“Great Band Classics” will be presented by the UTC Band in concert on Thursday, February 19, 7:30 p.m., Roland Hayes Concert Hall, UTC Fine Arts Center (corner of Vine and Palmetto Streets). Dr. Stuart Benkert, who directs the UTC Band, described the concert as “…a good one for those that love band music.” The concert is free and open to the public.
The selections for this concert include Giovanni’s “Overture in B-flat,” Persichetti’s “Pageant,” Holst’s “First Suite” and Giannini’s “Fantasia for Band. A particular treat is the alto sax solo with band arrangement of “Harlem Nocturne” by Alfred Reed.
When describing the programming for this concert Benkert said students often lack experience playing the standards of real band literature. He also said the educational process of teaching band directors includes introducing them to standard literature.
“It would be similar to having a student graduate with a degree in English literature without having read Gulliver’s Travels, The Canterbury Tales, or Wuthering Heights. I am dedicated to making sure that each UTC graduate has played a certain amount of standard literature, original masterworks, and pieces of historical significance,” said Benkert, Director of Bands at UTC.
Benkert’s extensive résumé includes directing bands of all levels, K-12 and secondary, as well as national and international honor bands. Also, conducting the band for the first time will be new Assistant Director of Bands Dr. Erika Schafer. Schafer comes to UTC from the Navy band in Washington D.C. She also is the new jazz band director and heads the trumpet studio.
For more information, please contact the UTC Music Dept. Office, 423-425-4601.
