a featured appearance by the entire University of Alabama Million Dollar Band performing the favorite cheers and songs associated with football at Bryant-Denny.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to hear this group “up close” along with the other stars of the UA music program. Everything from classical to jazz will be featured with a variety suited for everyone. There is no admission to this concert. Dress is casual; “football weekend attire”. Come early to insure a good seat. For more information visit www.music.ua.edu/calendar or call 205-348-7111.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUSCALOOSA – The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences School of Music presents the Alabama Symphonic Band in concert on Thursday, September 30, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL.  The program will include “Star Spangled Banner” by John Stafford Smith, “Watchman, Tell Us of the Night” by Mark Camphouse, “Letter to Mom” by Andrew F. Poor, “Canzona” by Peter Mennin, and “Overture: La Forza del Destino” by Giuseppe Verdi. UA Assistant Director of Bands Randall O. Coleman is the conductor, and UA Director of Bands Kenneth Ozzello is guest conductor. For this concert, the ensemble was able to work with the composer of “Letter to Mom,” Andrew F. Poor, who is the composer in residence. The work was composed in the early summer months of 2010, and is meant to serve as a memoriam to his mother, Shirley Y. Poor (1936-2007), and to mothers everywhere. The concert is FREE and open to the public. For more information on other School of Music events, visit www.music.ua.edu/calendar or call 205-348-7111.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences School of Music presents the UA Brass Choir in concert on Tuesday, November 9, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama. The ensemble is directed by UA Assistant Professor of Trumpet Eric Yates. They will perform the following selections: “Commemorative Fanfare for Brass and Timpani” by John Cheetham, “Introduction and Allegro” by Robert Beadell, “Canzone e Sonate XIII” by Giovanni Gabrieli, “Festive and Commemorative Music, Op. 109” by Johannes Brahms, “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen, “Fanfares Liturgiques” by Henri Tomasi and “Funeral March” from Die Götterdämmerung by Richard Wagner. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit http://music.ua.edu/calendar-of-events/ or call 205-348-7111.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Online pre-registration for the 2010 Church Music Conference is now available by going to this link:

http://music.ua.edu/departments/organ/church-music-conference/church-music-conference-pre-registration/

For all other information about the conference, you can download a PDF of the brochure here:

2011 Church Music Conference

Any questions regarding pre-registration can be directed to Faythe Freese by calling 205-348-3329. Any questions regarding the online form itself can be directed to Kelli Wright by calling 205-348-1477.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The registration link for Honor Choir has been updated. Please use this link to register for the 2011 Honor Choir:

https://www.registration.talentspotz.net/Login.aspx?ec=7

For instructions on registering, please see this link:

https://www.registration.talentspotz.net/Index7.aspx

For all other information about Honor Choir, please refer to the Honor Choir page or you can contact:

Dr. John Ratledge, Director of Choral Activities; Professor of Conducting
jratledge@music.ua.edu
205-348-0178

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Tuscaloosa, AL)-The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences School of Music presents the Alabama Wind Ensemble on Thursday, November 4, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL.  The program will include “Fascinating Ribbons” by Joan Tower, “Concerto for Trumpet” by James M. Stephenson, “Blink” by Joel Puckett, “Ballad for Band” by Morton Gould and “Concertino for Four Percussionists & Wind Ensemble” by David Gillingham. UA Professor and Director of Bands Kenneth Ozzello and Assistant Director of Bands Randall Coleman are the conductors of the Alabama Wind Ensemble. The concert will also feature Brittany Hendricks, trumpet on “Concerto for Trumpet.” The concert is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit: http://www.music.ua.edu/calendaror call 205-348-7111.

The ALABAMA WIND ENSEMBLE is a select group of the finest wind players and percussionists from within the University Band Program and the School of Music.  The ensemble has been invited to perform at prestigious events such as the College Band Directors National Association Convention, the Southern Division of the Music Educators’ National Conference and the Alabama Music Educators’ State In-service Conference.  The Alabama Wind Ensemble has been active in commissioning and premiering new works for wind band over the past several years and has worked with numerous outstanding composers including Ira Hearshen, Donald Grantham, Richard Saucedo, and Nigel Clarke.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The University of Alabama School of Music presents the Alabama Jazz Band and Combo in concert on Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building. UA Instructor of Drums Mark Lanter will direct the Jazz Band, and Ledama Tajeu, a graduate student in Jazz Studies, will direct the Jazz Combo. The Jazz Combo will perform “Birk’s Works” by John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, “Afternoon In Paris” by John Lewis, “I Thought About You” by Jimmy Van Heusen, “Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum” by Wayne Shorter, and “Bebop” by John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie. The Jazz Band will perform “Billie’s Bounce” by Charlie Parker, “Round Midnight” by Thelonius Monk, “K.C. Blues” by Charlie Parker, “Seven Steps to Heaven” by Victor Feldman, “Saturday Night Wail” by Cody Tidmore, and “Cornbread” by Lee Morgan. The concert is FREE and open to the public. For more information call 205-348-7111.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences School of Music presents the Trombone Choir in concert with the Tuba/ Euphonium Ensemble on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama. The ensembles are directed by UA Assistant Professor of Trombone Jonathan Whitaker and UA Assistant Professor of Tuba/ Euphonium Demondrae Thurman, respectively. They will perform the following selections: “Mini Overture” by James Kazik, “Adagio” from Symphony No. 3 by Camille Saint-Saëns, “Canzona” by Walter Hartley, “Achieved is the Glorious Work” by Franz Joseph Haydn, “Pie Jesu” from Requiem by Gabriel Fauré, “Passacaglia” by Allen Chase, “The Musick for the Royal Fireworks (Ouverture)” by G.F. Handel, “Andante cantabile” from Symphony No. 5 by Peter Ilich Tschaikovsky, “Viva Voce!” by John Stevens, “Nittany Prelude” by Gary Powell, “Bacchanale” by Camlle Saint-Saëns, “Adagio” from Symphony No. 9 by Gustav Mahler, and “Pines of the Appian Way” from The Pines of Rome by Ottorino Respighi. UA Director of Bands Dr. Kenneth Ozzello and Bruske Faske will serve as guest conductors. This event is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit http://music.ua.edu/calendar-of-events/ or call 205-348-7111.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuscaloosa, AL – The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences School of Music will host the Matt Wilson Quartet in a guest residency October 25-26. During their time at the Capstone, the group will hold two master classes and two concerts. The first master class will be on Monday, October 25, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Concert Hall, followed by a concert that evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall. The second master class will be on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. in the Jazz Rehearsal Room. They will then perform with the Alabama Jazz Ensemble on Tuesday, October 26, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama. Chris Kozak, director of Jazz Studies, will conduct the ensemble. All events are FREE and open to the public.  For more information visit: www.music.ua.edu/calendar or call 348-7111.

