Symphonic Band sets Feb. 19 concert

PRESS RELEASE

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS AND COMMUNICATION

Feb. 14, 2014

CONTACT: Brantley Douglas, (501) 450-5022; bdouglas@uca.edu

UCA SYMPHONIC BAND SETS FEB. 19 CONCERT

By Kathy Kelly

College of Fine Arts and Communication Media Office

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Department of Music will host a symphonic band concert on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in the Donald W. Reynolds Performance Hall.

The only concert of the year that exclusively features UCA’s Symphonic Band will start at 7:30 p.m. and will last roughly 90 minutes.  It is free and open to the public.

As part of UCA’s Centennial Celebration of bands, this year’s concert will be presented in the style and tradition of the legendary John Philip Sousa’s band, founded in 1842, that over four decades traveled more than a million miles. The Sousa Band style, which included classical standards, became the standard of measure for American bands.

“Sousa included European music, guests soloists and popular American music in his concerts,” said Brantley Douglas, associate director of bands.  “Audiences were actively engaged to sing and clap along with musical selections.”

Sousa’s marches were famous and a favorite of audiences.

“Our Sousa style concert will have many of these components,” Douglas said.

The performance will feature Jay Cook, trombone professor, and soprano Christine Donahue, associate professor of voice, as soloist.

For more information, contact Douglas at (501) 450-5022 or bdouglas@uca.edu.

The UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication includes the Departments of Art, Communication, Mass Communication and Theatre, Music and Writing. The college’s primary mission is the preparation of the next generation of artists, educators and communicators. For more information about CFAC, visit www.uca.edu/cfac or call (501) 450-3293.

-30-