Festivus for the Rest of Us: Baylor School of Music Will Present Christmas Concert Featuring Members of Professor’s Studio
Concert performers and composers come from the studio of Scott McAllister, D.M.A., professor of composition in Baylor's School of Music.
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Media contact: Terry Goodrich, (254) 710-3321
WACO, Texas (Dec. 3, 2015) – Baylor University’s School of Music will present “Festivus for the Rest of Us: A New Music Concert,” at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in Meadows Recital Hall.
Performers and composers are from the studio of Scott McAllister, D.M.A., professor of composition in the School of Music.
“During this busy time of Christmas music, we like to offer the latest in new music from the Baylor composition studio,” McAllister said. “This year, we actually have a Christmas-inspired new music work that the composers collaborated on.”
The list of featured composers includes:
Marcell Steuernagel, a doctoral candidate in church music.
Aaron Houston, a master’s candidate in composition.
James Tabata, a senior studying composition.
Karissa Soo, a sophomore.
Patrick Lannan, a freshman studying composition.
The list of featured performers includes:
Jason Luo, cello, a sophomore studying bioinformatics.
Daniel Lujan, violin, a junior studying composition.
Sarah Blair, piano, a master’s candidate in piano pedagogy and performance.
Andrea Horton, soprano, a senior studying applied music.
Ross Tarpley, tenor, a senior Business Fellow.
Jillian Storey, flute, a master’s candidate in performance studies.
Robin Sweeden, oboe, a junior studying instrumental music.
Julie Yu, clarinet, a sophomore studying applied music.
Stephen Buley, French horn, a junior studying applied music.
Haley Blanchard, bassoon, a freshman studying applied music.
“This project began as an experiment to find a way to get composers to collaborate in creating a single product together without ignoring each composer’s individuality and unique skills,” graduate student Aaron Houston said. “In order to make sure the music shared enough similar qualities that it could be presented and perceived as a cohesive unit, we agreed on certain ensemble restrictions and a specific stylistic goal. However, how those elements are used or how the style is interpreted was left entirely up to each composer. The final result is an incredibly interesting product as you get to look at and hear the story of Christ’s coming through four distinct lenses, mirroring how each of us can look at the same God but perceive him differently.”
This event is free and open to the public.
Meadows Recital Hall is located inside the Glennis McCrary Music Building at 110 Baylor Ave.
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.