OBU Band Pays Tribute to Tragedy Victims, Survivors in Spring Concert

April 13, 2001

The soaring sounds of instrumental ensemble music will pay homage to the victims of tragedies against humanity during the Oklahoma Baptist University Symphonic Band Spring Concert, Thursday, April 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the university's Yarborough Auditorium.

The concert will feature two works reflecting the pain of tragedy and the triumph of survivors.

"An American Elegy," a new work by Frank Ticheli, was composed in memory of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 and in honor of those who survived.

"The Match of Hope" by Nachman Yariv is dedicated to the childern of the Warsaw ghetto.

Other works on the program include: "Fanfare for the Common Man" by Aaron Copland; "Nessun Dorma" by Puccini; "An Original Suite" by Gordon Jacob; "Chorale and Alleluia" by Howard Hanson; "Amazing Grace" by Frank Ticheli; "Overture on a Southern Hymn" by Robert Palmer; and "Summer Dances" by Brian Balmages.

The concert will be the last public performance for six graduating senior members: Erika Clausing, music education major from St. John, Kan.; Brandon Holt, musical arts major from Midwest City; Jason Peck, youth ministry major from Oklahoma City; Joy Redfearn, musical arts major from Hurst, Texas; Will Shockley, musical arts major from Bluefield, Va.; and Jessica Winderweedle, musical arts major from Vinita.

The 50-member ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Jim Hansford, OBU professor of music, is comprised of students from Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, North Carolina, Indiana, Kansas, California, Iowa, Virginia and Thailand.

Hansford, who joined OBU's faculty in 1990, is an active adjudicator, clinician and guest conductor in Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Kentucky. He served three times as conductor of the Texas Baptist All-State Band and this past summer conducted the Oklahoma Baptist All-State Symphonic Band for the sixth consecutive year. He also has conducted numerous honor bands in Texas and Oklahoma, serving most recently as clinician for the Region XV, High School Honor Band in McAllen, Texas.

He is the current national president of the Christian Instrumentalists and Directors Association in addition to serving as province governor for Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia National Music Fraternity.

Hansford earned a bachelor of music education degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and master and doctor of philosophy degrees in music from the University of North Texas in Denton.

The 60-minute concert is open to the public and there is no admission charge.