AU Instrumental Ensembles Close Fall Music Events

The Department of Music at Ashland University concludes the fall semester featuring its instrumentalists with performances at the student chamber ensembles recital and the Winter Festival Band Concert. Both concerts are free and open to the public.

On Tuesday, December 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall, several student chamber ensembles perform including the saxophone ensemble under the direction of Dr. Thomas Reed, as well as brass, string and percussion ensembles instructed by Michael Metcalf, Jane Reed and Jeffrey Neitzke, respectively. Mr. Neitzke also leads a jazz combo which will perform.

On Saturday, December 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre, the Winter Festival Band Concert will present the Ashland University Wind Ensemble directed by Gary Ciulla, Ashland University Director of Bands, and the Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB) under the direction of Leonard Salvo.

The Ashland University Wind Ensemble is comprised of the outstanding wind and percussion players at the University and from the community.  The ensemble begins Saturday's concert with Ralph Vaughan Williams' English Folk Song Suite followed by Samuel Hazo's "Whisper to Their Souls" which is based on "Greensleeves," and Robert Sheldon's collection of Irish street ballads, "Longford Legend." The Wind Ensemble closes their portion of the program with "Sleigh Ride" by Leroy Anderson.

After a brief intermission, the 65-member Ashland Area Community Concert Band takes the stage. Established in 1993, the ensemble is designed for both university students and members of the Ashland community to continue their musical study and creative activity. The Community Band's program begins with Clare Grundman's lovely and robust medley of sailing songs including "Hornet and Peacock," "Lowlands," "What Shall We Do with a Drunken Sailer?" and "Rio Grande;" and is followed by Jan Van der Roost's "Rikudim" which includes four Israeli folk dances. Their program also includes Sousa's "Nobles of the Mystic Shrine," Holst's "In the Bleak Midwinter," and concludes with Sheldon's "A Most Wonderful Christmas."

TubaChristmas at AU This Saturday

The local holiday favorite TubaChristmas returns to Ashland University's Hugo Young Theatre on Saturday, December 5 at noon with Mayor Glen Stewart at the "Celebrity Tubist."  The concert is free and open to the public and invites area tuba, euphonium and baritone players to perform. Musician registration will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a rehearsal at 10:20 a.m.

TubaChristmas is an idea conceived by Harvey Phillips, Professor of Tuba at Indiana University. Mr. Phillips wanted to demonstrate to the public what a beautiful sound a mass ensemble of tubas and euphoniums could make and to provide an opportunity for fellow low brass players to celebrate the season with the community. TubaChristmas is dedicated to the memory of Mr. William J. Bell.  It’s a fun, holiday tradition the whole family can enjoy.

The registration fee for participating musicians is $10.00 and includes a 2015 TubaChristmas button.  The TubaChristmas carol book is also available for $10.00. Musicians are asked to bring their own folding stand.

Madrigal Sales End Nov. 24

The Department of Music would also like to alert patrons that the last day to purchase tickets for the 40th Annual Madrigal Feaste is Tuesday, November 24. Seating is still available for the opening night performance on Wednesday, December 2, but all other performances only have single seats remaining.

The opening night performance offers a special discounted ticket for AU students at $11.  All performances begin at 6:30 p.m. in Redwood Hall. Tickets can be purchased through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125, or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets. Discounted tickets for University students and children can only be purchased directly through the box office and not online.

Winter Festival Jazz Concert, Nov. 23

The Ashland University Department of Music will present the Winter Festival Jazz Concert on Monday, November 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre. Under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock, the concert is free and open to the public.

The concert's program will be selected from pieces including Paul Ferguson's arrangement of Danny Boy, Peter Blair's arrangement of It Had to Be You, Thomas Reed's arrangement of Ray Charles' I've Got News for You, and Dennis Wilson's arrangement of Billie Holiday's Travelin' Light and many more.

Performers for Fall Honors Recital Announced

The Ashland University Department of Music announces the performers for the Fall 2015 Honors Recital to be held Wednesday, November 18 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. The concert showcases the best of fall 2015 and is free and open to the public.

Vocalists include Eryn Reynolds Tramel, Fatima Imani Smith, Corey Turpin, Elisha Hofer, Abigale Brady and Sarah Napier. Instrumentalists are saxophonists Jessica Barnhouse and Shayne Smith; Nik Psota, trumpet; Rachel Crow, piano; and Emily Minns, flute.

AU Music Alumna Wins A Cappella Contest

Brandy Riha, BA Music '13, won a contest for her a cappella arrangement of the song "Stitches" by Shawn Mendes. The competition was sponsored by the music notation and service Noteflight.  Brandy will receive prizes of sound equipment worth $1,500 and publication of the arrangement by Hal Leonard, the largest sheet music publisher in the world.  At Ashland Brandy studied music theory and composition with Dr. Alex Sanchez Behar, Associate Professor of Music, and was the founder of AU's a cappella vocal group "Surround Sound."  The advisor for "Surround Sound" is Dr. Ron Blackley, Professor of Music. Visit Noteflight's official announcement at: notes.noteflight.com/a-cappella-winner

Tickets on Sale for Handel's Messiah, Nov. 22

The Department of Music at Ashland University is proud to present George Frideric Handel's holiday masterpiece, Messiah, performed by the Ashland University Choir, Ashland Area Chorus and Ashland Chamber Orchestra with Dr. Rowland Blackley as conductor on Sunday, November 22 at 2 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre.

As the most famous oratorio ever written, Messiah is a collection of texts drawn from the sacred scriptures dealing with Christ’s birth, sufferings, death and resurrection. Best known for its "Hallelujah" chorus, the choral piece also features several well-loved recitatives and arias sung by soloists.

Dr. Blackley, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at Ashland University, previously presented Handel’s Messiah at Ashland University in 2005 and 2010.  While conducting the University Choir and Chamber Singers, he also teaches in the areas of conducting and music education. He directs the annual Madrigal Feaste and has served as conductor and music director for several Ashland University theatrical productions. Ashland Area Chorus director Elizabeth Slade and staff accompanist Susan Gregg have assisted in preparing vocalists for the concert.

With over 100 musicians on the Hugo Young Theatre stage, Ashland University’s presentation will feature a professional orchestra including University organist Timothy Guenther on harpsichord along with University trumpet students Nik Psota (Hinckley) and Hannah Phillips (Plymouth).

