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An evening of wind band literature

By Staff | Nov 8, 2013

The Shepherd University Wind Symphony will present an evening of wind band literature as interpreted by a new generation of conductors and special guest conductor Dr. Bennett Lentczner at 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 at the Frank Center.

Student conductors for this performance are music education seniors George Ferenz, Alana Gondeck, Rebecca Herdering, Lucas Hogan, Kristin Monroe, Ronald Rowlett and senior music composition major Kris Nigh. These student conductors have completed two semesters of conducting studies and have carefully selected music, studied their scores, written program notes, developed rehearsal strategies and rehearsed the ensemble.

Program selections include a bold statement by Jack Stamp “Gavorkna Fanfare,” a celebration of memories by Samuel Hazo “Solas Ane,” a chorale setting on a hymn of William Billingsby by William Schuman “When Jesus Wept,” a classic march from Edwin Bagley titled “National Emblem,” a new work by Richard Saucedo “Persistence,” a medley of sea chanteys by Ralph Vaughan Williams titled “Sea Songs,” a piece by Alfred Reed “A Festival Prelude,” the classic “Country Gardens” by Percy Grainger, a Scottish folk ballad set by Frank Ticheli “Loch Lomond” and an overture by Michael Mogensen “Evokata.”

Also included is “Of Sailors and Whales,” a piece by W. Francis McBeth based on five characters from Herman Melville’s novel “Moby Dick.” It takes the listener on an ocean journey aboard the Pequod with Queequeg, Ishmael and Captain Ahab as they search for the white whale.

Lentczner, founding president of RealVisions, administrator, artist, and educator, is recognized across the country for his leadership of the renowned New World School of the Arts. A university dean and provost for more than 18 years, Lentczner has served on national, regional, state, and local boards and associations, as well as evaluation and accreditation teams across the country. He has more than 10 years experience teaching grades 4-12. His work in evaluation and assessment includes more than 20 chapters of Young Audiences, Inc. (providers of arts education programs and residencies in K-12 schools), the Leonard Bernstein Center for Education through the Arts, and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. His arts education experience includes service on panels for the National Endowment for the Arts, the Getty Foundation for Education in the Arts, and the South Carolina Arts Commission. Lentczner holds degrees from the Julliard School of Music, Columbia University, and Ball State University.

Building upon a tradition of musical excellence at Shepherd University, each instrumental student is provided with relevant musical experiences in the exciting journey and valuable lesson through the process of realizing a score and bringing the performance to life. Shepherd University’s Department of Music has a 100 percent placement rate for its music education majors and programs such as this give invaluable experience to these future teachers.

The Wind Symphony concert is $10 for general admission, $5 for faculty, staff, seniors, alumni, and age 18 and under, and free for Shepherd students and Friends of Music MAC Cardholders.Admission and seating is on a first-come first-served basis and reservations are not taken. The box office opens one hour prior to the performance. For more information call 304-876-5555 or visit www.shepherd.edu/musicweb.