December 4, 2006
For Immediate Release
For an interview:
David Fullmer
(801) 863-6188
Barbara Hammond
(801) 863-6246
UVSC to Host a Week of Music Concerts and Tribute to Maynard Ferguson
The UVSC Music Department will host a series of concerts featuring a wide variety of musical talent December 5-8 in the Ragan Theater.
Tuesday, Dec.5
The UVSC concert choir, under the direction of Constance Jensen, will perform at 7::30 p.m. in the Ragan Theater, after which the UVSC Symphony Band, conducted by Professor Wayne Erickson, will perform at 7:30 p.m. The band’s program includes works by Sousa, Jager, Whitacre and Aaron Copland’s “Outdoor Overture.” UVSC student Jared Hearld, trumpet soloist, will be featured on Eric Ewazen’s composition Azteca. Admission is free of charge.
Wednesday, Dec.6
UVSC’s Symphony Orchestra, conducted by David Fullmer, assistant professor of music, will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Ragan Theater. The orchestra will feature works from renowned composers John Williams, Franz von Suppe, a Broadway Medley by Bruce Chase, and music from Ronan Hardiman’s “Lord of the Dance.” The orchestra will also present the Fantasy-Overture Romeo and Juliet by Peter Tschaikowsky.
At the performance, Dean for the School of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences William Cobb will present the annual “Fran Kennedy, Friends of the Arts” Award to Merrill B. Jenson, composer. Following the award presentation, the UVSC Orchestra will premier two new Jenson compositions, conducted by the composer. "Ice Princess and the Snow King" and "Land of the Elves," two dances based on Nordic Mythology, were composed for this event and are dedicated to Fran Kennedy.
“It is such a privilege to receive the Fran Kennedy Friends of the Arts Award,” Jenson said. “I knew her and knew of her love for the Utah Valley State Music Department. We are all indebted for her kindness, her nurturing and for her support.”
Merrill B. Jenson has scored 19 feature-length films (including Legacy, seen by thousands each year in the Joseph Smith Theater in Salt Lake City), scores for several IMAX films and produced more than 60 record albums including two for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. General Admission $8, Students, Faculty and Staff $5, tickets are available at Campus Connection, (801) 863-8797.
Thursday, Dec.7
The UVSC Masterworks Chorale, directed by Dyanne Riley will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Ragan Theater. The program includes selections from Handel’s “Messiah” and John Rutter’s “When The Saints Go Marching In.” Admission is free of charge.
Friday, Dec.8
The UVSC Jazz Ensemble, directed by Dr. David Fullmer, will perform a tribute to jazz legend Maynard Ferguson at 7:30 p.m. in the Ragan Theater. Special guest performers Patrick Hession, trumpet and Reggie Watkins, trombone, two long time members of the Maynard Ferguson Band, will lend their music and personal memories to the UVSC tribute. In addition to Ferguson’s music, the UVSC Jazz Ensemble will perform tunes by jazz greats Duke Ellington, Charles Mingus, and Sammy Nestico.
Walter “Maynard” Ferguson, one of the most influential musicians and bandleaders in the history of Jazz, passed away August 23, 2006 in Ventura, Calif. at the age of 78. He performed and recorded right to the very end, playing to sold-out crowds at the Blue Note in New York City as well as recording a brand new album in July 2006. Ferguson started his career at the age of 13 when he performed as a featured soloist with the Canadian Broadcasting Company Orchestra. He played with some of the great Big Band leaders of the 1940’s including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Barnett, Jimmy Dorsey and Stan Kenton. At age 17, Ferguson became the leader of his own big band. Ferguson has recorded more than 60 albums, receiving numerous honors and awards including a Grammy nomination for “Gonna Fly Now.” General Admission $8, Students, Faculty and Staff $5, tickets are available at Campus Connection, (801) 863-8797.
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College Marketing Contact:
Megan Laurie
(801) 863-7149
Written By:
Rodney Hansen
(801) 863-7205
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