Lebanon Valley College Symphonic Band Presents "Band Masterworks"

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Lebanon Valley College Symphonic Band Sets Concert

ANNVILLE, PA (04/01/2015)(readMedia)-- Lebanon Valley College's Symphonic Band will present their annual concert, titled "Band Masterworks," Sunday, April 19 at 3p.m. in Lutz Hall of Blair Music Center. The performance is free and open to the public.

"Folk Dances" by Dimitri Shostakovich begins the program; this work is a collection of native Russian dance tunes skillfully woven together into this single composition. Following is "Sang!" by Dana Wilson, a Jazz-inspired piece that incorporates the use of scat singing, an old technique found in African American music. Next is Symphonic Dance #3, "Fiesta" by Clifton Williams, one of five symphonic dances commissioned by the San Antonio symphony orchestra to celebrate the city's many Mexican celebrations. The band will then perform "Ye Banks and Braes O' Bonnie Doon" by Percy Aldridge Grainger, a Scottish folk song set for band by the master of folk music adaptation, and "Russian Christmas Music" by Alfred Reed, a masterwork based on the liturgical vocal music of the Eastern Orthodox Church. "Parade of the Slave Children" from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom by John Williams, a wonderful transcription from the most prolific film composer alive, concludes the program.

Dr. Christopher J. Heffner, associate professor of music, directs the band. Heffner taught initially at Todd County Central High School in Elkton, Ky., and currently serves as director of bands and assistant professor instrumental music education at Lebanon Valley College. He directs the "Pride of The Valley" Marching Band, LVC Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble. Dr. Heffner also supervises student teachers, and teaches instrumental literature, fundamentals of conducting, and brass techniques. He received his bachelor of music from Western Kentucky University, and his master of music in trumpet performance and doctor of philosophy with an emphasis in wind conduction from the University of Florida.

Lebanon Valley College offers numerous public performances by students, faculty, and guests of the College throughout the semester, many of them free and open to the public. For the list of recitals this spring, visit www.lvc.edu/music/events.aspx.