11/19/2002

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

CONCERT IS  4 P.M. DEC. 8

‘DEAR SANTA’ IS THEME FOR MUSICIANS’ CONCERT BAND PERFORMANCE AT SRU

           SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – More than a dozen seasonal tunes will be part of the Musicians’ Concert Band and Holiday Chorus “Dear Santa” concert set for 4 p.m. Dec. 8. in Slippery Rock University’s Miller Auditorium.

          The 100-member band, under direction of Blase Scarnati, SRU professor emeritus of music, and the 100-member choir, under direction of LaDonna Jean Linamen, information technology professional in the university’s Office of Facilities and Planning, will combine for “Christmas Finale,” “Jesus, Our Emmanuel,” and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.”

          SRU President G. Warren Smith will provide welcoming remarks, and George McDowell, assistant director of university advancement at SRU, will provide narration for “A Visit from St. Nick.” Michael C. Formeck, the band’s assistant director, will conduct “Snow,” “A Christmas Hymn” and Leroy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride.”

          Scarnati, retired director of bands at SRU who formed the MCB in 1986, was recently honored by the university with the naming of a marching band practice field in his honor. He also served as grand marshal for the annual homecoming parade.            

          Linamen, long involved in musical activities, is a member of the MCB trumpet section and two years ago launched the choral group that performs with the band.

          The band’s 2003 summer concert schedule at SRU includes 8 p.m. performances June 20, July 10 and 24, and Aug. 7.

 PN, PGN, WPN, PR