All-female horn quartet, Genghis Barbie, to perform at SFA

    Genghis Barbie, marketed as “the leading post post-feminist feminist all-female horn experience,” will present a guest recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, in Cole Concert Hall. The performance is part of the 2011-2012 Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music’s Cole Performing Arts Series.

Genghis Barbie, a classically-trained ensemble that performs an innovative and varied program, will present a guest artist recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, as part of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music's Cole Performing Arts Series.

    “If ever there was a concert to introduce an audience to a ‘classical’ ensemble, this is the one. They are simply phenomenal,” said Charles Gavin, SFA professor of horn. “They are conservatory-trained musicians who are creating new audiences for classically trained performers.”

    The group plays the classics but also performs arrangements from popular genres such as hits from Lady Gaga, Bjork, Queen and more.

    According to its website, the group is recognized as “one of the most innovative and energizing chamber ensembles of its kind.”

    Genghis Barbie is composed of Alana Vegter (aka Freedom Barbie) and Danielle Kuhlmann (aka Velvet Barbie), both of whom studied at the Juilliard School; Rachel Drehmann (aka Atilla the Horn), who studied at Manhattan School; and Jacquelyn Adams (aka Jungle Barbie), who studied at Yale and State University of New York, Stony Brook.

    The group recently performed at the 2011 International Horn Society Symposium in San Francisco and will embark on its first international tour this fall.

    For more information about Genghis Barbie, go to http://genghisbarbie.com.

    The recital is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Drive.

    Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

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SFA schedules faculty bassoon recital

    The Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will present Susan Nelson in a faculty bassoon recital at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Cole Concert Hall.

SFA faculty member Dr. Susan Nelson, far right, will present a bassoon recital at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, in Cole Concert Hall. Joining her on the program will be, from left, fellow faculty members Geneva Fung (piano), Evgeni Raychev (cello) and Jennifer Dalmas (violin); Abilene senior Brandon Pierce (violin); and faculty member Eric Fisher (bass). Not pictured is violist Melissa Nabb, instructor for the SFA Music Preparatory Division.

    Nelson and pianist Geneva Fung, staff accompanist, will perform a variety of pieces that Nelson enjoys and that she says “move” her in different ways.

    The duo will play Paul Jeanjean’s “Prèlude et Scherzo,” which was written for the yearly contests of the Paris Conservatoire to test the performers’ abilities while vying for the first prize.

    They will also perform John Steinmetz’ “Sonata,” a piece which invokes extreme emotional states, explained Nelson. “It is reminiscent of both Olivier Messiaen’s ‘Quartet for the End of Time’ as well as Japanese shakuhachi music.”

    Joining Nelson and Fung for the performance of “Divertissement” by Jean Françaix will be SFA music faculty members Jennifer Dalmas (violin), Evgeni Raychev (cello) and Eric Fisher (bass); violist Melissa Nabb, instructor for the SFA Music Preparatory Division: and violinist Brandon Pierce, Abilene senior.

    “Françaix dedicated this piece to one of the world’s most prominent bassoonists, William Waterhouse, who was the principal bassoonist with London orchestras and a chamber musician,” said Nelson. “It highlights Françaix’s compositional style of lightness and wit.”

    Nelson has been member of the School of Music’s adjunct faculty since 2010. She earned her doctoral degree from the University of Michigan, her master’s from the University of Oklahoma and her bachelor’s from the University of Kansas. All three degrees are in musical performance.

    She has performed with the annual Classical Music Festival in Eisenstadt, Austria, and with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra, Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra, Helena Symphony, Toledo Symphony Orchestra and the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra.

    The recital is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music and is part of the 2011-2012 Cole Performing Arts Series. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Drive.

    Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

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SFA jazz bands concert offers jazz, blues and Latin tunes

    The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Swingin’ Axes and Swingin’ Aces jazz bands in a joint concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

    Under the direction of Deb Scott, SFA associate professor of trombone, the Swingin’ Aces will open the concert with a varied program that includes jazz, blues and Latin tunes.

    In particular, the group will perform Stan Kenton’s “The Peanut Vendor,” a traditional jazz piece featuring Richwood sophomore Frank Luera on trombone; and “Among the Pyramids,” a “terrific and unique Latin chart,” according to Scott.

    Also included on the program is Sammy Nestico’s arrangement of “I’m Beginning to See the Light” by Rory Bourke, which will feature Nacogdoches sophomore Jacob Barnhill on alto saxophone and Keller senior Matt Thomas on guitar.

    The Swingin’ Aces’ rendition of John LaBarbera’s “Basie’s Buddy B” will feature Baytown freshman Jeshua Watts on bass, Granbury junior Laura Wright on vibraphone and various soloists improvising the blues.