Vocal solos will be performed by sopranos Abigale Brady (Ashtabula), Gracie Fumic (Avon), Elisha Hofer (Sandusky) and Fatima Imani Smith (Akron).  Alto soloists feature Sarah Napier (Willard) and Eryn Reynolds Tramel (Medina).  Male soloists are represented by tenor Corey Turpin (Ashland) and Timothy Johnson (a professionally trained vocalist from the Ashland Area Chorus); while baritones include Deric Dove (Newark) and Jake Riley (Wooster).

Reserved seating tickets for the performance are $8.00 for adults; $6.00 for senior citizens, non-Ashland University students, Ashland University faculty, staff and alumni; and $1.00 for Ashland University students. To purchase tickets, call the Ashland University Central Box Office at 419-289-5125, Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Seven Recitals Performed in Less Than Three Weeks!

The Department of Music at Ashland University announces seven recitals which are scheduled over the next three weeks. From faculty and senior recitals to the fall honors recital, the concerts will offer performances by instrumentalists (flute, saxophone, organ, piano, cello, and guitar) and musical theatre vocalists. All of the following performances are free and open to the public.

The marathon of recitals begins on Sunday, November 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall with a faculty recital by flutist Jane Berkner. Ms. Berkner will perform with cellist Miles Richardson, pianist Susan Gregg and Stephen Aron on guitar. Primarily featuring flute and cello, the program will include Jean-Michel Damase's Sonate en Concert, Eric Lamb and Martin Rummel's arrangement of J.S. Bach's (Re)Inventions, Heitor Villa Lobos' Jet Whistle, Lake Wallenpaupack by Daniel Dorff and Danzas de le Abuela by Ricardo Iznaola.

There will be three separate recitals the following Sunday, November 8 beginning at 1 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall with a senior recital featuring music education major Jessica Barnhouse (Cambridge, Ohio). Miss Barnhouse will present her senior saxophone recital accompanied by pianist Susan Gregg and guest performers Jaylynn Buchmelter, trombone; Derek Rangel, guitar; her private instuctor Dr. Thomas Reed, guitar; and Polly Dexter, drums. Her program will include Giovannini's Rhapsody, J.S. Bach's Two Bourrées from Third Cello Suite, Darius Milhaud's Scaramouche, along with Gershwin's Summertime, Parker's My Little Suede Shoes and more.

At 4 p.m. in the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel, Dr. Timothy Guenther will present his faculty recital in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the reconstructed Olive Williams Kettering Memorial M. P. Möller Pipe Organ. The repertoire includes music by J.S. Bach, José Lidon, César Franck, Felix Mendelssohn, Paul Hindemith, Eunice Lea Kettering, Knut Nystedt, Paul Desmond, and Joseph Bonnet; and features the Ashland premiere of the Chorale Fantasia by J.S. Bach on “Wo Gott der Herr nicht bei uns hält”, BWV 1128, discovered in March 2008.

Returning to the Recital Hall at 7:30 p.m., senior applied vocal major Fatima Imani Smith will perform a musical theatre revue to fulfill her senior music project. Directed by Andrea Disch, accompanied by pianist Deb Logan, and assisted by tenor Jake Riley and baritone Deric Dove, Fatima will present her original show of "Musicals Throughout the Ages." Fatima studies voice privately with Stephanie Sikora.

On Sunday, November 15, senior instrumental music education major Rachel Crow (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) kicks the day off at 1 p.m. in the Recital Hall with her senior piano recital. Under the tutelage of her private instructor Susan Schoeffler, Rachel's program includes piano classics from Brahms' Rhapsody to Beethoven's Sonata (Op. 49, Nov.2), along with Rachmaninoff's Moment Musical, five movements from Prokofieff's Vision Fugitives and The Entertainer by Scott Joplin.

At 7:30 p.m. on November 15, saxophonist and instrumental music education major Shayne Smith (Bellevue, Ohio) will present his senior recital in the Recital Hall. He will be accompanied by pianist Susan Gregg and assisted by fellow sax players Michael Byndas, Derek Rangel, Jessie Barnhouse, Jaylynn Buchmelter, Jason Wolf and Nick Slinger. He will perform classic pieces by Robert Schumann and Jean Baptiste Singelee along with contemporary selections including Rudy Wiedoeft's Saxophobia, Dave Heath's The Celtic Concerto, and Little Gap, Pennsylvania by Charles W. Smith. Shayne studies privately with Dr. Thomas Reed.

On Wednesday, November 18 Thursday, November 19 at 7:30 p.m.,the best of Fall 2015 perform at the Fall Honors Recital in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. Students who accomplished exceptional musical work during the semester will showcase their vocal and instrumental talents as selected by their private teachers.

Alumnus Mark Stringer Shares Touching Madrigal Memory

As the Department of Music prepares to celebrate the 40th Annual Madrigal Feaste, all former jesters for the event were invited to be our guests for this year's milestone. Alumnus Mark Stringer let us know that he is unable to attend the anniversary celebration, but shared the following story with us which captures the impact of the Madrigal Feaste on him personally as well as the true essence of the Holiday season.

I think back to the AU Madrigal Feasts fondly, as I had the privilege to sing in three of them and be the jester at one. I've even preached about the Madrigal Feaste for the UU congregation I serve. Here's the story I shared a few years back. Thought some of you might enjoy:

As a student at Ashland University, I had the privilege to sing every December as a member of a madrigal troupe. We worked all fall, learning traditional carols and English music from the 16th century and doing our best to grow beards…the men, that is…to prepare for a week of performances at the annual Madrigal feast.

Each night, over the course of several days, my fellow madrigals and I would dress in mock-ups of Renaissance garb, complete with goofy hats, tights, and ill-fitting footwear, and attempt to entertain about 200 people who paid to consume Cornish game hens, applaud at the arrival of some kind of flaming dessert soaked in rum, and hear music of the season.

One of the highlights of the night for me was the final set of more traditional Christmas music, culminating with a performance of “Silent Night.” The troupe would sing the first verse in German, then the audience with lit candles in hand, would join in signing the remainder in English. It was always a touching moment.

Over the four years I participated in the feasts, I grew quite fond of the tradition. My family enjoyed it, as well, making the hour-long drive from their home in Akron one night each December to participate. One year, though, my mother had been suffering one of her frequent and crippling bouts with depression and it was unlikely that she would be able to attend.

