Everything Nac

by Sylvia Bierschenk

     NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – East Texas parents and teachers can still make reservations for their children and students to see “Anne of Green Gables” at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the campus of Stephen F. Austin State University. The event is a presentation of the Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts’ Children’s Performing Arts Series.

     “Second through sixth graders will be delighted to see Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel brought to life in this original musical adaptation by ArtsPower National Touring Theatre,” said Diane Flynn, director of the children’s series.

     “The story, which celebrates the power of imagination and the importance of love and trust, is enhanced by a rich musical score, beautiful period costumes and imaginative sets,” Flynn continued.

     Since its founding in 1985, ArtsPower has grown into one of the premiere producers of professional equity theatre for young and family audiences, the second largest in the United States. Its 19 professional touring productions have been seen by nearly seven million people in 43 states, in some of the nation’s top cultural centers.

     Seats are still available for both the 9:30 and 12:30 shows. Flynn encourages teachers and parents to call and place their orders now since seating is assigned on the basis of when payment is received.

     Tickets are $6 for individuals and $5 each for groups of 20 or more. For tickets or more information, please call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.

by Sylvia Bierschenk

     NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS – The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band of the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Music will present a joint concert, “British Band Classics,” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

     The program features works by composers who are British or have significant ties to the United Kingdom, explained Brett A. Richardson, SFA assistant director of bands.

     Under Richardson’s baton, the Symphonic Band will open the concert with Percy Grainger’s “Theme from Green Bushes,” a well-known theme that is also found in the final movement of the composer’s “Lincolnshire Posey.”

     Corey Daniel, graduate assistant from Lafayette, La., will then lead the band in performing Ralph Vaughan Williams’ folk-influenced “Linden Lea.”

     “We will close our portion of the program with an exciting arrangement of Thomas Allen’s late 19th century galop ‘Whip and Spur,'” Richardson said.

     The Wind Symphony will open the second half of the program with “Flourish for Band” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, conducted by Michelle King, graduate assistant from Henderson.

     David W. Campo, SFA Associate Director of Bands, will then take the podium and conduct Gustav Holst’s “Hammersmith: Prelude and Scherzo for Band,” which was named for a district of London and commissioned by the British Broadcasting Corporation Military Band in 1930.

     The final piece on the program is Gordon Jacob’s three-movement “An Original Suite.” “Written in 1924, it has become a staple of the wind band literature and harks back to the roots of wind band music, a true British band classic,” said Campo.

     The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. 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.