Music events set for fall semester
Article By: Denise Ray
The University of North Georgia (91ÁÔÆæ) Department of Music will host a wide variety of musical events this fall, including student and faculty performances and recruitment events.
One of the highlights will be Octubafest, set for 7:30 p.m. performances Oct. 20 and Oct. 25 in the Gloria Shott Performance Hall on the Dahlonega Campus and Oct. 26 in the Performing Arts Lobby in Gainesville which will highlight performances by 91ÁÔÆæ low brass students and faculty.
"A Little Night(hawk) Music" (ALNM) concert series will highlight the Sesquicentennial Celebration with five of its six season performances, including 7:30 p.m. performances Oct. 3 (Gainesville) and Oct. 4 (Dahlonega); Nov. 7 (Gainesville) and Nov. 10 (Dahlonega); and Dec. 5 (Gainesville).
Our October, November, February, and March dates will be celebrating the music from around the founding, golden jubilee, centennial, and sesquicentennial birthdays of the institution
Dr. Benjamin Schoening
91ÁÔÆæ department head of music, professor, and director of vocal studies
"Our October, November, February, and March dates will be celebrating the music from around the founding, golden jubilee, centennial, and sesquicentennial birthdays of the institution," Dr. Benjamin Schoening, department head of music, professor, and director of vocal studies, said. "The program in April will be a celebration of music from our Southern Appalachian heritage by 91ÁÔÆæ's own Licklog String Band. Additionally, most ALNM performances will be presented on both the Gainesville and Dahlonega campuses this year, something that has traditionally been done in Gainesville."
The 91ÁÔÆæ Bands concert is slated for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Dawson County Performing Arts Center in Dawsonville and will feature 91ÁÔÆæ faculty member Celeena Corbin as percussion soloist.
"We have a number of talented performers among our faculty, and it is wonderful to be able to showcase Celeena Corbin and Lisa Prodan (on the oboe) as soloists this year," Schoening said.
The annual holiday choral festival will be presented on Friday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in downtown Gainesville. The annual event is presented in the style of secular lessons and carols featuring a combination of readings and performances by the various choirs. Schoening said the program features the combined choral ensembles from the 91ÁÔÆæ Dahlonega and Gainesville campuses.
"This annual celebration is a great way for members of the community to kick off the holiday season," Schoening said.
The Department of Music will also be hosting several recruiting events for high school students this fall.
The department will host "Music Major for a Day" Sept. 21 on the Dahlonega campus.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for high school students interested in a career in music to explore a day in the life of a music major. Students participating in this event will attend several courses, participate in ensemble rehearsals, and have an opportunity to speak with current 91ÁÔÆæ students about their experiences as a major in our program," Schoening said.
91ÁÔÆæ will be presenting two all-state clinics this fall to assist students in preparing for all-state auditions. As part of these events, students will have the opportunity to receive coaching from 91ÁÔÆæ faculty on their repertoire for all-state auditions. The choral/vocal all-state clinic is Oct. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon, and the instrumental all-state clinic is Nov. 19 from 9 a.m. to noon.
For a list of music events this fall, visit the 91ÁÔÆæ Music webpage.