Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Bach Choir in Tacoma, and 10 Years of PSYWE. Concerts this weekend!

Dr. Anne Lyman is conducting the Bach Choir in a performance of Bach's St. John's Passion on Saturday, March 21 in Tacoma, at Faith Presbyterian Church (620 Shirley St.). This is one of my favorite works by Bach.  We're so fortunate to have this piece performed in our community.  If you have never heard this masterwork, you need to check it out.  Here's a sample video of this powerful and historical work:





On Sunday (3/22), I am excited to conduct the Puget Sound Youth Wind Ensemble.  Our concert is in Schneebeck Concert Hall, on the UPS campus, and begins at 7:00 PM.  Tickets are $10, $5 for students/seniors/military.

What makes this concert special?


In the Fall of 2014 PSYWE was brought into existence to offer young wind, brass, and percussionists wind ensemble experiences outside of their local school band.  The idea was to create an auditioned band that represented the best young musicians in the region, and help them rehearse and perform wind band music of the highest caliber.  Similar to a youth symphony in philosophy, but with the unique focus on band instrumentation and repertoire.

I have had the distinct honor to be the interim director of PSYWE for the 2014-15 season.  It has been so rewarding to work with these young musicians, and help design concerts that celebrate the 10 year legacy and accomplishments of the PSYWE organization.  Last fall we gave a concert that payed musical tributes to ideas and people from the past.  

This Sunday's program will feature music that celebrates the legacy of PSYWE.  Here's the program:

Adam Gorb - Awayday
Percy Grainger - Irish Tune from County Derry
Figyes Hidas - Merry Music for Wind Band
Troy Peters - Point Defiance *World Premiere of this PSYWE commission*
Stephen Bryant - Dusk
Jan Van der Roost -
Jaimie Texador - Amparito Roca







Thursday, March 12, 2015

The TCC Symphonic Band performs with saxophonist Erik Steighner on Friday (3/13).  The concert will feature Mr. Steighner on Claude Smith's virtuosic Fantasia for Alto Saxophone.  The program also contrasts works of joy and sorrow, juxtaposing optimistic and somber musical messages.




TCC Symphonic Band
Erik Steighner (saxophone), John Falskow (conductor)
7:30 PM - Friday, March 13, 2015
TCC Building 2
FREE (donations accepted)





Program:
Vecchi/Daehn - Fa una Canzona
Bach/Reed - My Jesus!, What Anguish
Gorb - Eine Kleine Walzermusik
Tichelli - Rest
Smith - Fantasia for Alto Saxophone (Erik Steighner, saxophone)
Koh - Lament for Wind Orchestra
Milhaud - Suite Francaise

Erik Steighner has performed with ensembles including the Austin Symphony Orchestra, the Federal Way Symphony, the Northwest Sinfonietta, the San Antonio Symphony, the Tacoma Symphony Orchestra, the Tipping Point Saxophone Quartet, and the Alloy Saxophone Quartet. Steighner has taught at Texas State University and The University of Texas at Austin and is currently a lecturer at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Wash. His course load at PLU has included Saxophone, Chamber Music, Introduction to Music, and Music Theory.


Steighner has premiered dozens of solo and chamber works for the saxophone and is active as a composer and arranger. He is also featured on CD releases from labels including Albany Records, Alea Publishing, Mark Custom, Naxos, and Vienna Modern Masters. He holds bachelor’s degrees in music and English from the University of Puget Sound and master’s and doctoral degrees in saxophone performance from The University of Texas at Austin. eriksteighner.com