FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 8, 2007

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU music professor featured on Grammy-winning CD           

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – For Slippery Rock University’s Stephen Hawk, associate professor of music, watching the Grammy Awards each February is a habit. Finding his work honored with the prestigious award humbling.

           Hawk’s work can be heard as lead trumpet in the big band performing with Nancy Wilson on her award-winning “Turned to Blue” CD honored at this year’s Grammy Awards. Wilson won in the “Best Vocal Jazz Ensemble” category.

           A member of the SRU music faculty since 1989, Hawk said, “It is always gratifying to have your work honored by others in the profession. It is exciting to watch, feeling hopeful that Nancy Wilson’s will be selected for the Grammy.”

           Others nominated in the category this year were “Footprints,” featuring Karrin Allyson, “Easy To Love,” Roberta Gambarini, “Live at Jazz Standard with Fred Hersch,” Nancy King, and “From This Moment On,” Diana Krall.

           Hawk also played on Wilson’s “R.S.V.P. (Rare Songs, Very Personal” CD honored in the same category in 2005.

           Best known for his trumpet work on campus, Hawk plays with various Pittsburgh jazz groups, including the MCG Jazz All-stars, the Three Rivers Jazz Orchestra, which he co-founded, as well as playing principal trumpet with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera Orchestra and the Pittsburgh Broadway Series Orchestra.

           Wilson’s CDs were released on the MCG Jazz label and were recorded at Pittsburgh’s Manchester Craftsmens Guild. Her CDs are available at the SRU SGA Bookstore and from other major CD outlets.

           Hawk has two solo CDs also available.

           Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that make a positive difference in their lives.

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