News
2015-2016
Brass Festival at LU, April 7-9
Our inaugural Brass Festival is a three-day event featuring multiple guest artists, LU brass faculty, music students and various sponsors and exhibitors. Each day will include a variety of performances, master classes, clinics and exhibits that are open to the public. As the only music event of its kind in Southeast Texas, the festival will reach a wide audience ranging from students, educators and brass-music enthusiasts to the general concert-going public. Our purpose is to educate, inspire and entertain those in attendance by bringing world-renowned artists into our community to perform alongside our faculty and students. Festival admission is $20.
Jazz at the Lake concert featuring the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra
The City of Beaumont’s Jazz at the Lake series kicks off this month headlined by Lamar University's Cardinal Jazz Orchestra and the Jimmy Simmons Quintet on Thursday, March 24,
Conducted by Rick Condit, the 17-member Cardinal Jazz Orchestra consists of the instruments traditionally used during the big band era of the 1930s and 1940s: five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, and a rhythm section, including piano, bass,
Guest Artist Cello Recital with Christopher Adkins on March 7
The Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at Lamar University will present a guest artist recital featuring Christopher Adkins, principal cellist of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, at 7:30 p.m, Monday, March 7, in the Rothwell Recital Hall. Adkins will perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Pastorale" and G Major Suite for Cello, as well as several fairy tale-inspired selections by composers such as Maurice Ravel, Antonin Dvorak, Paul Hindemith and Christoph Gluck. Admission is free and open to the public.
Concert Band spring concert
Lamar University’s Concert Band will appear in concert at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, March 3, in the University Theatre. The Concert Band will be joined by the Honors Brass Quintet and piano soloist T.J. Senters of Beaumont, a student in the Texas Academy of Leadership in the Humanities at LU. The program includes selections from Gustav Holst, Arturo Marquez, Béla Bartók and
Eric Shannon, assistant professor in the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music, conducts the Concert Band, which has 62 members.
Guest artist jazz concert features music of Billy Strayhorn
The Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at Lamar University will present a guest artist concert featuring the jazz duo of pianist Joe LoCascio and saxophonist Woody Witt. The performance will be in the Rothwell Recital Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 7:30 p.m. LoCascio and Witt will perform music from their latest CD, “Absinthe: The Music of Billy Strayhorn.” Admission is free.
“Having artists of this caliber coming to LU always provides a great opportunity for our students to listen, learn and ask questions of seasoned professionals,” said Rick Condit, director of jazz studies and associate professor of saxophone. “Joe and Woody are consummate professionals – the best of the best.”
Cardinal Jazz Orchestra holiday concert
Lamar University’s Cardinal Jazz Orchestra will perform classic and contemporary big band music and fresh arrangements of holiday classics with the Port Neches-Groves High School Jazz Band on Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015. The free concert begins at 7 p.m. in the Port-Neches Groves High School auditorium.
“We’re always on the lookout for new material, and there is some great big band music that can only
Cardinal Jazz Singers fall concert
From Pentatonix to B.B. King, Lamar University’s Cardinal Jazz Singers Cardinal Jazz Singers’ concert on Nov. 19 will feature a variety of classic jazz standards and Christmas music, as well as contemporary selections, all performed a cappella or with a live student rhythm section. The free concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Rothwell Recital Hall. Directed by Rebecca Windham, instructor of voice in the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music, the Cardinal Jazz Singers ensemble provides students a dynamic musical experience that takes them from the classroom to the stage.
LU Brass Choir headlines inaugural “Soul of the City” concert
Lamar University’s Brass Choir will open the new “Soul of the City” concert series hosted by St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica on Friday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature new works for brass choir, as well as sacred music, Christmas music, film classics, Broadway hits and more. Guest artists will be organist Paul Holliday, performing an epic arrangement of Camille Saint-Saëns famous “Organ Symphony,” and soprano Abigail Dueppen, who will sing the “Vengeance” aria from W.A. Mozart's “The Magic Flute.”
Composed of students from the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music, the Brass Choir, directed by assistant professor of trombone Tim Dueppen, includes members of the tuba, euphonium, trombone, French horn and trumpet studios. The ensemble also includes a full percussion section. The choir performs a modern repertoire as well as traditional brass works from the Renaissance, Baroque, Classical and Romantic periods.
Lamar Civic Orchestra presents fall concert
The Lamar Civic Orchestra’s fall concert on Tuesday, Nov. 17, will feature works by Schubert, Bernstein, Vaughan Williams and Mozart. The free performance will be at 7:30 p.m. in the University Theatre.
The program opens with Franz Schubert’s “March Militaire,” which may be familiar to audience members from its use in commercials and film. The Lamar Honors Brass Quintet will then perform selections from Leonard Bernstein’s “West Side Story.” The full orchestra will then present “Norfolk Rhapsody No. 1,” a rarely performed work of Ralph Vaughn Williams.
LU Drumline and Percussion Ensemble win prestigious world championships
Lamar University's Drumline and Percussion Ensemble both took first place at the annual Percussive Arts Society's International Competition, Nov. 11 - 14, 2015, in San Antonio. Winning
“We are extremely proud of these ensembles,” said Kurt Gilman, chair of the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. “They just keep getting better and better, and they really are putting us on the map.”
Travis Fife, director of marching percussion, and Matt Holm, instructor of percussion, conduct the ensembles.
Russ and Susan Schultz music scholarship established
The Lamar University Foundation has established a new scholarship in honor of Russ Schultz, recently retired dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, and his wife Susan. Endowed by their daughter and son-in-law, Drs. Jennifer S. and Omar Hernandez, the Dr. Russ and Susan Schultz Scholarship in Music will benefit students in the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music.
