Old Friends Return for Gala Band Concerts

HUNTINGTON, IN -- Michael Jorgenson, a former member of the Huntington College music faculty, will return from Minnesota to add his rich baritone voice to two concerts that will culminate Huntington College's annual band clinic. Jorgenson will serve as soloist and narrator for the two "Viva Sousa!" concerts on Sunday, March 10, at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the Merillat Centre for the Arts.

Others returning to the College to perform in the concerts include Major Duane Devoe, Director of the Armed Forces School of Music in Norfolk, Virginia, and Commander Gregory Prudom, the school's Chief of Conducting. Sergeant Bruce Patterson, also from Norfolk, will perform as trombone soloist for the second year, and Major John King from 530th Air Force Band in Atlanta, will serve as guest conductor for the third time.

The annual band clinic, now in its seventeenth year, will open on Friday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m. with a free concert given by the Eastbrook High School Concert Band of Marion, Indiana.

Headlining band clinic events on Saturday, March 9, will be the forty piece Fourth Marine Aircraft Band from New Orleans, directed by Commander Warrant Officer Robert Farmer. Band members will serve as special clinicians in residence for the weekend. The unit will present a sampler concert Saturday evening at 6:30 p.m. featuring familiar marches, traditional classics, patriotic favorites, popular contemporary music, and New Orleans jazz. This Merillat Centre performance is free and open to the public. No tickets are required.

The two-day band clinic is principally designed for high school instrumentalists considering advanced music training. The program is open to adult musicians, as well. The registration fee is $10. Registration forms and information may be obtained from the Music Department, located in the Merillat Centre for the Arts on the campus of Huntington College. Registration ends Monday, March 4.

Topping the weekend will be two "Viva Sousa!" concerts on Sunday, March 10. Performances will begin in the Merillat Centre for the Arts at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. These performances are also free and open to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets may be obtained from the Merillat Centre box office or by mailing a self-addressed envelope to the Merillat Centre for the Arts, Huntington College, 2303 College Avenue, Huntington, Indiana, 46750. Please specify which of the two Sunday concerts is preferred.

For further information, call the Huntington College Department of Music at (260) 356-6000, extension 2062, weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.