SFA to present 'Percussion in the Pines' concert

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present "Percussion in the Pines," a joint concert of the SFA Percussion Ensemble and Steel Band, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in Cole Concert Hall.

"The program will feature a great collection of carols, popular tunes and contemporary holiday arrangements for percussion," said Scott Harris, SFA director of percussion studies and the director of both ensembles. "Audience members will recognize classics such as 'Jingle Bells,' 'Frosty the Snowman' and 'Carol of the Bells,' but they may not be as familiar with 'Fum, Fum, Fum' and 'I Saw Three Ships.'"

As with every concert involving the Steel Band, audience members will be invited to participate in the traditional limbo dance.

"This will be a fun program to celebrate the end of the semester and the joyful holiday season," Harris said.

As part of the event, the SFA Percussion Department and the local chapter of Phi Boota Roota percussion society will be sponsoring a toy drive to help the less fortunate children of Nacogdoches.

"We will have a table set up at the concert, and we invite everyone to bring a new toy to donate," Harris said. "If you cannot attend the concert but would like to donate a toy, please drop it off at the SFA School of Music office (Room 150 of the Wright Music Building), contact me at sharris.sfasu.edu or call me at (936) 468-1233."

Tickets to the concert are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.sfasu.edu/finearts or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.