Under the direction of Dr. Sara Edgerton, the Orchestra, will open the program with the orchestral overture "An American Celebration" by well-known composer/arranger, Bill Holcombe. Holcombe's diverse career has included arranging for Broadway musicals, film, and Big Bands. He is currently involved in projects with the Philadelphia Pops and the London Philharmonic orchestras. His works reflect his immersion in popular music and jazz. "American Celebration" was written for the American bicentennial and captures the energy, rhythm and spirit of the American people.

The Choral Union and University Choir, directed by Dr. John Egbert, join the orchestra to perform Randall Thompson's "Frostiana," Howard Hanson's "Song of Democracy," and Mach Wilberg's "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends."

"Frostiana" is a cycle of American Country Songs based on the poems of Robert Frost. It is a reflection of a simpler, bygone era in American life and has individual movements for men's, women's and mixed voices. Thompson's music incorporates gorgeous melodies and some dazzling instances of word painting that have resulted in his music enjoying enormous popularity.

"Song of Democracy" is a powerful, Post-Romantic work based on the writings of Walt Whitman. It was written for the Music Educators of America, and is a reflection of the American "voyage"--America's position and influence in the world.

The concert concludes with "Thou Gracious God, Whose Mercy Lends," another extra-ordinary setting of a traditional folk hymn for orchestra and choir by Mack Wilberg, one of America's premiere choral arrangers. Wilberg, a former faculty member at Brigham Young University, is currently associate director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Tickets are now available and can be reserved by calling the University Performing Box Office. Tickets also can be purchased at the door. Admission is $6 for adults; $5 for senior citizens and University faculty/ staff; and $4 for all students. Preferred-reserved seating (balcony and front/center floor) is available for $10. For additional information, call the Southeast Missouri State University Performing Box Office at (573) 651-2265 or the Department of Music at (573) 651-2141.

Free concert shuttles will be provided to and from Academic Hall from several University parking lots on Henderson, running from approximately 7:15 to 9:15 p.m. Henderson Street lots from which shuttle service will be provided are: Lot 52 (across Henderson from Chaney Hall), Lot 35 (next to Cheney Hall) and Lot 1 (Dempster business building).