The University of Central Arkansas will welcome tuba and euphonium players from across 12 states for the Great Plains Regional Tuba Euphonium Conference, April 28-30. This is the first year for the UCA Department of Music to host the conference.The conference, held every other year for over 30 years, brings together tuba and euphonium faculty, artists and student groups from Arkansas and surrounding states for the rare opportunity to learn from some of the most respected players today.
The three-day event features recitals, clinics and master classes, culminating in The Grand Gala Finale Concert on Saturday evening.
Events during the week include concerts by Four Star Brass from the United States Air Force Band of Mid-America, The Natural State Brass Band, and Pinnacle Brass ? the brass quintet in residence at UCA. Heavy-hitters in the tuba and euphonium world, such as Dan Perantoni, Brian Bowman and John Stevens, will also be in residence at UCA giving recitals and clinics.
Many exhibitors and vendors will also be on-site, including Woodwind and Brasswind, Saied Music and Kenneth Friedrich. Jerry Horne from The Band Museum of Pine Bluff, will also be on hand, providing a rare opportunity to see and hear early versions of the instruments used today.
Events will be held across the UCA campus, including the Snow Fine Arts Center and the Reynolds Performance Hall.
The Grand Gala Finale Concert will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 at Reynolds Performance Hall. It will feature the second performance of the All-Star Honors Tuba Euphonium Ensemble ? a select group of high school tuba and euphonium players. That performance will be followed by America?s premiere euphonium-tuba ensemble, Symphonia.
The final portion of the Grand Gala Finale Concert will feature renowned euphonium virtuoso Steven Mead in concert with the UCA Wind Ensemble. Admission is free and the public is invited.
A reception will follow the concert, giving concert attendees a chance to visit with participants before the evening draws to a close.
Registration for the three-day event is $25 ($15 for a one-day pass) and is required for all events except the finale concert. Registration and additional information is available online at www.gprtec.com. Those interested may also contact the co-hosts for this event:
Dr. Louis Young
(501) 450-3333
louyoung@uca.edu
Dr. Denis Winter
(501) 450-5759
denisw@uca.edu
