U of H percussion ensemble to perform

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University College of Fine Arts and School of Music will present the Moores School Percussion Ensemble in a free concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 7, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

As winners of the 2010 Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition, the University of Houston group will present a preview of their upcoming PAS International Convention Showcase Concert. This is the third time in seven years that the ensemble has won the competition. Dr. Blake Wilkins, associate professor of music and director of percussion at the Moores School, serves as the group's director.

Nacogdoches is the first of several tour stops the group is making en route to the convention in Indianapolis. The program includes three new works commissioned by the ensemble: "Everywhere Entangled" by Stephen Andrew Taylor, "Push" by Stephen Gorbos, and "Sturm and Drang" by Justin Merritt.

"I've known Blake for many years and know that his ensemble is one of the finest in the country today," said Dr. Scott Harris, SFA associate professor of percussion. "They are currently a driving force in commissioning and premiering new works for percussion ensemble. It is a true pleasure to have Blake and his ensemble on campus to share some of these new compositions."

Admission to the concert is free and open to the public. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Dr. For more information, go to www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.