FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

OLDE-TYME BAND CONCERT TO FEATURE PREMIERE OF 'TOM SAWYER SUITE'

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., April 12, 2002 - The annual Olde-Tyme Band Concert April 25 will include an evening of lighter musical fare featuring the Southeast Missouri State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble directed by Robert Gifford.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the University Center Ballroom on the Southeast campus. Parking will be available in lots 18 and TCD, just across from the University Center. Handicapped parking will be available, with street-level elevator access.

In addition to the appearance of Southeast faculty member Marc Fulgham performing "Portrait of A Trumpet" by Sammy Nestico, the saxophone section of the ensemble will perform Warren Barker's exciting "Capriccio" for saxophone quartet and wind ensemble.

Several alumni of Southeast also will be featured during the evening. Linda Huck, band director in the Farmington Schools, will perform a bassoon solo and Tom Broussard, band director in the Jackson Schools, and Josh Miller, instrument repair technician at Shivelbine's Music Store, will join the Wind Ensemble on Karl King's "The Melody Shop." Southeast Director of University Bands Barry Bernhardt, will guest conduct Leonard Bernstein's "Slava!"

The highlight of the evening will be the American premiere performance of the "Tom Sawyer Suite." This programmatic work attempts to recreate the spirit and mood of the state's early history as depicted in the stories of Mark Twain. Serving as master of ceremonies for the evening will be Dr. Tom Harte, professor emeritus in the former Department of Speech Communication and Theatre.

The numerous invitations that the Southeast Symphonic Wind Ensemble has received to perform at state and regional conference are indicative of the respect that this group has earned both for quality of performances and innovative programming. The group has presented eight world premieres and 12 American premieres of works for the contemporary wind band and has performed for both the Missouri Music Educators Association and the College Band Directors National Association.

General admission is $6. Tickets for faculty, staff and senior citizens are $5, and student tickets are $4. For more information, contact the Department of Music at (573) 651-2141.