French visit a success for UTC Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble
(Come and enjoy a post-Paris concert!)

Under the direction of Dr. William Lee, UTC Professor of Music, the UTC Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble recently performed in Paris, France where the group received a warm welcome and made University history. The visit marked the first overseas tour of an instrumental ensemble since UTC became a state university more than two decades ago.

"The French people were courteous, friendly, and helpful to us throughout the trip. Two of our students, Ken Doyle and Daryl Finley, played euphonium solos in a brass class at the world famous, and selective, Paris Conservatory," Lee said.

The Ensemble performed at The American Library, The American Church and Le Conservatoire de Paris. Several French musicians attended the concerts, as ensemble low brass music is not well known in France. The Ensemble attended five concerts (orchestras, bands, tubas and euphoniums, jazz) and recitals in Paris and visited Versailles, the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Arc d'Triumph, and other places.

"We thought there would be a huge gap between our musicianship and theirs, and there wasn't," Lee said.

One advantage the French students had was superior musical instruments. "These students spent considerable time with the UTC group on the "Serpent," which produces a low sound, the harpsichord, and the saxhorn, an invaluable experience for all of us," Lee said.

The Ensemble and Lee are thankful to Dr. Jocelyn Sanders, head of the UTC Music Deparatment, for her support and encouragement.

"We also wish to thank the following groups and individuals: Professor Walker Breland, who advised on the musical and liturgical aspects of the program; Dr. Robert A. Stanley who translated much of the program and its notes into French, Jym Annear who also did translations, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the SGA for some financial help. Also, I thank my colleagues; they were very supportive. Many university faculty and staff sent messages of encouragement; these meant a lot to me and to the students," Lee said.

The students adapted readily to the food, the language, and to the Metro, and "we had a great experience," Lee added.

Would you like to hear this talented group? You are invited to a Post-Paris Concert on Friday, April 11, 8:30 p.m., at the Roland Hayes Concert Hall, UTC Fine Arts Center. The public is welcome, admission is free.