    For its portion of the concert, the Swingin’ Axes will present “an exciting program of jazz compositions and arrangements by several of today’s most respected jazz musicians,” said SFA Associate Professor Gary Wurtz, the group’s director.

    The program includes a “killer arrangement of the jazz standard ‘After You’ve Gone’ by Bill Holman as well as the classic arrangement of ‘Over the Rainbow’ for Stan Kenton by Bill Russo, which will spotlight Katy senior Webb Gardner on trombone,” Wurtz continued.

    Contemporary tunes “Persevere” and “The Path Well Chosen” will showcase the improvisation talents of Humble sernior Darron Carrington and Brownsville graduate student Robert Palermo on saxophones.

    “The rumba-flamenco style of Michael Mossman’s ‘Spanish Fires’ will thrill the audience right from its opening trumpet flare,” Wurtz said.

    W.M. Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.

    Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

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October 10: SFA Crime Log

Friday October 7, 2011 – Monday October 10, 2011

    On 10-9-2011 an Officer was dispatched to the Lumberjack Village Parking Garage in reference to a subject carrying alcohol out of the parking garage. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the subject and discovered the subject to be in possession of alcohol. The Officer also located a firearm inside the subject’s vehicle. The subject was arrested for Places Weapons Prohibited and transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail without incident. There is one suspect.

    On 10-9-2011 an Officer made contact with three suspicious males near Hall 14. The Officer discovered one of the subjects to be a convicted felon in possession of a handgun and the serial number on the handgun had been tampered with.

    The Officer also discovered that the subject had been previously issued a criminal trespass warning for the SFA campus. The subject was arrested for criminal trespass, tampering with identification numbers, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon, and places weapons prohibited. The subject was transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail without incident. There is one suspect.

    On 10-9-2011 an Officer observed a broken ash tray in front of the East College Cafeteria. There are two suspects.

    On 10-9-2011 an Officer was dispatched to Lumberjack Lodge in reference to a Disturbance. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised on 10-9-2011 he and a known subject had a verbal argument. The complainant stated that the subject attempted to throw his television out the widow damaging the window screen. There is one suspect.

    On 10-9-2011 an Officer conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle on East College St. for a violation of a city ordinance. The Officer discovered that the driver was driving while his driver’s license was invalid and the subject had a prior conviction of driving while license invalid. The subject was arrested for driving while license invalid with a prior conviction. The subject was transported to the Nacogdoches County Jail without incident. There is one suspect.

    On 10-9-2011 an Officer was contacted by a subject in reference to Theft. The subject stated that between 10-3-2011 and 10-7-2011 her secure bicycle was stolen from the bike rack next to the Austin Building. There are no suspects.

    On 10-7-2011 an Officer was dispatched to Steen Library in reference to Theft. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised on 10-7-2011 her unattended books and laptop were stolen at Steen Library. There are no suspects.

    On 10-7-2011 an Officer was dispatched to the lobby of UPD in reference to Theft. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised on 10-7-2011 his unattended cell phone was stolen from the front of Steen Library. There are no suspects.

    On 10-7-2011 an Officer was dispatched to the lobby of UPD in reference to Burglary of a Habitation. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised between 10-6-2011 and 10-7-2011 his backpack was stolen from his unsecure residence at Hall 16. There are no suspects.

Thursday October 6, 2011 – Friday October 7, 2011

    On 10-6-2011 an Officer was dispatched to a public table outside Hall 16 in reference to an Intoxicated Person. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the subject, who the Officer discovered was intoxicated and was a danger to herself and others. The Officer issued the subject a citation for public intoxication and the subject was transported to Nacogdoches Memorial Hospital by EMS. There is one suspect.

    On 10/06/2011 an Officer was dispatched to the East College Cafeteria in reference to a disturbance in progress. Upon arrival the officer met with the persons involved and discovered that each had committed the offense of disorderly conduct. There are two suspects.

    On 10-6-2011 an Officer was dispatched to the lobby of UPD in reference to Theft. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised between 10-5-2011 and 10-6-2011 her secure bicycle was stolen from the bike rack in Lot 47. There are no suspects.

    On 10-6-2011 an Officer was dispatched to the Baker Pattillo Student Center in reference to Theft. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised on 10-6-2011 his unsecure bicycle was stolen from the bike rack at Lumberjack Village. There are no suspects.

    On 10-6-2011 an Officer was dispatched to the lobby of UPD in reference to Theft. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised between 9-29-2011 and 10-6-2011 his secure bicycle was stolen from the bike rack at South Hall. There are no suspects.

    On 10-6-2011 an Officer was dispatched to the lobby of UPD in reference to Theft. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised on 10-5-2011 her unattended ring was stolen at the HPE Building. There are no suspects.

