SFA's Charles Gavin to present 'fun' faculty horn recital
January 19, 2010
Charles Gavin
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Charles Gavin, professor of horn at Stephen F. Austin State University, promises fun and audience participation during his faculty horn recital at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
"The entire repertoire for this recital comes from composers I know or with whom I have an association through colleagues," said Gavin. The music has all been composed within the last 25 years and is 'audience friendly.'"
A highlight of the recital will be Ellsworth Millburn's "A Day in the Life of Bingo the Dog," which is a fanciful tale based on the famous children's song, explained Gavin. "The audience plays an important role in the performance."
Joining Gavin for the performance of Randall Faust's "Declamation for Horn and Harpsichord" will be James Pitts, SFA staff accompanist.
"The unusual combination of horn and harpsichord promises to provide interesting colors, and the hornist performs a portion of the piece on the natural harmonics of the horn, or without the use of the valves," Gavin said.
Ron Anderson, SFA professor of music, will be featured as the narrator in a performance of selections from "Aesop's Fables" by Anthony Plog, and Andrea Slate, SFA graduate teaching assistant in horn, will join Gavin for a couple of American folksongs set for two horns and piano.
The program also includes Jeffrey Agrell's "Romp for Solo Horn," which Gavin called a "showcase of technical fireworks and special effects."
Gavin joined the SFA music faculty in 1984 where he teaches horn and chamber music and is a member of the SFA Faculty Brass Quintet.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities at SFA, Gavin maintains an active performing schedule. He is currently principal horn with the Rapides Symphony Orchestra and a member of the Lake Charles Symphony Orchestra. He was a soloist at the 23rd International Horn Symposium and regularly performs at regional horn workshops.
The recital 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, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.