Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – Dr. Deb Scott, professor of trombone at Stephen F. Austin State University, will present a recital featuring new compositions for the trombone at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 27, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
The selections on the program are connected to Scott’s position as the director of the International Trombone Festival’s Composers Workshop. Joining her in the performance will be SFA’s Dr. Thomas Nixon and Dr. JD Salas, tuba.
The featured composition is a new sonata called “Golden" by Amy Riebs Mills, who was also a clinician at the 2021 Composers Workshop. “It is a strikingly beautiful composition that takes the listener on an emotional journey from ‘trouble and worry’ through fields of birds to a triumphant end,” Scott said.
“Punched Out” is by Steven Verhelst, who Scott described as “currently one of the trombone’s most important composers. His music is unique and creative with jazz influences,” she said. Verhelst was the featured composer of the Composers Workshop. Scott was also part of a consortium that commissioned “Punched Out,” so it is currently only available to be performed by the consortium participants. Salas, associate professor of tuba, will join Scott in the “lively and fun” performance.
“Bop” by Emma Donkin was one of the winning compositions for the 2021 International Trombone Festival’s Composers Workshop. "It is a really fun piece to play and to listen to,” Scott said. “It includes a swing feel and stomping as well as a slammed keyboard lid. It involves a surprise costume change as well. I promise the evening will be unforgettable.”
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. To purchase tickets, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit finearts.sfasu.edu. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.