Biography

New York based drummer Matt Wilson is one of today’s most celebrated jazz artists. He is universally recognized for his musical and melodic drumming style as well as being a gifted composer, bandleader, producer, and teaching artist. Matt’s positive energy, sense of humor and ability to explore a broad range of musical settings keeps him in constant demand. In addition, Wilson’s dedication to jazz has helped establish him as a beloved world ambassador for the music, on and off the bandstand. Matt was featured on the covers of both Downbeat and JazzTimes magazines in November 2009 and was voted #1 Rising Star Drummer in the Downbeat Critic’s Poll for five consecutive years. In 2003, the Jazz Journalists Association voted Wilson as the Drummer of the Year.

He leads the Matt Wilson Quartet,which is made up of Jeff Lederer, reeds; Kirk Knuffke, cornet; Chris Lightcap, bass. He also leads Arts and Crafts and the Carl Sandburg Project and co-leads Trio M with Myra Melford and Mark Dresser. Matt is integral part of bands led by Joe Lovano/John Scofield, Charlie Haden, Lee Konitz, Denny Zeitlin, Ted Nash, Myra Melford, Jane Ira Bloom and Dena DeRose among others. He has performed with a wide range of musical luminaries including Wynton Marsalis, Andrew Hill, Elvis Costello, John Zorn, Bobby Hutcherson, Bill Frisell, Kenny Barron, Pat Metheny and Hank Jones. Wilson has appeared on 220 CDs as a sideman. He has released 8 as a leader for Palmetto Records as well as co-leading 5 additional releases.

Matt’s ability to clearly communicate and inspire with passion, humor and creativity has made him one of the most sought after teaching artists in jazz. He has been invited to conduct workshops at the International Association of Jazz Educators and Percussive Arts Society conventions as well as at the Eastman School of Music, Berklee College of Music and Indiana University among numerous schools around the world. He is a clinician for the Zildjian Cymbal Company, Craviotto Drums and Remo drumheads.

Matt resides in Baldwin, NY with his wife Felicia, daughter Audrey and triplet sons Henry, Max and Ethan.

TUSCALOOSA, AL – The University of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences School of Music presents Less is More on Thursday, October 21, 2010 at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Moody Music Building on the campus of The University of Alabama. This concert will be called “Less is More in San Marco, Venice.” The series, comprised of one concert each semester, brings together the academic and performance faculties of the School of Music to stage performances of great works that are not often heard. This particular concert takes its inspiration from a particular time and place: the great cathedral of St. Mark in Venice, Italy, during the 17^th century. This was a period when the economic and cultural life of Venice was at its height, and its cathedral was the center of its grand music and pageantry. Musicians from across Italy made the cathedral their home, including Claudio Monteverdi, Giovanni Gabrieli, and Biagio Marini.

Selections for this concert include “Intonazione primo tono, for organ,” “Canzoni for brass,” and “In ecclesiis for chorus, soloists, brass, and continuo (from Symphoniae Sacrae)” by Giovanni Gabrieli; “Deus in ajutorium meum intende for chorus, brass, and continuo (from the Vespro della Beata Virgine),” “Motet: O bone Jesu for 2 sopranos and continuo,” “Motet: Sancta Maria, for 2 sopranos and continuo,” and “Pianto della Madonna for soprano and continuo” by Claudio Monteverdi; and “Sonata in ecco for 3 violins and continuo” and “Sonata per due violini for 2 violins and continuo (from op. 22)” by Biagio Marini. Performers include the University Singers, conducted by UA Professor of Choral Conducting Dr. John Ratledge; the Alabama Brass Quintet, which is comprised of UA Assistant Professor of Trumpet Dr. Eric Yates, DMA candidate Brittany Hendricks, UA Assistant Professor of Trombone Dr. Jonathan Whitaker, UA Professor of French Horn Charles “Skip” Snead, and Chris Brown, a graduate student on tuba. Other performers and soloists include Daniel Pyle, organ; John Shanks and Lucas Kaspar, trombones; UA Associate Professor of Voice Jennifer Cowgill, Jennifer Bryant, Jeanette Fontaine, Kathleen Buccleaugh, sopranos; Leslie Procter, alto; Brian Skoog, tenor; Kyle Wheatley, baritone; UA Assistant Professor of Violin Jubal Fulks, Gesa Kordes, and Malgorzata Leska, violins; John Allen, trumpet; and Bruce Faske, trombone. This concert is FREE and open to the public. For more information visit http://music.ua.edu/calendar-of-events/ or call 205-348-7111.