Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The steel drum band at Stephen F. Austin State University, also known as Jacks of Steel, will present the program “From Dawn to Dusk” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, in Cole Concert Hall on the SFA campus.
Each piece in “From Dawn to Dusk” represents “the flow of time throughout the day, starting in the morning and ending late in nighttime,” according to Dr. Jamie Vilseck, adjunct instructor of percussion and director of the Jacks of Steel.
“We are very excited to present this themed concert,” he said. “As a director, I was quite pleased at how this theme has come together. It was just an initial idea, and when we researched the musical options, we realized how well it could work. The results are better than I initial expected, largely thanks to the students’ efforts. Come join us for this wonderful evening of fun and Caribbean music!”
The concert features four premiere arrangements and compositions, including the premiere of Vilseck’s own “Cruisin’ in the Afternoon.”
The program begins with a piece that audiences will recognize. Famous for the opening flute solo, Edvard Grieg’s “Morning Mood” from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 has been transformed by Vilseck into a new arrangement that “will be both familiar and something entirely new,” he said.
“Night Life” is composed by SFA student and Steel Band member Matthew Moix of Stephenville. “It is a fun piece that represents the excitement that comes from nighttime activities, seeing areas lit up by arrays of lights and colors, and hanging out with friends,” Vilseck explains.
Ending the concert is another familiar tune in “Rock and Roll All Nite” by the band Kiss (Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons) and also arranged by Vilseck. “Fitting the theme by bringing us out of the night and partying the following day, we celebrate life and aim to make the most of it,” he said.
Other selections on the program include “Morning Dance” by Jay Beckenstein, arranged by Robert LedBetter; “Take a Break Today” by Len Sharpe, arranged by Shelly Irvine; “Sunset” by Len Sharpe, translation by Evan Brubaker; “Everybody Loves Saturday Night,” a Nigerian folk song, arranged by A. Smith.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and $3 for students and youth. Purchase tickets online, or call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407. For additional information, contact the SFA School of Music at (936) 468-4602.