Jazz at the Nest Returns Oct. 13

Led by Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music, the award-winning Ashland University Jazz Orchestra (AUJO) will present a free public concert on Tuesday, October 13 in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center’s Eagles Nest at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music at this free public concert. The "Monday Night Not Football Combo" will provide pre-concert music beginning at 7 p.m. 

The AU Jazz Orchestra's portion of the program will include pieces selected from Tom Reed's arrangements of Duke Ellington's "Don't Get Around Much Anymore" and Count Basie's "Boogie Woogie/One O'Clock Jump;" along with favorites by Stan Kenton, Cole Porter, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane and other big band legends. A few contemporary pieces will also be showcased including Justin Haynes' "Jelly Roll Meets James" and "Mean Mr. Marvin" as well as Garlock's "Hope."

Fuhrmann Publishes Book About Foreign Opera at London Playhouses

Dr. Christina Fuhrmann, Professor of Music, announces the publication of her new book "Foreign Opera at the London Playhouses" now available through Cambridge University Press.

In the early nineteenth century over forty operas by foreign composers, including Mozart, Rossini, Weber and Bellini, were adapted for London playhouses, often appearing in drastically altered form. Such changes have been denigrated as 'mutilations'. The operas were translated into English, fitted with spoken dialogue, divested of much of their music, augmented with interpolations and frequently set to altered libretti. By the end of the period, the radical changes of earlier adaptations gave way to more faithful versions.

In the first comprehensive study of these adaptations, Dr. Fuhrmann shows how integral they are to our understanding of early nineteenth-century opera and the transformation of London's theatrical and musical life. This book reveals how these operas accelerated repertoire shifts in the London theatrical world, fostered significant changes in musical taste, revealed the ambiguities and inadequacies of copyright law and sparked intense debate about fidelity to the original work.

• Sets operatic adaptations within the complex context of theatre and opera in early nineteenth-century London
• Provides an appendix of all operas adapted for the playhouses during this period, including those that have never been studied before 
• Charts critical reactions to operatic adaptations, as well as changing standards for fidelity to the original opera

Dr. Fuhrmann's other publications include articles in Nineteenth-Century Music Review and Gender, Sexuality and Early Music and a volume on Romanticism and Opera. Her critical edition of Henry Bishop's adaptation of The Marriage of Figaro was published in 2012.

AU Music Begins New Year with Thomas Reed's 31st Faculty Recital

The Department of Music at Ashland University announces its first recital of the new academic year with the celebration of Dr. Thomas Reed's 31st annual faculty recital on Sunday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts. 

For his 31st consecutive annual recital, Dr. Reed will perform on clarinet and saxophone with fellow musicians Susan Gregg, piano; Scott Garlock, trombone; Jane Reed, violin; Lanny Gooding, piano; Paul Martin, bass; and Steve Berry, drums.

His program will include an eclectic collection from his transcription of Tchaikovsky's Serenade Melancolique, op. 26; to Leonard Berstein's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano and Paquito D'Rivera's Contradanza. The program continues with Dr. Reed's arrangement of George Gershwin's Promenade (Walkin' the Dog), Golden and Hubbell's Poor Butterfly, I Have Waited So Longby Sarah Vaughan, Chega de Saudade (No More Blues) by Antonio Carlos Jobim, and concludes with Duke Ellington's Ring Dem Bells.

40th Madrigal Feaste Tickets on Sale Sept. 28

Tickets for the 40th Annual Madrigal Feaste go on sale to the public on Monday, Sept. 28 at 12 p.m. 

Patrons are reminded that this is a very popular event and the box office will be incredibly busy. For immediate service, the box office recommends that patrons come to the box office window located in the lobby of Hugo Young Theatre at the corner of College Avenue and Grant Street or order online at www.ashland.edu/tickets (additional fees apply for online orders). Patrons can also call the box office at 419.289.5125, but phone lines are expected to be busy. Discounted tickets for children can only be purchased directly through the box office and not online.

Ashland University Department of Music produces the annual Madrigal Feaste, which is slated for Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 2-6, 2015. All performances begin at 6:30 p.m. in Redwood Hall. For the 40th celebration, the event promises some special surprises and guest performers from the past 40 years.

Directed by Dr. Rowland Blackley, director of choral activities, the Madrigal Feaste is a dinner theater based in 16th-century England with constant entertainment provided throughout the evening. The Ashland University Chamber Singers perform ceremonial music, Christmas carols and madrigals while the Madrigal Players present a new comedic play along with improvisational theatrics. Fanfare trumpeters, the Court Jester and Butler round out the cast for the event. Performer costumes are designed as authentic reproductions of period apparel; and the four-course meal culminates in flaming bread pudding.

The 2015 Madrigal Feaste Chamber Singers feature Abbie Brady, Deric Dove, Darion Dow, Gracie Fumic, Elisha Hofer, Grace Keller, Danny Lawson, Jacob Markley, Seth Morrison, Sarah Napier, Jacob Poiner, Danielle Rhonemus, Jake Riley, Corey Turpin, Tyler Watson and Hannah Wise. Zack Lindesmith will serve as the Jester leading his cast of players, including Natalyn Baisden, Logan Baker, Andrea Disch and Eryn Tramel.

Tickets for the event are $26 for adults; $15 for children under 12; and $23 for groups of 10 or more. A special $11 ticket is available to Ashland University students for the Wednesday performance only. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request at the time of ticket purchase. Due to preparation of meals, tickets are not available at the door.

Ashland Area Chorus & Community Concert Band Announce Fall Schedules

Two community music ensembles at Ashland University [Ashland Area Chorus (AAC) and Ashland Area Community Concert Band (AACCB)] announce their fall schedules including rehearsals, concerts and membership requirements.

Beginning Monday, August 24, Ashland Area Chorus rehearsals are held on Monday evenings from 7-8:45 p.m. in Room 242 of the Center for the Arts. Initially meeting on Tuesday, September 8, the Community Band rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 7:30-9 p.m. in the Center for the Arts' Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

Entering its eighteenth season, the AAC is dedicated to a mission of learning great music and singing it beautifully. The chorus is open to all singers from Ashland and surrounding counties and includes Ashland University faculty, staff and students as well as other singers from the wider community. Though no formal audition is required for membership, AAC members must be pitch accurate (sing 'on key') and be able to learn and perform their parts successfully. Previous choral experience is helpful.

This fall, the chorus will participate with the Ashland Symphony Orchestra in "A Joyful Opening" of the new Robert M. & Janet L. Archer Auditorium on Saturday, September 12. The chorus will also perform in Ashland University's performance of Handel's Messiah on November 22, and at the annual Festival of Lights on December 13.

