OBU Centennial Homecoming hosts choral and instrumental concerts
November 10, 2010
As a part of OBU’s “Proudly Stand on Bison Hill: The First 100 years” homecoming week festivities on campus this week, the music department is hosting several events over the course of the weekend.
Two of the biggest events include an instrumental alumni recital and a choral reunion concert. The instrumental alumni recital is set for Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. in Yarborough Auditorium. The free event is set to feature alumni from OBU’s Warren M. Angell College of Fine Arts. There are several OBU alumni performing in the show.
Jennifer Peck, performing on flute, is a 2003 OBU graduate who earned a master’s degree from Boston Conservatory in flute performance. Dusty Higgins, performing on trombone, is a 2002 OBU alumnus, earnning a master’s degree in music performance and literature in trombone from the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York.
Katie Robertson, performing on oboe, is a summa cum laude OBU grad from 2006, where she earned a Master’s degree in Music Education. Paula Paschall Compton, performing on harp, is a 1988 OBU graduate with an emphasis in harp performance. Dr. Stephen Goforth, performing on trumpet, is a 1982 OBU alumnus, and he earned a Master’s degree in Trumpet Performance from Florida State University. Goforth also earned his doctorate from the University of Oklahoma.
After the instrumental alumni recital, the audience is invited to a reception in the Helen Thames Raley Drawing Room. The recital is free, and everyone is welcome to attend. Also on the agenda for the week is a choral reunion concert slated for Nov. 12 at 8:30 p.m. in Potter Auditorium.
The concert entitled, “Celebrating OBU Composers” will feature performances by current student musical groups and music from a reunion choir.
Dr. James Brown, a 1954 OBU alum and faculty member from 1964-1997 and Rhetta Hudson, who served on faculty from 1972-2009, are leading the program as the masters of ceremonies.
The concert will also feature the Centennial Anthem, “Grow in Grace,” written by Donna Butler Douglass, 1982 OBU graduate. Some featured groups in the Choral Reunion Concert include the Bison Glee Club, directed by Dr. Brent Ballweg; the Bisonette Glee Club, directed by Dr. James Vernon; Alumni Ringers, directed by Mary Kay Parrish; University Chorale, also directed by Ballweg and a combined ensemble. The concert will include works by past OBU alumni and faculty members including: Dr. Michael Cox, Dr. Claude L. Bass, Jack Pearson, Dr. A.L. “Pete” Butler, Dr. Nancy Cobb Lippens, Dr. Warren M. Angell, Dr. Rose Marie Cooper and Richard Huggins.
The OBU Symphonic Band and Bison Jazz Orchestra, as well as a reunion band featuring alumni and current students, are set to perform Nov. 13 at 8:30 p.m. in Potter Auditorium. Conductors for this instrumental concert will be Dr. Ron Howell, OBU faculty from 1972-1988, and Dr. Jim Hansford, who served on faculty from 1990-2010.
The OBU Symphonic Band preview concert will be under the direction of Dr. Lauren Denney Wright, assistant professor of music and director of bands. The Bison Jazz Orchestra will be under the direction of Dr. Kevin Pruiett, associate professor of music and coordinator of instrumental music.
A banquet for OBU Alumni will be held Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Geiger Center. This weekend is set to honor all OBU alumni in the Centennial Homecoming week activities, and the Music Department is continuing their celebration of musical excellence through these various concerts.
