SFA Wind Ensemble to present 'Faculty Showcase'

Debbie Berry and Gary Wurtz

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The Stephen F. Austin State University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Fred J. Allen, will present "Faculty Showcase" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus.

Featured performers will be Debbie Berry and Gary Wurtz, both members of the faculty in the SFA School of Music.

Wurtz, professor of trumpet, will perform David Gillingham's "When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone."

"This is dedicated to those who fought and died in World War II," said Allen, who is director of bands at SFA. "The trumpet represents the soldier, through battle, grief and patriotism in this stirring work."

Soprano Berry will sing "Three Gospel Songs," arranged by Luigi Zaninelli.

"Audiences will recognize these tunes," Allen said. "Besides 'Amazing Grace' and 'Old Time Religion,' this set also includes the beautiful 'His Eye is on the Sparrow.'"

The Wind Ensemble will perform two pieces by American composer Steven Bryant, who will be working in residence at SFA the following week. The band will also perform America's National March, "The Stars and Stripes Forever," by John Philip Sousa.

The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music and is part of the 2013-2014 Concert Series.

Turner Auditorium is located in the Griffith Fine Arts Building, 2222 Alumni Drive.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.