The Ashland Area Community Concert Band begins its twenty-third season and is for those that loved playing in band in high school or college and want the opportunity to play again. Performances for the ensemble this fall include a performance at the University with the Ashland University Concert Band on Saturday, December 12.

Requirements for membership are the ability to play a wind or percussion instrument (no need to be a virtuoso); an interest in playing for enjoyment; desire to play a wide variety of music for the public; an interest in meeting new people who share a common interest and availability for rehearsals on Tuesday evenings.

Membership in AAC and AACCB is open to all adults. Students still in high school may also participate with the permission of the ensemble's director.  A nominal membership fee of $25 is requested and payable by the fourth week of rehearsals to continue participation in either ensemble for the semester. The membership fee is payable at the Ashland University Box Office via phone at 419.289.5125 or online at www.ashland.edu/tickets.

Rebecca Wilson: Aria Competition Finalist & Award Winner

Photo by Gwen Juarez

AU Music graduate and former student of Stephanie Sikora, soprano Rebecca Glass Wilson (2000) recently was awarded a grant from the Gerda Lissner Foundation in the 2015 Wagnerian division and was a finalist in the 2015 Lois Alba Competition. In July, Rebecca will be singing the role of Venus in La púrpura de la rosa with Le Château de la Voix. Rebecca is thrilled to be joining Union Avenue Opera this August as Gutrune in their production in Götterdämmerung.

Also, Rebecca has been heard as soloist with the Baroque Artists of Champaign, The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Choir and Orchestra, Chicago College of Performing Arts Orchestra, the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and Wheaton Symphony.

 Other Honors and Credits include the following: 3rd Place Finalist in 2007 Bel Canto Foundation, Bravo Award Winner in 2005 Bel Canto Foundation, Suzel in L’amico Fritz, Lady Billows in Albert Herring, Mimi in La bohème, Fiordiligi in Cosi fan tutte, 2nd Bridesmaid in Le Nozze di Figaro, La Countessa Le Nozze di Figaro, Pat Nixon in John Adam’s Nixon in China, the title role in Finding Yolanda (based on Tchaikovsky’s Iolanta) and WFMT’s Solo Recital Fazioli Salon Series in Chicago.

Video Credits:

Dich, theure Halle from TANNHAUSER by Wagner

Rebecca was accompanied by Maestra Janice Fehlauer

with HD Video provided by Robert Land Productions

Dalcroze Summer Training Workshop

Dr. Marla Butke and Dr. Kathy Thomsen are leading the Dalcroze Eurhythmics summer training workshop at the Ashland University Columbus Center this week. From June 22 through June 26, the week-long workshop is focusing on Dalcroze Eurhythmics, solfege, and piano improvisation. The workshop is also addressing applications for the music classroom/studio, curricular designs, and assessment. The workshop is sponsored by Ashland University Department of Music and the American Eurhythmics Society.

Successful 2015 Choir Tour!

The Ashland University Choir had an incredibly busy, productive and rewarding tour last week with appearances beginning in Millersburg, Ohio, to New York City and ending in Gibsonia, Pennsylvania. Alumna Emily Scaife King ('05) sent us a photo of the choir performing at Leechburg High school (Leechburg, Pa) and several alumni witnessed their concert at NYC's Cathedral of Saint John the Divine. Among their many performances, they were able to take in the culture and history in the Big City!  Congratulations and thank you for representing AU well!

Choir Tour 2015: May 11-17

The Ashland University Choir will tour Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York from May 11-17 at the following locations. All concerts are open to the public. Please join us!

Monday, May 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Millersburg United Methodist Church
5395 Twp Rd 336, Millersburg, OH
330.674.2641

Tuesday, May 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Dutilh United Methodist Church
1270 Dutilh Rd, Cranberry Township, PA
724.776.1094

Wednesday, May 13 at 7:30 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church
140 E Orange, Lancaster, PA
717.394.6854

Sunday, May 17 at 9:45 a.m.
Trinity Lutheran Church
3832 Gibsonia Rd (Rt. 910), Gibsonia, PA
724.443.8110

2014-2015 Music Department Awards

Last night after the Spring Honors Recital, several students were recognized for their excellence within the music department.

A member from each class was recognized for their Academic Honors including sophomore Jaylynn Buchmelter, junior Shayne Smith and senior Devyn Renninger.

OCMEA Leadership Awards went to Jessie Barnhouse, Rachel Crow, Hannah Phillips an DR Haught.

Other departmental awards included:

• Julie Bontempo, Zach Spier Memorial Award for Outstanding Contribution by a non-Music Major
• Devyn Renninger, Outstanding Student Teacher
• Hannah Phillips, Most Improved Music Major
• DR Haught, Oustanding Performer
• Devyn Renninger, Outstanding Music Major

Variable Winds Band Concert, Sunday, May 3

Ashland University Department of Music concludes an eventful 2014-2015 academic year on Sunday, May 3, 4:00 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre with the annual Variable Winds Band Concert. The Ashland Area Community Concert Band under the direction of Leonard Salvo, and the Ashland University Concert Band directed by Kenneth Will will perform and senior Concert Band members will be recognized for their dedication and contribution to the AU Band program. Admission to the concert is complimentary and open to the public.

The Ashland Community Concert Band will open the concert with selections celebrating American tunes including the first three movements (Intrada, Chorale and March) of Clifton Williams' Symphonic Suite, Clare Grundman's American Folk Rhapsody No. 3, Samuel Hazo's Southern Hymn and Savannah River Rhapsody by Robert Sheldon.

After a brief intermission, the University Concert Band will perform a program of different cultures with a Amparito Roca, a Spanish pasodoble from  Jaime Texidor, Malcolm Arnold's Four Scottish Dances, Seal Lullaby by Eric Whitacre and conclude with Morton Gould's American Salute.

2015 Spring Honors Recital Announced

On Monday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall, the honors recital will feature the best of Spring 2015.  Students who accomplished exceptional musical work during the semester will showcase their vocal and instrumental talents as selected by their private teachers. The concert is free and open to the public.

Instrumentalists will include Shayne Smith, baritone saxophone; Nik Psota and Hannah Phillips, trumpet; Jaylynn Buchmelter, trombone; Nicolas Bartulovic, violin; Emily Minns and D.R. Haught, flute.

