16 May 2009

Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra May Concerts


Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra Presents Wind and Weaponry with percussionist Terry Longshore

(Ashland, Ore.) –The acclaimed Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra with special guest percussionist Terry Longshore will perform Wind and Weaponry on Friday, February 20th at 8:00 PM with pre-concert music by Trigon Clarinet Trio and Equal Opportunity Saxophones beginning at 7:30 PM in the SOU Music Recital Hall. Audience members are invited to a cake reception following the concert.
The powerful drumming of SOU Associate Professor, Terry Longshore, colors Wind and Weaponry, a unique fusion of saxophone and progressive rock drumset. Composer Dan Maske of Milwaukee created Winds and Weaponry as part of a commission by SSO and the SOU Department of Music. It was made possible by an SOU President’s grant. Also on the program are two works by Oregon Shakespeare Director of Music, Todd Barton. Hackysax and Meditation for the Sichuan Earthquake, Gesangla explore sound in space, blending theatrical body movements and an electronic soundscape. The program includes movements from Holst’s The Planets and SOU Associate Dean Vicki Purslow’s new arrangement of the swing classic American Patrol
The eighteen saxophonists of the SSO and Artistic Director, Dr. Rhett Bender, showcase the artistry of the entire saxophone family. They have toured both in China and Mexico. This season they have been select to perform on the XVth World Saxophone Congress in Thailand and in June they’ll perform The Planets as part of the OSF Greenshow. The Siskiyou newspaper quotes audience members, “It was wonderful. I really enjoyed myself.” “They were great. It's amazing that saxophones can have such power. I didn't want it to end.” For updates, music and video with the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra, please visit www.rhettbender.com
Rhett Bender is a Professor of Music at Southern Oregon University and is sought out internationally as a saxophone artist. He has presented master-classes throughout the United States, Europe, China and Mexico. Bender is a founding member and soprano saxophonist with the Globe Saxophone Quartet and the Trillium new music ensemble. He teaches each May at the Sichuan Conservatory in Chengdu, China.
Tickets for this performance are only $5 for general admission and free for students. Tickets and season passes may be purchased by calling 541-552-6101 or at the Music Box Office prior to the performance. For more information, please visit Southern Oregon University’s Department website at www.sou.edu/music.