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SFA Wind Ensemble concert features guest conductor


NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Frank B. Wickes, director emeritus of bands at Louisiana State University, will guest conduct the Stephen F. Austin State University Wind Ensemble during its concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 25, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.

Under Wicke's baton, the ensemble will present Percy Grainger's "Irish Tune from the County Derry." "Audiences will recognize this as the song 'Danny Boy,'" said Fred J. Allen, SFA director of bands.

"We are happy to bring someone of Professor Wickes' stature to SFA to interact with our students," said Allen. "He will not only conduct our Wind Ensemble, but he will also critique our graduate conducting students."

Other pieces on the program include Gustaav Holst's "First Suite in E-flat" and Charles Gounod's "Petite Symphonie," conducted by Allen.

Graduate students Corey Daniel of Lafayette, La.; Michelle King of Henderson; and Michael Oreka of Chesapeake, Va.; will conduct Robert Kurka's "Good Soldier Schweik Suite," Peter Mennin's "Canzona," and Frank Ticheli's setting of "Amazing Grace," respectively.

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.