Baylor’s School of Music to Welcome Renowned Musicians to President’s Concert

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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321

WACO, Texas (April 22, 2015) – Baylor University's School of Music will present its annual President's Concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 25, in Jones Concert Hall.

This year's program is titled "A Sousa Spectacular" and will feature the music of John Philip Sousa, an American composer known for patriotic music, marches and his band of the early 1900s. Works of Gershwin, Dvo'?ák, Verdi, Respighi, Grainger and many others also will be performed.

Performers will include the Baylor University Wind Ensemble directed by Eric Wilson, D.M.A., the School of Music's director of bands.

"Each April, the President's Concert is one of the high-profile concerts and audience favorites of the year," Wilson said. "This concert allows the School of Music to show our appreciation toward and support for the president and his family, the administrative team, faculty and Baylor supporters. This program includes exciting, diverse music reminiscent of 1900s Sousa concerts, which were often presented in town squares across the United States."

In addition, the program will include the following guest artists:

Michael Haithcock, former director of bands at Baylor University and the Arthur F. Thurnau Professor of Conducting and director of bands at the University of Michigan

Charles Rochester Young, Baylor alumnus, B.M.Ed. (instrumental music and saxophone) '88, and composer

Isaiah Odajima, D.M.A., associate director of bands and assistant professor of ensembles in Baylor's School of Music

Philip Obado, D.M.A., assistant director of bands and lecturer of ensembles in Baylor's School of Music

Jamie Van Eyck, D.M.A., mezzo-soprano and assistant professor of voice in Baylor's School of Music

Randall Umstead, D.M.A., tenor, associate professor of voice and chair of the division of vocal studies in Baylor's School of Music

Michael Jacobson, D.M.A., professor of saxophone and associate dean for operations in Baylor's School of Music

Todd Meehan, D.M.A., assistant professor of percussion in Baylor's School of Music

General admission tickets are $15 and can be purchased online or in the main lobby of the Glennis McCrary Music Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

"Much of this program consists of high-energy, familiar music that most of the audience will know," Wilson said. "I believe this concert will be an enjoyable one, and I look forward to seeing the joy on the faces of those in attendance."

Jones Concert Hall is located within the Glennis McCrary Music Building at 110 Baylor Ave.

For more information or to reserve tickets by telephone, call the Jones Concert Hall box office at 254-710-3571.

by Ashton Brown, student newswriter, (254) 710-6805

ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY

Baylor University is a private Christian University and a nationally ranked research institution, characterized as having "high research activity" by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The University provides a vibrant campus community for approximately 16,000 students by blending interdisciplinary research with an international reputation for educational excellence and a faculty commitment to teaching and scholarship. Chartered in 1845 by the Republic of Texas through the efforts of Baptist pioneers, Baylor is the oldest continually operating University in Texas. Located in Waco, Baylor welcomes students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries to study a broad range of degrees among its 12 nationally recognized academic divisions. Baylor sponsors 19 varsity athletic teams and is a founding member of the Big 12 Conference.ABOUT BAYLOR UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MUSIC

The Baylor University School of Music provides transformational experiences that prepare students for careers in music. Our students thrive in a Christian environment characterized by a nurturing resident faculty, an unwavering pursuit of musical excellence, a global perspective, dedication to service, and devotion to faith. They investigate the rich musical and cultural heritage of the past, develop superior musical skills and knowledge in the present, and explore and create new modes of musical expression for the future. While preparing for future leadership roles, the students join with School of Music faculty in enhancing the quality of community life, enriching the larger culture, and making Baylor a place in which heart, mind and soul coalesce. The School of Music of Baylor University is a member of the National Association of Schools of Music and the Texas Association of Music Schools. Degree programs leading to the bachelor of music education degree conform to certification requirements of the Texas Education Agency.