UK Ensemble Performs with Scott Co. Winds, Singers
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 16, 2009) - The University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble and Scott County High School Symphonic Winds and Singers will come together to present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, at the Singletary Center for the Arts Concert Hall. The concert showcasing UK's acclaimed ensemble and the talented students from Scott County High School is free and open to the public.
The University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble, conducted by John Cody Birdwell, and the Scott County High School Symphonic Winds, conducted by Thomas Brawner, along with the Scott County High School Singers, conducted by Brent Merritt, will present a joint concert that will include a soprano soloist, a high school concert choir, a guest conductor from the University of Illinois, two outstanding concert bands, and a program of the finest contemporary and traditional works in the concert band repertoire.
Scott County High School Symphonic Winds is a highly recognized performing ensemble from Georgetown, Ky. In 2007, the Symphonic Winds was selected to perform at Carnegie Hall, and the students’ performance drew a standing ovation from the audience. Every year since 1995, the Symphonic Winds has earned a Distinguished rating, the highest possible score, at the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) state concert band assessments, and has been recognized as an outstanding musical ensemble at high school concert band contests and festivals throughout the United States. The Symphonic Winds will perform selections by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Michael Morgensen and will close their part of the program with the Scott County High School Singers in a performance of Giuseppe Verdi's "Dies Irae" from Messa da Requiem.
The University of Kentucky Wind Ensemble is made up of the finest wind and percussion performers in the UK School of Music. As the centerpiece of a band program, which has served Kentucky for more than 100 years, the UK Wind Ensemble continues a tradition of professional-level performances to audiences throughout the Commonwealth and beyond. In the summer of 2008, the Wind Ensemble participated in a 10-day concert tour of the People's Republic of China and performed for thousands of Chinese citizens in the cities of Suzhou, Yangzhou, Changzhou, and Beijing in celebration of China's hosting of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The Wind Ensemble has been invited to perform at national and regional conferences for the College Band Directors National Association, and for the KMEA Conference held annually in Louisville.
The Wind Ensemble will be performing David Gillingham’s "Waking Angels," "Huapango" by Jose Pablo Moncayo, "Angels in the Architecture" by Frank Ticheli, and Percy Grainger’s masterpiece for concert band – "Lincolnshire Posy." Appearing as guest conductor will be Abel Ramirez, assistant director of bands from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Also appearing will be soprano Elizabeth Arnold, a newly appointed assistant professor of voice at the UK School of Music.
For more information on this concert or other events associated with UK Wind Ensemble, contact the UK Bands at 257-2263, or visit the online at www.ukbands.org.