The Lamar University Band will present a preview of its upcoming Texas Music Educators Association performance at a concert Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the Nederland High School Performing Arts Center.
The 7:30 p.m. concert will be open to the public without charge.
The 50-member ensemble, under the direction of Bradley Kent, will showcase George Gershwin’s classic “Rhapsody in Blue,” featuring Nick Rissman, associate professor of music, on piano. “Raise the Roof,” a 2003 selection by American composer Michael Daugherty will feature Lamar faculty member Gary Parks on timpani.
Other faculty artists performing with the band students include Raul Ornelas, bass; Betsy Hines, piano; and Gary Mizener, clarinet.
Barry Johnson, vice president for student affairs and former director of bands, will guest-conduct the band.
“We are delighted to present this concert for our Southeast Texas audience before the band travels to San Antonio for a performance at the Texas Music Educators Association’s annual clinic and convention,” Kent said.
“TMEA is the largest gathering of music educators and professionals in the world, with more than 20,000 attendees. The band will be making its first appearance at TMEA since 2001.”
The Lamar Band will perform – by invitation of TMEA – at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, in the Lila Cockrell Theatre, which adjoins the convention center in downtown San Antonio.
Lamar’s 2001 TMEA appearance also featured Johnson as conductor. With President Jimmy Simmons as soloist on that occasion, the concert made TMEA history. It was the first time that both a university president and a vice president performed before the group.
The Nederland High School Performing Arts Center is at 18th Street and Spurlock Road in Nederland. Additional information is available from Kent at (409) 880-8147 or 880-8144.
