Arkansas Tech University’s Concert Band will connect with a significant link to the musical history of our state during its first concert of the spring 2012 semester on Tuesday, Feb. 28.
The performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Witherspoon Auditorium. Admission will be free and open to the public.
One of the highlights of the evening will be a performance of “The Marbled Midnight Mile,” which was composed by Steven Bryant.
Bryant studied under the late Dr. Francis McBeth, who held the title of composer laureate for the State of Arkansas. “Francis McBeth was a real fixture in the band world, both as a teacher and a composer,” said Christopher M. Anderson, director of bands at Arkansas Tech. “Steven Bryant’s parents met while studying under Gene Witherspoon at Arkansas Tech, and now Steven is a national composer for band. He is one of most famous students of McBeth.” McBeth served on the music faculty at Ouachita Baptist University from 1957-96. He died on Jan. 6 at the age of 78. The Tech Concert Band will also perform “Courtly Airs and Dances” by Ron Nelson, “Vesuvius” by Frank Ticheli and “First Suite in Eb” by Gustav Holst on Tuesday night. The concert will be the second performance of five appearances by the university bands at Arkansas Tech this semester. The Arkansas Tech Symphonic Wind Ensemble launched the spring season with a performance on Feb. 12. For more information about public performances hosted by the Arkansas Tech Department of Music, call (479) 968-0368.
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