SFA bands present 'American Horizons' concert

SFA Assistant Professor Brian Utley will be the featured soloist on the SFA Wind Symphony's world premiere performance of L. Mark Lewis' "Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra" during the "American Horizons" concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will present a joint concert featuring music by contemporary American composers at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 9, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

A highlight of the concert, titled "American Horizons," will be the Wind Symphony's performance of the world premiere of L. Mark Lewis' "Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Orchestra," featuring Brian Utley, SFA assistant professor of music.

"Lewis has written three contrasting movements that complement the virtuosic alto saxophone part," said David W. Campo, SFA associate director of bands and the Wind Symphony's conductor. "We are honored to have Dr. Utley as a guest artist and to have the opportunity to premiere this fine work."

Lewis, who is an assistant professor of composition and theory at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and an award-winning composer, will be in attendance for the premiere.

The Symphonic Band's portion of the program will include Karl King's "Circus Days" and Frank Ticheli's "Sun Dance."

The band will also present Jim Bonney's "Angels with Dirty Faces," an exciting work with rock 'n' roll elements, said Brett A. Richardson, SFA assistant director of bands and the Symphonic Band's conductor.

The concert 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.