FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 19, 2009

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

SRU ‘Prism’ scholarship concert blends variety of musical styles

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – There will be light through the glass at 7:30 p.m. March 28 when Slippery Rock University’s music department presents its annual “Prism” scholarship concert in Miller Auditorium.

            “The eclectic selections of this annual event have made it a crowd pleaser since its inception 10 years ago,” said Stacey Steele, assistant professor of music and program organizer.

            “Founded as a scholarship benefit concert, the annual event has raised thousands of dollars in support for students who have been leaders in the University’s music department.

            “The event supports the Music Education Scholarship, founded by Kate Brennan, retired chair and professor emeritus, and the Music Therapy Scholarship, which honors, Sue Shuttleworth, assistant professor of music.

            “This year’s concert features one ensemble from each of the department's instrumental and vocal areas, as well as a new program addition – faculty performers. 

            “The concert will include the SRU Jazz Ensemble, with a solo performance by ensemble director Stephen Hawk, professor of music. The SRU Brass Ensemble and SRU Wind Ensemble, both directed by Brian Meixner, assistant professor of music, will also perform.

            “Meixner and David Glover, assistant professor of music, will be featured in a duo for euphonium and cajon, an Afro-Cuban percussion instrument. Students from the ever-popular percussion area will perform two selections representing the traditional music of Japan and Brazil. 

            “Combining talents, the SRU Flute Studio will perform the newly composed "Robot Samba" along with SRU percussion students. This well-received piece, conceived of by Steele and composed by Stephen Barr, assistant professor of music, was first performed in 2008, as part of the SRU Flute Choir’s fall concert. 

            “Also performing at the Prism concert will be a student violin quartet, the SRU University Choir and a piano duo featuring student pianists Catherine Brown, a music education from Butler, and Kathryn Hall, a music education major from New Castle. 

            “Various student jazz combos will entertain in the lobby before and after the concert.

            “Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students. Donations above the minimum are tax deductible. 

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.