NEW PALTZ — The SUNY New Paltz Symphonic Band under the direction of Dr. William McCann will present a concert of music for wind ensemble on Tuesday, April 23, 2002 at Julien J. Studley Theatre on the New Paltz campus. Erik Metsger, a performance major at SUNY New Paltz who was born and raised in Kingston, New York, is euphonium soloist. The concert begins at 8:00 p.m. and tickets are available at the door beginning one-hour prior to the concert.
The concert opens with two works that feature the euphonium – a versatile brass instrument that has the range of a trombone and a deep resonant sound. The works include “Second Suite in F for Military Band” by Gustav Holst, and “Morceau Symphonique,” by Alexandre Guilmant, a solo work for euphonium that emphasizes musicianship in phrasing, beauty of sound, and demanding considerable technical virtuosity.
Soloist Erik Metsger entered the United States Marine Corps as a tubist shortly after graduating from Kingston High School in 1993. While serving in that capacity, her performed at many venues in Japan and the Eastern United States. After graduating from SUNY New Paltz this coming May, Metsger intends to return to the armed forces and accept a commission as a second lieutenant in the Marines.
The program also includes “A Movement for Rosa,” a work by Mark Camphouse that honors civil rights activist Rosa Parks. Written in three contrasting sections, section I evokes Rosa’s early life, section II portrays her years of racial strife in Montgomery, Alabama, and the final section is one of quiet strength and serenity. The hymn, “We Shall Overcome,” is heard is various forms throughout the work.
“La Storia,” by Dutch composer Jacob de Haan, paints a dramatic and suspenseful musical tableau similar to the way a film score matches the action in a scenario. de Haan, however, has kept his own ideas regarding “La Storia” to himself, thereby insuring that audiences imagine their own story to fit the music.
The “Symphonic Concert March” by Italian composer Giovanni Bonelli is based chiefly on flowing melodies, contrapuntal material and contrasting rhythms.
Tickets to the Symphonic Band concert are $5 general admission, $4 senior citizens and SUNY staff, and $3 for students. They are available at the door to the theatre beginning at 7:00 p.m., one hour prior to the performance. Julien J. Studley Theatre is wheelchair accessible and is equipped with an infrared listening system for the hearing impaired. For additional information call 257-3872 during regular business hours.
– 30 –
