UNA Pressroom

Music Department To Host Red, White And Blue Jeans Concert

Mar. 07, 2012



Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@meili25.com, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

FLORENCE, Ala. - The Department of Music and Theatre at the University of North Alabama will host its annual Red, White and Blue Jeans concert March 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Norton Auditorium to support the band scholarship fund and offer a variety of Americana-style music to audiences. The concert will feature the UNA Wind Ensemble and Studio Jazz Band, conducted by Band Director Dr. Lloyd Jones and assisted by Dr. Iain Moyer. The evening will begin with the "American Overture" by the Wind Ensemble composed by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins. A contemporary piece "Give Us This Day" by David Maslanka will follow the first performance. "('Give Us This Day') is an incredibly powerful work which traverses many emotions," Jones said. "Although it is written in two movements, it has all the character of a symphony. The first movement is deeply searching, while the second movement is at times highly energized and joyful, while at other times it is sternly sober. It is an amazing composition for the performer and the listener." Another piece about baseball called "Pastime" by Jack Stamp will be featured in the concert. The Red, White and Blue show will also include a special salute to the long-standing tradition that UNA bands perform a medley of U.S. Armed Forces songs. Active and veteran military personnel and their families will be asked to stand, as able, to be recognized for their service to this country. After a short intermission, the Studio Jazz Band will perform the Broadway and jazz hit "Lover." Count Basie's "Cute" and George Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" will also be included in the production. Attendees are encouraged to wear red, white, and blue—and a pair of jeans—to the event. "The audience should feel free to wear their jeans, something denim, or just anything comfortable to the concert," Jones said. "We want them to enjoy the music the students have prepared for them." Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. All children under the age of 10 and veteran and active military personnel will be admitted for free. For more information, contact the UNA Band Office at 256-765-4362 or email Dr. Lloyd Jones at lejones@meili25.com.

PHOTO AVAILABLE: For a photo of the UNA Wind Ensemble and Studio Jazz Band, contact the Office of University Communications at 256-765-4225 or cbrusseauhollander@meili25.com.