Vocalists performing are baritone Deric Dove; sopranos Abigail Brady, Rachel Gollhardt, Fatima Imani Smith and Leslie Childers.

Chamber Singers, Women's Chorus & Surround Sound Perform Combined Concert

The Ashland University Chamber Singers, Women's Chorus and a cappella ensemble Surround Sound present their final spring concert on Sunday, April 26 at 4 p.m. in the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel.  The performance is free and open to the public.

Dr. Rowland Blackley, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, will conduct the Chamber Singers as they perform The Seasonings by fictitious composer P.D.Q. Bach. This famous oratorio is a musical satire of Joseph Haydn's The Seasons. The piece will feature soloists as well as common and uncommon instruments.

Dr. Marla Butke, Associate Professor of Music, will direct the Women's Chorus with accompaniment by pianists Rachel Crow and Eddie Carney; DR Haught on flute; Jane Reed, violin; and Tyler Watson, percussion. The program for the Women's Chorus will include Mozart's Dona Nobis Pacem, the art songs Will There Really Be a Morning and Untraveled Worlds, and John Rutter's The Lord Bless You and Keep You which will feature the senior women.

The student-led a cappella ensemble Surround Sound will perform three tunes including Frankie Lymon & The Teenagers' Why Do Fools Fall In Love?, the jazz standard Solitude, and Katy Perry's E.T.

Fairy Tales & Opera Join Forces This Weekend

Ashland University Department of Music presents two evenings of opera scenes which will feature scenes from fairy tales and more.  The performances which are free and open to the public are scheduled for Friday and Saturday, April 24 and 25, 7:30 p.m. at the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

Under the direction of Stephanie Sikora, Professor of Music and Head of the Voice Area in the Department of Music at Ashland University, this annual event features vocal performances from student singers. This year's female cast includes sopranos Abigail Brady, Rachel Gollhardt, Maria Cardona, Fatima Imani Smith, Grace Keller and Hannah Wise along with mezzo-soprano Sarah Napier. Male singers include tenor Corey Turpin, and baritones Deric Dove, DR Haught and Jake Riley.

With scenes from seven different operas each evening, the program presents scenes from fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood and Hansel and Gretel along with Donizetti's Elixir of Love, Delibes'Lakme, Bucci's Sweet Betsy from Pike (A Horse Opera), Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, and The Tenderland by Aaron Copland.

Free Jazz at the Nest This Tuesday

Dr. Scott Garlock will conduct the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra for their final concert of the year at the Eagles Nest in the Hawkins-Conard Student Center on Tuesday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are welcome to grab a snack, enjoy a beverage and relax to the live music of AUJO at the Nest.

Members of the AU Jazz Orchestra include vocalist Fatima Imani Smith: saxophonists Michael Byndas, Jason Wolf, Derek Rangel, Jessie Barnhouse and Shayne Smith. The brass section includes trombonists Jaylynn Buchmelter, Frank Stanek and Chadwick Applegate along with Hannah Phillips, Alex Sandwisch, Nick Psota and Tyler McFarland on trumpet. The rhythm section is comprised of DR Haught, guitar; Ben Bushong, bass; and Dan Shade, drums.

Two Student Ensembles Recitals Scheduled for Monday Evening

Ashland University Department of Music presents two instrumental ensembles recital on Monday, April 20 in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. The 7 p.m. concert features a trumpet ensemble, clarinet trio, flute trio and saxophone ensemble. At the 8:15 p.m. recital, the percussion ensemble, string ensemble, brass ensemble and jazz combo will perform. Both concerts are free and open to the public.

Surround Sound Performs Annual Concert on Sunday

The student-led a cappella ensemble Surround Sound presents their annual concert on Sunday, April 19 at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature a variety of popular tunes including When I'm Gone, The Cup Song from Pitch Perfect, selections from Katy Perry, Boys II Men, Cold Play along with several arrangements by Pentatonix and more. The concert is free and open to the public.

Ensemble members include Ashland residents Cory Turpin, Ruth Chilcote and Danny Lawson along with Emily Sparks (Plymouth), Hayden Coey (Greenwich), DR Haught (Wooster), Seth Morrison (Millersburg), Julie Bontempo (North Olmsted), Karissa Magnacca (Wadsworth), Eryn Tramel (Medina) and Deric Dove (Newark).

Ashland Choirs Join ASO for "An American in Paris"

The Ashland University Choir and Ashland Area Chorus join the Ashland Symphony Orchestra to perform a grand finale of a concert as its swan song to Ashland Middle School’s McDowell Auditorium. The symphony’s “An American in Paris” concert is 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at McDowell, and the concert will be the symphony’s final performance in the venue before the school is demolished. 

As part of the “An American in Paris” concert, the symphony will perform four compositions with French influences. To begin, Lipsky will lead the orchestra through Leonard Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” which features Ashland University Choir, Ashland Area Chorus and 13-year-old treble soloist Francesco von Bülow. 

“The ‘Psalms’ is a serious piece by Bernstein, but you can hear especially his ‘West Side Story’ roots, the influence of jazz and lighter music on this piece,” Lipsky said. “And the chorus is singing in Hebrew, so they’re excited about this. It makes it tricky to sing in a nonEuropean language.” 

Following “Chichester Psalms” is “The Muse and the Poet” by French composer Camille Saint-Saëns, which features solos by Michelle Abraham on violin and Miles Richardson on cello. After an intermission, the symphony will perform “Prelude to the Afternoon of the Faun” by Claude Debussy, which features a flute solo throughout the piece. 

The concert conclude’s with George Gershwin’s “An American in Paris,” which Lipsky said is one of Gershwin’s “most recognized pieces.” The piece is influenced by jazz and blues and features a trumpet solo and even the percussion section’s “taxi horn” instruments.

There will be a reception backstage following the concert. Tickets are available online at www.ashlandsymphony.org or by calling 419-289-5115.

Orff Specialist Roger Sams Presenting at AU, April 12-14

Orff specialist Roger Sams has been selected for the 2015 Gretchen French Visiting Artist Series in Music at Ashland University.  Mr. Sams will visit Ashland University on April 12 to 14 to present four workshops each focusing on a different music classroom setting. All of the workshops are free and open to the public and will be held in Room 242 in the Center for the Arts (formerly known as the Arts & Humanities Building).

