16 May 2009
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.
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.
03 April 2009
Preparing for Georgia
We just finished our first week of spring quarter. Next week I'll be flying to Georgia. I'm excited to return to Georgia and perform with Globe again. Spring is my favorite time of year to be in the South. The weather is mild and everything smells fresh.
This week I shot new head shot photos of Terry, Jody and myself. Yes, I took my own publicity photo. Remote controls are handy.
This week I shot new head shot photos of Terry, Jody and myself. Yes, I took my own publicity photo. Remote controls are handy.
21 February 2009
20 February 2009
Concert Tonight
Tonight is SSO's performance of Attack of the 50ft. Saxophone! What do I do the day of a concert? It varies greatly and depends if it is a home game or away. Today we are in SOU's recital hall and I have the most control over my schedule. The day of the concert I try to relax. I study my scores and conduct through everything. If I'm playing rather than conducting I'll spend a lot of time trying reeds. I will try to get some exercises, today I went for a long excursion with our black lab Max. Energy is important. I will eat small meals throughout the day for an even energy supply. Maybe take a nap since the concert is in the evening and I'm more of a morning person. After I finish this blog I'll practice a little bit and conduct through the music for tonight's concert.
Do I get nervous? of course, all performers do. But I have confidence in the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra and we've had good preparation. We eliminate the ambiguous and delegate tasks so that we can all focus on performing. That is the best medicine for stage fright.
Jody is playing Mahler 4 with North State this weekend. Monday Larry Chamberlain from Yamaha will be visiting us. Next weekend CMC will be hosting the Leipzig String Quartet and I'll be playing Bizet with the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra.
If you can't be at tonight's concert you can watch the live webcast beginning at 7:30PM PST. The address is saxophone.sou.edu
Do I get nervous? of course, all performers do. But I have confidence in the Siskiyou Saxophone Orchestra and we've had good preparation. We eliminate the ambiguous and delegate tasks so that we can all focus on performing. That is the best medicine for stage fright.
Jody is playing Mahler 4 with North State this weekend. Monday Larry Chamberlain from Yamaha will be visiting us. Next weekend CMC will be hosting the Leipzig String Quartet and I'll be playing Bizet with the Rogue Valley Symphony Orchestra.
If you can't be at tonight's concert you can watch the live webcast beginning at 7:30PM PST. The address is saxophone.sou.edu
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