UNT Concert Band plays Oscar-winning music of John Williams on Oct. 9

Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 19:27
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What: University of North Texas Concert Band performs Oscar-Winning Winds: The Music of John Williams.

When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 (Wednesday)

Where: Winspear Performance Hall in the Murchison Performing Arts Center, 2100 Interstate 35E, Denton. The concert will also be streamed online at http://UNTmusiclive.com.

Tickets: $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, non-UNT students, children, UNT faculty, staff and retirees, and groups of 10 or more; free for UNT students with valid ID. UNT student tickets must be picked up in person at the Murchison Box Office. Purchase tickets online at www.theMPAC.com/tickets or by calling the Murchison Box Office at 940-369-7802.

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DENTON, Texas (UNT) – The UNT Concert Band opens its season Oct. 9 with a performance of the music of John Williams, a composer whose award-winning movie scores have become a part of American pop culture.

“Williams writes beautiful melodies. His music appeals to most people,” said Concert Band conductor Dr. Nicholas Williams.

Selections on the program include music from Williams’ movie scores for Star Wars, Harry Potter, Saving Private Ryan, Schindler’s List and Catch Me If You Can, as well as music written for the Olympic Games.

UNT College of Music violin professor Julia Bushkova will perform with the band on “Hymn to the Fallen” from Saving Private Ryan and saxophone professor Brad Leali will perform on the theme from Catch Me If You Can. Bushkova has appeared as a soloist with numerous orchestras and in recitals throughout the world. Leali directs the Three O’Clock Lab Band and has performed extensively, including with the Harry Connick Jr. Orchestra as lead alto saxophonist and musical director.

“Brad Leali and Julia Bushkova are amazing musicians and teachers,” Williams said. “I’m excited to have our students work with musicians of their caliber.”

The concert will also include a guest conductor. Doctoral conducting associate Albert Lo will conduct “Harry’s Wondrous World” from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

The Concert Band’s presentation of Oscar-Winning Winds: The Music of John Williams will start at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9 (Wednesday) in Winspear Performance Hall in the Murchison Performing Arts Center, 2100 Interstate 35E, Denton. The concert will also be streamed online at http://UNTmusiclive.com. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors, non-UNT students, children, UNT faculty, staff and retirees, and groups of 10 or more; free for UNT students with valid ID. UNT student tickets must be picked up in person at the Murchison Box Office. Purchase tickets online at www.theMPAC.com/tickets or by calling the Murchison Box Office at 940-369-7802.

About the Concert Band

The University of North Texas Concert Band is conducted by Dr. Nicholas E. Williams. The Concert Band fosters the highest performance standards while offering its members an opportunity to expand their technical, intellectual and musical horizons. The band is open to any university student, although the majority of the players are selected from the most talented musicians in the College of Music. Through various demonstrations of flexible instrumentation, the ensemble allows the musicians to experience the highest levels of participation in the music making process. In addition, the group seeks to broaden performance and teaching skills through the programming of exemplary literature while fostering an interest in the band as an integral part of the American musical scene.

About the UNT College of Music

The UNT College of Music is one of the largest and most respected comprehensive music schools in the country. More than 1,600 music students attend UNT each year, participating in more than 50 widely varied ensembles and pursuing specialized studies in performance, composition, music education or music scholarship. UNT faculty members and students have made appearances on the world’s finest stages and have produced numerous recordings, many receiving Grammy awards and nominations. Distinguished UNT alumni can be found around the globe, in top music ensembles, opera companies, universities and schools.

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