The first workshop title "The Artful Music Classroom" is scheduled on Sunday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. and will focus on primary grades. On Monday, April 13 at 10 a.m., he will present a workshop on using improvisation in elementary general music; and at 3:30 p.m. he will return to "The Artful Music Classroom" but focus on middle and upper elementary grades. His visit will conclude with a composition in elementary general music workshop at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, April 14.

Roger Sams retired from the music classroom in 2013 after 31 years of teaching music in public and private schools.  He has served as adjunct faculty teaching methods courses and supervising student teachers at Cleveland State University. He also has been on the faculty in teacher education programs at the University of St. Thomas, Cleveland State University, Akron University, the University of Montana, University of Missouri-St. Louis and other venues throughout the US. 

Roger is a regular presenter at state, regional, and national conferences, has served on the American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) National Board of Trustees, and has worked with teachers in Canada, China, Indonesia and India. He currently serves as Director of Publications and Music Education Consultant at Music is Elementary. He is the co-author of “Purposeful Pathways:  Possibilities for the Elementary Music Classroom” with Beth Ann Hepburn.  He has published works for children’s choirs in the “Crooked River Choral Project” series and a collection of rounds and partner songs entitled, “A Round My Heart.” 

Trained in Gestalt therapy, Roger is interested in the power of choice in the artistic process, teaching, and life. He holds a Bachelor of Music from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Arts in Music Education from Case Western Reserve University.

The Gretchen French Endowed Visiting Artist Series at Ashland University was established through a bequest from the estate of Gretchen French.  Although Ms. French never attended Ashland University, it was through close friends and alums, Phillip (‘53) and Jean (‘55) Lersch, that she decided Ashland was well suited to demonstrate in perpetuity her values and hopes for young people.  Her entire life was dedicated to people, placing others' needs before her's by unselfishly serving them, in particular her family and many, many young musicians.  This is a fitting tribute to her and will be a continual reminder of her love not only of music but most importantly people.

The goal of the Series is to provide Ashland University students close contact and mentoring with an outstanding visiting musician/music teacher. The particular field of expertise for the Series will vary from year to year. It is a goal of the Series to find Visiting Artists that have the widest possible expertise and appeal to students in various areas of music study.

Haught Presents Senior Recital on Flute

Music education major Don Roger Haught will present his senior recital assisted by pianist Susan Gregg along with fellow flutists Jane Berkner, Emily Minns and Devyn Renninger on Sunday, April 12 at 5 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. His program of classic and contemporary pieces will include Greg Pattillo's Three Beats for Beatbox Flute. DR is a graduate of Wooster High School and studies privately with Jane Berkner. Free & Open to the Public.

AU Music Enjoys Cleveland Orchestra Concert at Severence

Ashland University Music students and faculty attended a concert by the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall on March 21, 2015.  It was an enjoyable opportunity to get away from campus for an evening, and hear one of the world's greatest orchestras.  Many thanks to AU Trustee Brooks Hull for his donation covering transportation for the trip!

BAND CONCERT HONORS AREA MIDDLE SCHOOL INSTRUMENTALISTS

In Celebration of Music in Our Schools Month, Ashland University Department of Music will host the annual Ashland County Middle School Honors Band on Sunday, March 22 at 4:00 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre with the Ashland University Concert Band as the featured guest ensemble.  Ken Will, Ashland University Director of Bands, will conduct both bands.

Consisting of 75 members, the Ashland County Middle School Honors Band includes seventh and eighth grade students from Ashland, Crestview, Hillsdale, Loudonville-Perrysville and Mapleton Schools.  Members of the Ashland County Band Directors Association meet with Ken Will and Crestview's Christopher Thompson, this year’s chairman, to plan the program.  The committee of band directors selects the honors band members based on merit and instrumentation needs of the band. Students meet at Ashland University on Thursday, March 19 and Sunday, March 22 to rehearse and present this program with music ranging from classical selections to traditional marches. 

The 65-member Ashland University Concert Band will open the concert with a cameo program of wonderful but unusual music chosen especially to highlight the day. The University Band will also feature Shayne Smith (Bellevue), Hannah Phillips (Plymouth), and Don Roger Haught (Wooster) as student honors conductors during their portion of the concert. The three students are members of the concert band who are studying Music Education at Ashland University. 

The combination of these two bands make for a rewarding, exciting and satisfying musical experience for both the performers and the audience. Admission is complimentary and a recording can be ordered.

AU MUSIC STUDENT CAPTURES STATE COMPOSITION AWARD

Ashland University Department of Music is proud to announce that Nicholas J. Bartulovic, a sophomore history major and music minor, was awarded third place in the 2015 Ohio Federation of Music Clubs College Composers' Contest for his entry "Three Sketches for Piano." Nicholas is from Twinsburg, Ohio, studies music composition with Dr. Alex Sanchez-Behar, Assistant Professor of Music at Ashland University, and plays violin in the Ashland Symphony Orchestra. The statewide contest is offered annually by the OFMC's Foundation for the Advancement of Music to encourage the composition and performance of music, aid performing and creative artists regardless of citizenship, promote musical education, aid veterans in commencing and resuming musical careers and grant scholarships to carry out the above.

Full Slate of Recitals Announced for March

The Department of Music at Ashland University announces numerous recitals in March including a guest artist woodwind quintet, a faculty trombonist joined by several guest performers, and two junior recitals featuring voice, piano and trumpet students. All of the recitals are free and open to the public and are held in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts. 

On Sunday, March 15  at 7:30 p.m., instrumental music education majors Rachel Crow, piano, (Reynoldsburg, Ohio) and Hannah Phillips (Plymouth, Ohio), trumpet, present their junior recital including selections from Handel to Gershwin. Pianist Susan Gregg is the accompanist for the recital. Rachel studies privately with Susan Schoeffler, and Hannah studies with Gary Davis.

The next evening, Monday, March 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Solaris woodwind quintet will perform a guest artist recital with bass clarinetist Dr. Thomas Reed, Ashland University Professor of Music. The program of new and standard works will include Chorale and Fantasy by the late Columbus composer Mark Flugge, a new work written in 2014 by Akron composer Nikola Resanovic, the masterpiece Mladi by Janacek, and the lovely Romantic Suite, Op. 57 by LeFebvre. Since its formation in 1976 as ensemble in residence at the University of Akron, Solaris has established a reputation as one of the foremost woodwind quintets in the United States. In addition to their regular concert series at the University of Akron, Solaris has toured Italy, Brazil, Sweden and the United States.

