Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The Stone Fort Wind Quintet at Stephen F. Austin State University will present a concert of music by North American composers at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
The quintet is comprised of SFA School of Music faculty, including Christina Guenther, flute; Abby Held, oboe; Chris Ayer, clarinet; Charles Gavin, horn; and Lee Goodhew, bassoon. The performance is a feature of the Friends of Music Concert Series.
Among the pieces on the program is the unique “Beer Music” by American composer Brian DuFord. The composer writes, “Beer Music is a musical tasting celebration of our civilization’s fondness for this ancient fermented beverage.” The inspiration for the work was the craft brewery scene in Madison, Wisconsin, as the composer sampled more than 50 beers. Descriptive movement titles include “Black Earth Porter,” “Groundskeeper Willie” and “Hopalicious.”
Two other works also come from American composers who, generally, compose for their own wind quintet, the Imani Winds. “The Afro-Cuban Concerto” for Wind Quintet by Valerie Coleman is inspired by influences of African and Cuban music in American music. “Startin’ Sumthin’ by another member of the Imani Winds, Jeff Scott, is somewhat of a “fusion” composition with influences from both jazz and rock, Gavin explained. “It features virtuosic passages for all the woodwind players,” he added.
“This program promises to have something for everybody,” Gavin said. “We feel every piece on the program will engage the audience. The music is vibrant and colorful. It is sure to be a fun and entertaining concert.”
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu.