Two very different orchestra performances at the end of May

Photos from the Legacy concert by yours truly

I began this blogsite last Tuesday, May 26 and since then have been thinking about its direction and focus, short term and long term. Long term outlook will keep me busy for a while as there were many activities and concerts for us this past season that I will be covering in the upcoming weeks. Short term, see below for a new music post.

I still will be emailing our musician and supporter list to keep all of you updated on any news I have about our specific situation here with the SS(O) which will include articles from newspapers, arts organizations, blogs and webites and photos that I post online to various sites. BTW, KTBS TV has begun reformatting its website, so am waiting for the online snapshot tab to re-emerge. I am posting new photos this week of the Legacy concert in the Times online photo galleries.

This past week-end our musicians were involved in two very different performances occurring concurrently - the musical "West Side Story" at the Marjorie Lyons Playhouse and a benefit recital (presented by the Gilbert & Sullivan Society) with Candace Taylor and friends at Anderson Hall, Hurley School of Music, both concerts held on the campus of Centenary College here in Shreveport, both requiring small orchestras, one in the pit and one onstage. Parking was at a premium Saturday night. Nice that there are enough of us to go around right now although many will be leaving for summer music activities elsewhere or taking a much deserved vacation with family or friends.

I played the benefit concert conducted by Texarkana Symphony Orchestra Music Director Marc-Andre' Bougie at Hurley School of Music with soprano Candace Taylor, 'cellist Alexis Barnett and mezzo-soprano Deedra Johnson. The concert was in honor of Annette Pierson Poulard and Freddie Pierson to support the Pierson Memorial Scholarship Fund. A blend of both classical and jazz music, the hour and forty-five minute program was received warmly by the patrons and guests in the audience.

Next door some of our colleagues were playing the Bernstein Musical "West Side Story", orchestra conducted by Centenary's Dr. Todd Gabriel. I have played in that pit and it's cozy down there to say the least. The production went well so I hear and it returns for another run this coming week-end June 5, 6 and 7. I will be playing the Summer Music Festival Sunday June 7 @ 3:00 PM at Church of the Holy Cross downtown with conductor Sidney Harth. Mozart Symphony No. 29 is on the program. Whoopie! Hornist Tom Hundemer will be playing the Britten Serenade and one of his own pieces for Horn and strings.

On June 13, East Texas Opera (formerly Longview Opera) presents La Boheme at Le Tourneau University. In July PAC (the Performing Arts Center) at FUMC downtown presents the musical "Secret Garden".

Centenary Summer Band made up of both student and professional musicians will present a concert Tuesday night June 30 in the Band Shell on campus. The Jazz Band plays a concert there on June 23 and the Summer Band will be playing once again for the River Blast fireworks display at the big July 4th celebration on the riverfront.

Until next time