Dr. Andy Harnsberger

Dr. Andy Harnsberger, assistant professor of music and percussion coordinator at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., will present a guest percussion recital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.


NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present Dr. Andy Harnsberger in a guest percussion recital at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 22, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

Praised by Percussive Notes Journal as "A Master of Musical Nuance," Harnsberger enjoys a versatile career as a performer, composer and educator, according to Dr. Brad Meyer, director of percussion at SFA. Harnsberger, who is assistant professor of music and percussion coordinator at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., has performed in musical venues across the United States, Australia, Japan and nine countries in Europe. He also presents numerous solo recitals and clinics throughout the country each year.

"Dr. Harnsberger is in demand as a recitalist and clinician across the country and internationally, presenting clinics and masterclasses at as many as 40 universities per year," Meyer said. "His compositions have been performed at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and around the world. Harnsberger was also a recipient of the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) PLUS award for his contributions to American Concert Music."

Harnsberger will give a masterclass at 2 p.m. that same day in the percussion studio (Room 124 in the Wright Music Building) on how to properly warm up before practicing and how to prevent injuries associated with playing percussion. The clinic is free and open to the public.

His performance that evening will be streamed live at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/brad-meyer-percussion. He will perform his "Palmetto Moon" for marimba soloist and trio. Harnsberger will play the marimba solo while SFA percussion students Steven Reiss (graduate student), Sammy Hernandez (junior) and Nathan Poteet (junior) accompany him. Other pieces to be performed are "Words Unspoken," "April Sun," "Shine On, Circular Quay" and "Phoenix," which were all composed by Harnsberger. In addition, he will perform John Serry's "Night Rhapsody."

Cole Concert Hall is located in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Drive.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students. For tickets or more information, visit http://www.finearts.sfasu.edu/ or call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407.