Thursday, August 26, 2010

Area musicians invited to join Saint Mary’s Concert Band

Area musicians who love band music are invited to the Saint Mary’s University Concert Band’s first rehearsal of the season on Monday, Aug. 30, from 6:45 to 8 p.m. The SMU 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 Room 158 of Saint Yon’s Hall. All interested musicians are welcome to attend the first sight-reading informational rehearsal of the season. Advanced high school students and adult community musicians are welcome to join the SMU collegiate members for an exciting season. The band performs a wide variety of repertoire, which will include a premiere performance this November of a piece composed by Paul Richards for the SMU Band through the bi-annual Kaplan Commissioning Project.

Placement auditions will be individually scheduled Sept. 1-4, and audition music will be provided to all players on Aug. 30. If you are interested in the ensemble but cannot attend the initial “info-rehearsal,” 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. on Wednesdays. The band’s first performance this year will be the annual Family Weekend Concert on Oct. 2.

There are openings in most sections; contact Dr. Heukeshoven at Ext. 1675 or e-mail jheukesh@smumn.edu for additional information and to reserve a spot for you at the first rehearsal. Please also specify which instrument you play, as well as your full name and contact information.