SRU flutists to perform with ‘Pure Imagination’ at April 13 concert
April 10, 2017
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - From Gene Wilder's performance in the 1971 movie, "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory" to Josh Groban and Maroon 5 in the modern era, the words "Pure Imagination" have become much than just a song title. Rather, they stand as an artistic ideal of creativity and originality for composers around the world.
Slippery Rock University's flute ensemble will bring their own version of that model to life at 7:30 p.m., April 13 at Swope Music Hall with a performance entitled, you guessed it, "Pure Imagination."
Cassandra Eisenreich, instructor of music and ensemble director, said that "Pure Imagination" was specifically chosen to represent what will be a night of diverse performances and interesting compositions.
"We wanted something that would show the quirky and fun side of our music," said Eisenreich.
The concert will feature some old favorites such as "Angry Tunes," a song that quotes everything from Angry Birds to Harry Potter, and "Between Yellow Lines," a beat box piece that spotlights unconventional flute performance.
In addition, the ensemble will perform two new pieces from a pair of visiting flutists, including "Whirl," by Gay Kahkonen, director of the Canon-McMillan (Canonsburg) High School Flute Choir; and "Pure Imagination," by Bryan Kennard, adjunct professor of flute at Concordia University of Austin, Texas.
"We are always interested in promoting local musicians and presenting exciting, new compositions to our University," said Eisenreich
The concert will also feature Brooke Witherite, a senior music therapy major from Woodland, on the piano; Logan Smith, a sophomore music performance major from Pittsburgh, in the role of tenor vocalist; and Brendan Kennelty, a sophomore music performance major from Cranberry Township, on the marimba. The marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones.
Paula Hartsough, a senior music performance major from Youngstown, Ohio, will also perform a solo piece. Hartsough, an accomplished flutist, was one of only 23 students in the country selected to perform at the National Flute Association's Annual Convention in August.
Eisenreich said that "Pure Imagination" will act as a fundraiser for the University's flute studio, which will perform the 2017 NFA convention.
"We would sincerely appreciate everyone's support, which will help us to travel to Minneapolis in the summer. Being invited as a studio is a huge honor for us."
Suggested donations for the show, which will also include an auction component, are $5 for adults and $3 for children.
MEDIA CONTACT: Maizee Zaccone | 724.738.2091 | mxz1016@sru.edu