UIS Music Program presents Spring Showcase Concert

WHAT: The University of Illinois Springfield Music Program presents its annual Spring Showcase Concert featuring performances by the UIS chorus, chamber orchestra, and band. The performance is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served afterwards.

WHEN: Friday, April 19, 2013 at 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Sangamon Auditorium, UIS

DETAILS: The chorus will be singing several maritime inspired tunes, while the chamber orchestra and band will be playing a number of pieces based on great Americans and American folk tunes.

The event will feature a wide array of music with many pieces falling under “High Sea” and “American” themes. Highlights include a Finnish folk song: “Who Can Sail Without Wind?”, a rag by James Reese Europe, the fourth movement to Dvorak’s “New World Symphony” and “Benjamin Franklin and the Art of Music” by Robert W. Smith.

The chorus, under the direction of Dr. Sharon Graf, will open the showcase with a traditional Georgia Sea Island spiritual arranged by Judith Cook Tucker, “Yonder Come Day”. Directed by Dr. Yona Stamatis, the chamber orchestra will perform selections including James Reese Europe’s "Castle House Rag" and "Tip Toe Alley" by Jay Ungar and arranged by chamber orchestra member, Jay Jones. Finally, Dr. Abigail Walsh will lead the band through selections including Pierre La Plante’s “American Riversongs” and Gustav Holst’s “First Suite in E flat for Military Band”.

Donations are welcome and will be used to benefit the UIS Music Student Merit Award.

The UIS Music program began in 2001 and is comprised of students, faculty, staff and alumni, as well as Springfield community members, all with a variety of skill levels. Anyone who is interested in joining the UIS chorus, band or chamber orchestra may contact Dr. Abigail Walsh at 217/206-7549 or music@uis.edu.