On Sunday, March 22 at 7:00 p.m. (Note the date and time change from previous publications), Dr. Scott Garlock, Professor of Music, will present a faculty recital on trombone with several guest performers including pianists Emily Garlock and Susan Gregg; fellow trombonists Paul Ferguson, Chris Simmons, Chadwick Applegate and Jaylynn Buchmelter; Don Roger Haught on guitar; Ben Schnell, bass; and Dan Shade, drums. The program will include Benedetto Marcello's Sonata in A minor, Launy Grondahl's Concert pour Trombone et Piano and Sonata Breve for Bass Trombone by Walter Hartley along with Garlock's arrangement "Songs from Liz's Juries" based on Bela Bartok's "Bear Dance," and Paul Ferguson's arrangement of Henry Purcell's Sonata no. 11. The program will conclude with Antonin Dvorak's Three Slavonic Dances and Michael Davis' "Blue on Green." 

The final recital in March presents vocalists Fatima Imani Smith (Copley, Ohio), soprano, and Deric Dove (Newark, Ohio), baritone, as they perform their junior recital on Thursday, March 26 at 7:30 p.m.. Both study privately with Stephanie Sikora with Fatima pursuing a degree in music performance and Deric studying music education. They will be assisted by pianist Deb Logan and percussionist Maria Cardonay.

JAZZ PIANIST BENNY GREEN HEADLINES 2015 MAPLEROCK JAZZ FESTIVAL

Ashland University’s award-winning Jazz program is proud to present the 2015 Maplerock Jazz Festival slated for Friday, March 20. Along with free performances by area high school jazz ensembles in the afternoon, the event presents a main stage concert at 7:30 p.m. in Hugo Young Theatre. The evening concert opens with the Ashland University Jazz Orchestra under the direction of Dr. Scott Garlock and features Jazz pianist Benny Green as the headlining guest artist along with Ashland High School alumnus Michael Stewart on trumpet; Dave Sterner, alto saxophone; and Jeff Bush, trombone. 

The afternoon performances are free and open to the public while tickets for the evening concert are available through the Ashland University Box Office at 419.289.5125, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, or online (additional fees apply) at www.ashland.edu/tickets.  Tickets for the evening concert are $10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens, non-Ashland University students and Ashland University faculty and staff; and free for Ashland University students.

Masterful pianist Benny Green possesses the history of jazz at his fingertips. Combine mastery of keyboard technique with decades of real world experience playing with no one less than the most celebrated artists of the last half century, and it's no wonder Green has been hailed as perhaps the most exciting hard-swinging, hard-bop pianist to ever emerge from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers. 

Born in New York in 1963, Benny Green grew up in Berkeley, California, and began classical piano studies at the age of seven. Influenced by his father, a tenor saxophonist, his attention soon turned to Jazz: “I began trying to improvise on the piano, imitating the records I'd been hearing from my father's collection, which included a lot of Monk and Bird… it was a gradual process of teaching myself”.

Benny never looked back and never stopped learning as his blossoming talents, supported by mentors such as Walter Bishop, Jr. and others, plus his love for the music propelled him to the upper strata of jazz luminaries.  Benny’s list of credits, accomplishments, and accolades could literally fill a book. His recordings with the masters form a foundation of jazz education. He began his touring life with Betty Carter for four years, was the first recipient of the City of Toronto's Glen Gould International Protégé Prize in Music, and has appeared on well over one hundred recordings with legacy artists such as Betty Carter, Art Blakey & the Jazz Messengers, Freddie Hubbard, Bobby Watson, Milt Jackson, Diana Krall and Ray Brown.

Also joining Maplerock as a guest artist and returning to his hometown is trumpeter, arranger and composer Michael Stewart. With an active teaching studio and performing career in the Chicago area, Michael currently plays lead trumpet with the Gold Coast Orchestra, the Chicago Grandstand Big Band, the Dana Legg Jazz Band, the Grand Avenue Big Band and is a freelance classical soloist. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in Music Composition from the University of South Carolina, a Master of Arts degree in Trumpet Performance from Eastern Illinois University, and a Bachelor of Music degree in Jazz Studies from the University of Akron (OH). Although he primarily writes for jazz ensembles from 7 to 17 players and various brass ensembles, his compositions also cover a far reaching range of styles and genres.

Saxophonist Dave Sterner is a traditional jazz musician with a bent for mixing swing, funk and the blues into his sound. Spending his entire career in the Mid-West, Sterner earned his degree in music from Indiana University and early on played with funk and R&B bands. Returning to his home town of Cleveland, he has performed with Tony Bennett, Aretha Franklin, Harry Connick Jr., The Manhattan Transfer, The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra, The Jazz Heritage Orchestra and the Dizzy Gillespie All-star Big Band to name a few. In addition to teaching for the Cuyahoga Community College jazz program, Mr. Sterner conducts the Lakeland Community College Civic Jazz Orchestra and co-directs the Lakeland Jazz Festival.

Pennsylvania native Jeff Bush began studying music at the age of four on an unlikely instrument, the banjo. He followed with the piano and then discovered the trombone which has become a lifelong pursuit. Working as a professional musician while still a college student, Bush performed with The Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and toured with The Glenn Miller Orchestra. In his final year of undergraduate study, Bush became linked to one of his musical heroes, receiving the Frank Rosolino Memorial Scholarship. The award featured Bush at the 1999 International Trombone Festival and allowed him to study in Berlin, Germany with acclaimed trombonist, Jiggs Whigham. In 2000 Jeff moved to New York City to begin a Master's degree at The Manhattan School of Music and to pursue a freelance career which continues to flourish today.  Bush is honored to have performed with a number of great jazz artists including The Count Basie Orchestra, The Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Cyrus Chestnut and Anthony Braxton. Jeff has also been a featured soloist and substitute conductor for The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and joined the big band of superstar Harry Connick Jr. in February 2007 and stayed with the group through early 2009. 

SPRING CHORAL CONCERT FEATURES THREE VOCAL ENSEMBLES

Ashland University’s Spring Choral Concert features performances from three University vocal ensembles including the Ashland University Choir, Chamber Singers and Women’s Chorus on Sunday, March 15, 4:00 p.m. at the Jack and Deb Miller Chapel.  The performance is free and open to the public.

