The Austin College Department of Music will present its annual spring concert of the instrumental ensembles under the direction of Dr. Ricky Duhaime on Monday, April 18, at 7:30 p.m. in the Clifford J. Grum Sanctuary of Wynne Chapel. The concert is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact the Music Department at Austin College at 903.813.2251.
Chamber Orchestra
The first half of the concert will be devoted to the Austin College Chamber Orchestra, performing a Präludium by the Danish composer, conductor, and violinist Carl Nielsen. The Chamber Orchestra is comprised of Austin College string students and faculty, joined this semester by some community members from the Texoma area. Students with majors and minors from across the college are represented in the orchestra, with varying years of collegiate experience and professional interests.
That piece will be followed by a concerto for two violins, written by Antonio Vivaldi, renowned as one of history’s most prolific composers and violin performers. Senior Austin College students Andrew Kim and André Hernández will be the soloists.
The Chamber Orchestra will repeat its portion of the program at Waples Methodist Church in Denison on April 25 at 6:00 PM.
Greater Texoma Jazz Ensemble
The second half of the concert will feature the Greater Texoma Jazz Ensemble performing a variety of big band charts in both traditional and contemporary styles.
The ensemble consists of students, faculty, and adults from throughout the region, with performance venues this year including Pottsboro and Durant high schools, First Baptist Church in Whitesboro, and Austin College.
The April 18 concert will highlight jazz soloists Chris Wilson and Chris Dickson (alto saxophones), Paul Onspaugh and Jacob Alexander (tenor saxophones), Jesse Spear (trombone), and Phil Pitts (piano).