Brownwood News – Howard Payne University’s Symphonic Band will present its 23nd annual “American Music Spectacular” on Tuesday, April 24th. The evening’s activities will begin at 5:30 p.m. outside in front of the university’s Mims Auditorium with food available from local food truck vendors. Live outdoor music will begin at 6 p.m. The main concert is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Mims Auditorium, with doors opening at 7 p.m. The event is open to the public and there is no charge for concert admission. Donations will be accepted at the door on behalf of the Wounded Warrior Project.
Food truck vendors will include Jack-a-Don’s and Chipster’s Grill. Both will be set up on the small road between the Bell Towers on campus and the parking lot across from Mims Auditorium. Cupcakes will also be available for purchase.
While eating, patrons can enjoy a live musical showcase in an informal outdoor setting featuring the talents of HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts faculty and students. Faculty who will perform outdoors include Dr. Gregory Church, professor of music; Dr. Celeste Church, professor of music, dean of institutional research and effectiveness and accreditation liaison to SACSCOC; Joseph Dunlap, instructor of music; Stephen Goacher, professor of music; Dr. Christopher Rosborough, assistant professor of music and director of choral activities; and Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, chair of the Department of Music and tenured professor of music. Students performing include senior Abraham Cooper of Early, senior Brendyn Porter of Red Oak and junior Suzanne Schad of Briggs. Also performing in the showcase are HPU’s Heritage Singers choir, under the direction of Dr. Rosborough, as well as the Winds of Triumph and Jazz Ensemble, both under the direction of Goacher.
The event will culminate with an indoor concert performance by the Symphonic Band in a concert titled “‘The American Experience’ – 1776-2018”, which pays homage to veterans and active personnel from the United States military, law enforcement as well as all first responders.
Selections for the concert include John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever”; Robert W. Smith’s “Inchon,” which is a fast-paced and thrilling ride-along with a Korean War helicopter incursion; “American Riversongs” by La Plante; and many more.
The Symphonic Band is under the direction of Corey Ash, associate professor of music and director of bands.
“This event has become a popular tradition in the Heart of Texas region,” said Ash. “We will celebrate the American spirit and those who have put their lives on the line to help secure our freedom and democracy. You won’t want to miss this amazing night of music celebrating America and her heroes.”
For more information, contact HPU’s School of Music and Fine Arts at 325-649-8500.
Applications are still being accepted for the fall 2018 semester at Howard Payne University. HPU offers a variety of financial aid options. For more information about HPU, contact HPU’s Office of Admission at 325-649-8020 or by e-mail at enroll@hputx.edu.
