Thursday, August 22, 2013

SMU Concert Band invites area musicians to join



Area musicians who love band music are invited to the Saint Mary’s Concert Band’s first rehearsal of the season on Monday, Aug. 26, from 6:45 to 8 p.m. The Concert Band was founded in 1990 as a college-community partnership ensemble and is directed by Dr. Janet Heukeshoven, professor of music and music education.

Rehearsals are held in Saint Yon’s Hall (Room 158). All interested musicians are welcome to attend the first sight-reading informational rehearsal of the season. Advanced high school students, students from Minnesota State College-Southeast Technical who were active in their high school bands, and experienced adult community musicians are welcome to join the SMU collegiate members for an exciting season. The band performs a wide variety of repertoire that includes a world-premiere performance this fall of a composition titled “Katanya,” composed by Larry Bitensky. The new piece was composed for the SMU band through the Kaplan Foundation Commissioning Project.  This delightful new work is for narrator and concert band, and brings us a traditional Jewish folk tale through words and music.

Placement auditions will be individually scheduled; audition music will be given to all players on Aug. 26. If you are interested in the ensemble but cannot attend the initial “info-rehearsal,” please contact Dr. Heukeshoven to make other arrangements. The Concert Band rehearses 6:45 to 8 p.m. Mondays, and 6:45 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays. The band’s first performance this year will be the annual Family Weekend Concert (shared with the SMU choirs) on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Detailed information regarding band membership and the auditions (held Aug. 28-31) will be available at the first rehearsal. There is a place for you in the band; contact Dr. Heukeshoven at Ext. 1675 or email at jheukesh@smumn.edu for additional information and to reserve a spot for you at the first rehearsal. If you leave a message, please specify which instrument you play, as well as your full name and contact information.