UTC Symphonic Band Concert
“Great Band Classics”

Thursday, February 19, 2009, 7:30 pm
Roland Hayes Concert Hall, UTC Fine Arts Center
Press Release 01/21/2009

On Thursday, February 19, 2009 the UTC Music Department will present the UTC Band in concert at 7:30 pm in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall, UTC Fine Arts Center (corner of Vine and Palmetto Streets). The program is entitled “Great Band Classics”. Dr. Stuart Benkert described the concert as “…a good one for those that love band music.” The concert is free and open to the general public.

When describing the programming for this concert Dr. Benkert stated too many students lack experience playing the “standards” of real band literature and part of the educational process of teaching band directors is introducing them to standard literature. “It would be similar to having a student graduate with a degree in English literature without having read Gulliver’s Travels, The Canterbury Tales, or Wuthering Heights. I am dedicated to making sure that each UTC graduate has played a certain amount of standard literature, original masterworks, and pieces of historical significance.” The selections for this concert include Giovanni’s “Overture in B-flat,” Persichetti’s “Pageant”, Holst’s “First Suite” and Giannini’s “Fantasia for Band. A particular treat is the alto sax solo with band arrangement of “Harlem Nocturne” by Alfred Reed.

The UTC Band is directed by Dr. Stuart Benkert, Director of Bands. Dr. Benkert’s extensive resume’ includes directing bands of all levels, K-12 and secondary, as well as national and international honor bands.Also, conducting the band for the first time will be new Assistant Director of Bands Dr. Erika Schafer. Dr. Schafer comes to UTC via the Navy band in Washington D.C. She also is the new jazz band director and heads the trumpet studio.

For further information contact the UTC Music Dept. Office, 423-425-4601.