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The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band at Stephen F. Austin State University will present “Messages of Hope,” a program featuring works that evoke hope, encouragement and healing, when the student ensembles perform at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 8, in the Grand Ballroom in the Baker Pattillo Student Center on the SFA campus.

Directed by Dr. Chris Kaatz, assistant director of bands at SFA, the Symphonic Band’s program explores the idea of “hope amidst tragedy,” Kaatz said.

The concert opens with Steven Bryant’s “Ecstatic Fanfare,” which Kaatz describes as “a bright and joyful work that represents the mountaintop experiences we have in life.” It will be followed by a “representation of life’s tragedies” in Daniel Bukvich’s Symphony No 1, which uses unconventional performance techniques to evoke the 1945 bombing of Dresden in World War II.

The band will also perform Frank Ticheli’s “American Elegy,” which Kaatz said serves as a gentle and optimistic response to the violent display of the previous work. As indicated in the score, Ticheli composed the piece “in memory of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 and to honor the survivors.”

“Ticheli intends the work not as a mourning of this heartbreaking event, but as a message of hope, encouragement and healing,” Kaatz said.

The Wind Symphony is directed by Dr. Dan Haddad, associate director of bands at SFA. The ensemble will perform “Short Ride in a Fast Machine” by John Adams, arranged by Richard L. Saucedo. As a commentary on the title, Adams asks, “You know how it is when someone asks you to ride in a terrific sports car, and then you wish you hadn’t?” The composer is known for the concept of “gating,” or the process of suddenly changing pitches in a harmony, often based on different modes.

The Wind Symphony will also perform “Serenity” by Ola Gjeilo, arranged by J. Eric Wilson and Ola Gjeilo; Third Suite by Robert E. Jager; and “A Childhood Remembered” by Rossano Galante.

Admission to the concert is free. For more information, contact the School of Music at (936) 468-4602.

The Stephen F. Austin State University Board of Regents approved faculty and staff appointments and changes of status during the group’s quarterly meeting Tuesday.

In the Nelson Rusche College of Business, Marci Jackson was appointed assistant professor of business communication and legal studies, and Jason Reese was promoted from associate professor and assistant chair of management, marketing and international business to associate dean.

Kevin Langford in the College of Sciences and Mathematics was promoted from associate professor of biology to interim chair of biology, and Matthew Beauregard was promoted to interim chair of computer science and interim chair of physics, engineering and astronomy.

Staff appointments include Timothy McLemore, director, Center for Career and Professional Development; Jordan Perez, programmer analyst I, Information Technology Services; Ja’von Long, assistant director of multicultural affairs; Scarleth Lopez, area coordinator, residence life; and Michael Onuchovsky and Amanda West, coordinators, student engagement.

Jordan Rains was promoted from student compliance specialist to interim director for athletics academic services. In financial and administrative services, Jennie Blough was promoted from assistant director of accounting operations for the controller’s office to assistant director; Carol Fountain was promoted from assistant director of procurement and property services to director; and Deborah Kay Johnson was promoted from director-HUB coordinator of procurement and property services to executive director.

In Information Technology Services, Sheldon Harrison was promoted from network support specialist II for the library to application support specialist I; Kreg Moiser was promoted from systems programmer II to application support specialist IV; and Robert Saunders was promoted from technical support specialist II for the library to application support specialist I.

Renea McDaniel was promoted from payroll manager in the controller’s office to payroll manager, and Chase James was promoted from classroom support technician I to technology coordinator in auxiliary services.

In procurement and business services, Kathy Durrett was promoted from buyer to contracting specialist I; Brittney Goad was promoted from accounts payable manager to disbursements manager; Kimberly Jones was promoted from contracting specialist II to purchasing manager; LaDonna O’Hara was promoted from buyer to contracting specialist I; Teresa Rhodes was promoted from contracting specialist to contracting specialist I; and Jennifer McCall Wesoloski was promoted from associate director to director.

Carl Mackey was promoted from area coordinator to director in residence life, Erik Santes Zepeta was promoted from human resources representative to safety officer in safety and risk management. Melissa Turner was promoted from assistant director, department coordinator, to director of Title IX compliance; Marsha Shoemaker was promoted from interim office manager to director of operations for Health Services; and Dixon Cartwright was promoted from marketing communications coordinator to marketing communications coordinator-media for University Marketing Communications.

In treasury and student business services, Michelle Brazeil was promoted from assistant bursar to assistant director of Student Business Services; Amy Mooneyham was promoted from assistant bursar to assistant director of Student Business Services; and Hillary Parrish was promoted from assistant director for physical plant to treasury analyst.

Regents approved the retirements of employees with 87 years of combined service: Valerie Harrell, assistant director, financial aid; Sonja Hendry, safety officer, safety and risk management; Stephen Watson, assistant director, information technology services; and Winston Baker, director, residence life.