Dr. Rowland Blackley, Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities, will conduct the Ashland University Choir and Chamber Singers. The University Choir will perform selections including Japanese and Samoan songs of poetry, Eric Whitacre's "Sleep," "The Coolin" by Samuel Barber's Reincarnations, Moses Hogan's spiritual "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel," Franz Biebl's "Ave Maria" which will feature the men in the choir, and the women will be featured in "The Road Home" by Stephen Paulus.

The Chamber Singers will be accompanied by pianist Susan Gregg as they sing Sven-Eric Johanson's Fancies, a set of modern settings of Shakespearean texts. They will also sing Ralph Vaughan Williams' beautiful a cappella works "Two Elizabethan Partsongs."  

Dr. Marla Butke, Associate Professor of Music, will direct the Women's Chorus with accompaniment by pianists Rachel Crow and Eddie Carney. The ensemble will perform a selection of love songs including "Three Madrigals" by Emma Lou Diemer with text by William Shakespeare, "A Red, Red Rose" by Eleanor Daley with text by Robert Burns, and "Dance on My Heart" by Allan Koekpe.

IRON TOYS ANNOUNCES CD RELEASE CONCERT

The saxophone/woodwind quartet Iron Toys announces a public release concert and party for their new CD to be held Saturday, February 28, 7 p.m. at the Happy Grape Wine Bar in Lexington, Ohio.   

Founded in 2004 in Cleveland Ohio, the woodwind quartet features the accomplished and highly respected musicianship of Howie Smith, Rich Shanklin, Tom Reed and George Shernit. With a diverse repertoire exploring classical music, jazz and related styles composed or arranged by members of the quartet, this recording also presents Jim McNeely’s engaging and challenging composition Three Conversations.  Major funding for the project was made possible by the Ashland University Faculty Development program and the Ashland University Department of Music. 

Tom Reed is Professor of Music and Chair of the Music Department at Ashland University, principal clarinetist of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra, and bass clarinetist with the Akron Symphony Orchestra.  He has performed regularly with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Cleveland Chamber Symphony. Tom has also been soloist with the Akron, Mansfield, Clarence (NY) and Ashland Symphonies, and has recorded with the Akron Symphony, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, the Jazz Unit, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Paul Ferguson Jazz Orchestra.  His clarinet CD “Mutually Inclusive” was released in 2008. 

Rich Shanklin has recently retired from 31 years of teaching at the University of Akron.  He taught classical and jazz saxophone, coached saxophone quartets, and taught courses in Jazz Arranging, History of Jazz, and the Business of Music. He has performed with the Jazz Unit, the Cleveland Orchestra, the Akron and Canton Symphonies, the Blossom Festival Band, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony, and is a first-call woodwind doubler for dozens of musical pit orchestra performances at Cleveland's Playhouse Square. 

George Shernit received a Bachelor of Arts in Music Theory/Composition and a Master of Arts in Saxophone Performance from Cleveland State University.  As a freelance musician for 35 years, he has performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, the Blossom Festival Band, and numerous Broadway shows and entertainers.  He also toured with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra and the road show of “Annie.”  For the past 28 years he has worked in the wholesale music business, including 7 years in Austin, Texas, as national sales manager for Jupiter Band Instruments. 

Howie Smith has presented concerts and workshops throughout the United States, Canada, South America, Europe and Australia, and has worked with musicians, composers and ensembles as varied as Anthony Braxton, Gary Burton, Dizzy Gillespie, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Elvis Presley, John Cage, Pauline Oliveros, the Cleveland Orchestra and the Tone Road Ramblers.  His recorded performances are equally diverse and his extensive catalogue of compositions includes works for conventional big bands and combos; for string, wind and percussion ensembles; for electronics; and for mixed media.  Recordings of his work may be heard on the Philips, Polydor, Albany, Open Blue, Optimism and Sea Breeze labels. Smith is a professor emeritus at Cleveland State University, where he was the coordinator of jazz studies from 1979 to 2006 and served as chair of the Art Department from 2003 to 2007.  He has been an artist/clinician for Yamaha since 1971.

AU Women's Chorus Performs at the Freedom Choral Festival

Under the direction of Dr. Marla Butke, nineteen members of the AU Women's Chorus sang at the Concept: Freedom Choral Festival on Saturday at OSU. This event featured 150 women from 14 choirs to create awareness of human trafficking.

Guest Artist Recital Presents Mezzo-Soprano Sandra Ross

Mezzo-soprano Sandra Ross joins pianist Emily Grabinski to perform a guest artist recital on Thursday, Jan. 29 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. The concert program will include pieces by Debussy, Dvorak, Ives and Weill.  The recital is Free & Open to the Public.

Ms. Ross has appeared with numerous Opera companies including the Cincinnati Opera, Opera North, Cleveland Opera, Central City Opera, Lyric Opera Cleveland, Sorg Opera and most recently with the Ohio Light Opera. Internationally she appeared as Madame Giry in the German production of Andrew Lloyd Weber’s The Phantom of the Opera. On the concert stage Ms. Ross has appeared as mezzo-soprano soloist in L.v. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Alexander Nevsky, W.A. Mozart Requiem and the Antonio Vivaldi Gloria as well as others.  

Dr. Reed Presents His 30th Annual Faculty Recital

Join Dr. Thomas Reed, Music Department Chair and Professor of Music, as he celebrates his 30th annual faculty recital at Ashland University on Sunday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall.

His first recital was held on on May 9, 1985 when he performed with pianist Jennifer Byers, trumpeter Doug Huey, and guitarist Kevin Miller.  The following year marked the first of many collaborations with pianist Liz Pastor. Every year after he designed a new program of music, working with old and new musical acquaintances in a variety of repertoire.

This year he will be joined by Susan Gregg, piano; and the Ashland Symphony Quartet including Michelle Abraham and Jane Reed, violin; Monica Reineck, viola and Miles Richardson, cello. The program includes pieces by J. S. Bach, Paul Creston, Astor Piazzolla and W. A. Mozart's Quintet.   Free & Open to the Public.

Junior Recital: Shayne Smith & Jessie Barnhouse

Junior instrumental music education majors and saxophonists Shayne Smith and Jessie Barnhouse will present their junior recital accompanied by Sue Gregg, piano, on Thursday, Jan. 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the Elizabeth Pastor Recital Hall. Shayne is a graduate of Bellevue High School and Jessie graduated from Cambridge High School. They both study privately with Dr.Thomas Reed. The concert program will include pieces by Vivaldi, Paladilhe, Telemann, Singlelee and Bencriscutto. Free & Open to the Public.