An upcoming performance by the West Virginia University Wind Symphony and Men’s Chorus will feature the customarily eclectic program of music. It will also give one graduate student the chance to show what he’s learned in WVU’s School of Music.

Stephen Lane, who is pursuing a Master’s of Music in Conducting, will lead the entire program, conducting the seven diverse pieces. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 28, in the Gladys G. Davis Theatre in the Creative Arts Center.

“When on the podium, Stephen has the type of personality that earns the students’ respect, which results in strong music,” said John Hendricks, director of bands at WVU and Lane’s advisor. “It’s been rewarding to see Stephen refine his skills as a conductor over these past few years.”

For Lane, the process began with some careful forethought, picking which ensembles would present the best learning opportunity.

“After careful thought and deliberation, I landed on the Wind Symphony, Brass Ensemble, Men’s Choir, and the Percussion Ensemble,” he said. “I chose these groups for a variety of reasons, but the Men’s Choir and Percussion Ensemble especially provided me with a challenge and experiences that I’ve not had as a conductor.”

The program will feature:

• Giovanni Gabrieli’s “Canzon a 12” featuring three separate brass choirs
• Alan Hovaness’s “Sharagan & Fugue,” combining aspects of the Armenian Liturgical Chang with traditional fugue
• Randall Thompson’s “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” the choral transcription of Robert Frost’s beloved poem
• “Take, O Take Those Lips Away” by J. Edmund Hughes and Mary Ellen Loose, part of “A Shakespeare Suite” from “Measure for Measure”
• Mario Davidovsky’s “Synchronisms No. 5 for Percussion Players and Tape,” written for solo instrument and groups using pre-recorded tape
• Eric Ewazen’s “A Hymn for the Lost and the Living,” which depicts the days following Sept. 11, 2001
• And “Freckles Rag” by Larry Buck, a ragtime piano piece arranged by Randy Eyles

“The whole process, from deciding which groups to use, which pieces to perform, preparing them for rehearsal, and rehearsal itself, has been a wonderful learning experience for me as a conductor,” Lane said.

Through collaboration with Professor Hendricks, choral director Kym Scott, and percussion director George Willis, Lane feels he has “been able to advance my skills as a musician, conductor, and educator. On the night of the recital, it’s my goal to let the music happen and enjoy the moment.”

-WVU-

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CONTACT: David Welsh, WVU College of Creative Arts
304.293.3397; David.Welsh@mail.wvu.edu

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