    On 10-6-2011 an Officer was dispatched to Lumberjack Landing in reference to Criminal Mischief. Upon arrival the Officer made contact with the complainant, who advised on an unknown date the southeast exit door was damaged at Lumberjack Landing. There are no suspects.

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October 10: Sheriff Office Daily Activity Log AND Booking/Arrest Report

This is the report from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office that list the reports from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day AND this is the report from the Nacogdoches County Jail that lists the arrests made from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day.

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October 9: Sheriff Office Daily Activity Log AND Booking/Arrest Report

This is the report from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office that list the reports from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day AND this is the report from the Nacogdoches County Jail that lists the arrests made from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day.

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October 8: Sheriff Office Daily Activity Log AND Booking/Arrest Report

This is the report from the Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office that list the reports from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day AND this is the report from the Nacogdoches County Jail that lists the arrests made from 6 a.m. of the previous day to 6 a.m. of the listed day.

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Obituary: James Eugene Brittain 1957 – 2011

     James Eugene “Midget” Brittain, 54, of Douglass, Texas, passed away October 8, 2011, at a Nacogdoches hospital with his loving family by his side.

     He was born Aug. 19, 1957 in Center, Texas, to parents Mary Murphy and JC Brittain.

     He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Murphy; father, JC Brittain; and sister, Phyllis (P.J.) Cortines.

     James is survived by loving wife of 33 years, Carol Brittain of Douglass; son, Corey Brittain and wife Shellie of Douglass; daughter, Summer Brittain of Douglass; son, James (J.C.) Brittain and wife Jamie of Nacogdoches; grandsons, Brogan Brittain of Nacogdoches and Caden Brittain of Douglass; brothers, Lewis Brittain of Lumberton, Bobby Brittain of Center, Keith Brittain of Huntington, and Robert Brittain of Woodville; sisters, Linda Gail Jacobs of Center and Melissa Evans of Joaquin; and second mother, Linda Brittain of Center.

     Funeral services for will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2011, at Cason Monk-Metcalf Sunset Chapel, located at 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches, with Bro. Bobby King officiating. Interment will follow at Douglass Cemetery, located on FM 225 North in Douglass.

     Visitation will be held Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2011, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf, located at 5400 North St., Nacogdoches.

     Pallbearers will be Corey Brittain, J.C. Brittain, Keith Brittain, Bobby Brittain, Robert Brittain, and Lewis Brittain. Honorary pallbearers will be Kris Ball and Jesse Hickman.

     The Brittain family would like to thank all of the friends and family for the love and support they have shown through this sad endeavor.

     Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors, 5400 North St. in Nacogdoches. Online condolences may be offered at www.casonmonk-metcalf.com.

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Obituary: Andrew Wayne Williams

     No funeral services will be held for Mr. Andrew Wayne Williams, 76, of Nacogdoches, Texas.

     Mr. Williams was born on June 19, 1935, in Nacogdoches County, Texas to the late Albert and Virgie Hughes. He passed away peacefully on Friday, October 7, 2011, in Nacogdoches.

     Andrew graduated from Nacogdoches High School. He served his country in the US Navy for two years while stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. He married the love of his life, Jean Evelyn Hamlet on October 29, 1956, in Nacogdoches. Andrew retired from the Department of Transportation as a maintenance supervisor after 33 years of employment.

     He was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church having held many offices and positions during his membership. Andrew was not a complicated man, just a man who served his country, served his Lord and took care of his family. He loved salt water fishing, having spent many many vacations with family and friends at South Padre Island. He enjoyed the outdoors, would help anyone in need, holidays and spoiling his two granddaughters. Andrew was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be missed tremendously by them all.

     Andrew is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Jean Williams of Nacogdoches; a son, Mark Andrew “Andy” Williams of Nacogdoches; a brother, Harold Williams of Nacogdoches; one sister, Mary Bonner of Fairfield; two granddaughters, Kayli Jean Williams and Wendy Ann Williams both of Nacogdoches; a niece, Terri Dear and husband, Frank of Conroe; as well as numerous other extended family and good friends.

     The family asks that in lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Andrew’s name be made to The Hospice of East Texas, 411 University Blvd, Tyler, Texas 75701 or Bethel Baptist Church Youth Group, 429 Happyland Rd., Nacogdoches, Texas 75965.

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Obituary: Lela Barron

     Funeral services for Mrs. Lela Barron, 85, formally of Nacogdoches will be held on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 10 AM at Laird Funeral Home with Rev. Troy Brooks officiating. Interment will follow in Rock Springs Cemetery.

     Lela was born in Nacogdoches on October 10, 1925 and passed away in Bryan, TX on October 9, 2011.

     A visitation will be held from 6 until 8 PM on Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at Laird Funeral Home.

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