Schultz retired as dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication in May after serving at LU for 16 years. He was previously chair of the music department at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Wash. He received his bachelor of music from Eastman School of Music in 1969 and his masters from the University of Memphis in 1971. In 1973, he was named chair of the department of music at Shelby State Community College in Memphis and subsequently earned his doctor of musical arts from the University of North Texas.
Live from the Rothwell Halloween Spectacular brass concert
91.3 KVLU Public Radio will broadcast a live concert featuring the Faculty Brass Quintet and Houston-based Omni Brass at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2015. The broadcast is part of an on-going series Live from the Rothwell, featured on KVLU. The Halloween Spectacular concert will be held in the Rothwell Recital Hall and will be broadcast live to the Southeast Texas listening audience.
The fun and energetic concert will feature traditional works and some "spooky" Halloween-themed pieces performed separately by each ensemble, concluding with a large brass ensemble piece.
Bryan Proksch's book examines Haydn's musical legacy
Bryan Proksch,
By the 1840s Joseph Haydn, who died in 1809 as the most celebrated composer of his generation, had degenerated into the bewigged "Papa Haydn," a shallow placeholder in music history who merely invented the forms used by Beethoven. In a remarkable reversal, Haydn swiftly regained his former stature within the opening decades of the twentieth century. No single person or event marked the turning point for Haydn's reputation.
Cardinal Jazz Orchestra concert offers classic jazz with a contemporary twist
The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra’s fall concert will put a fresh spin on the music of jazz legends Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Herbie Hancock and more on Thursday, Oct. 8. The free concert begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Rothwell Recital Hall on the campus of Lamar University.
The 17-member Cardinal Jazz Orchestra consists of the instruments traditionally used during the big band era of the 1930s and 1940s: five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets, and a rhythm section, including piano, bass,
Growth of the Marching Band
The Showcase of Southeast Texas was recently profiled for its growth under director Eric Shannon. KFDM news interviewed Dr. Shannon, head drum major Adrian Woodard and freshman Holden Lewis, pictured.
" 'I've been marching since a freshman in high school,' said Lewis, 'and it's just been great. I had to stick with it.' Lewis says the band helped attract him to Lamar. It's his passion and he's happy to be a part of it."
Tim Dueppen tours North America with Alias Brass
Assistant Professor of Trombone Tim Dueppen recently returned from a North American summer tour with the Alias Brass Company. Stops included Denver, Calgary, Banff, and more. Alias played countless shows, gave playing advice to young brass players, and performed alongside some of the finest brass musicians in the world. In addition, Alias has begun work on new aspects of their ever changing and dynamic stage show. Their upcoming season will bring a tour of Houston, California, Kansas City, and many more locations.
Kurt Gilman appointed to Music Field of Study Advisory Committee
The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recently appointed Kurt Gilman, chair of the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at Lamar University, to the statewide Music Field of Study Advisory Committee. The committee is charged with setting a course of study that allows for the seamless transfer of credits to music degree programs at four-year universities.
Cardinal Jazz Orchestra: Upcoming Auditions
The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra will hold auditions during Spirit Week, Aug. 17–21, 2015. You do not need to be a music major to participate. The audition will consist of two major scales, both prepared pieces (found on the CJO webpage), an optional jazz-oriented selection of your choice and a short sight-reading sample. If you are interested but not sure if you’re ready for the audition, there will be opportunities for anyone on any instrument. Depending on response, we will plan a second band, combos, rhythm section class, improvisation class, and more. If you have questions, please contact Rick Condit, director of the Cardinal Jazz Orchestra at rcondit@lamar.edu.
2014-15
Proksch initiated as SAI National Arts Associate
Bryan Proksch, assistant professor of music literature and musicology, was initiated by the Lake Charles Alumnae Chapter of the Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity as a National Arts Associate in April 2015. The honorary membership recognizes a person for their distinguished contributions in support of the musical arts.
Student brass ensembles and brass choir concert
Lamar University will present an exhibition of student brass players on Tuesday, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rothwell Recital Hall. The performance will showcase brass ensembles from the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music, including trumpets, French horns, and trombones, as well as a combined brass choir. The concert will feature diverse styles of music such as classical, sacred, folk, pop and more.
Cardinal Jazz Singers with guest artist Roger Treece
The Cardinal Jazz Singers will appear in concert with guest artist Roger Treece at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 28, in the Rothwell Recital Hall. The concert will feature music by Louis Prima, Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, George Shearing, Rodgers and Hammerstein and more, as well as a demonstration of circle singing, a spontaneous community-singing experience in which the audience may take part.
Students win numerous awards at National Association of Teachers of Singing
Voice students from the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music earned numerous award placements at the annual Greater Houston Chapter of the National Association of Teachers of Singing classical auditions on March 28, 2015, at the University of Houston.
With more than 7,000 members in the United States, Canada, and nearly 30 other countries, the National Association of Teachers of Singing is the largest professional association of teachers of singing in the world. The nonprofit organization is dedicated to encouraging the highest standards of singing through excellence in teaching and the promotion of vocal education.
LU Opera Theatre performs Bernstein's "Trouble in Tahiti"
Lamar Opera Theatre presented a fully staged performance of Leonard Bernstein's "Trouble in Tahiti” April 17-19 in the Rothwell Recital Hall. Bernstein’s witty one-act opera set to jazz rhythms depicts a couple’s marital challenges and longing for love beneath the sunny veneer of 1950s American suburbia.
Cardinal Jazz Orchestra opens Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra concert
Lamar University's Cardinal Jazz Orchestra with special guest artist Jimmy Simmons, LU president emeritus, will open for the Stan Kenton Legacy Orchestra at the Jefferson Theater on April 15 at 7:30 p.m.
"Live from the Rothwell" clarinet chamber concert
91.3 KVLU Public Radio broadcasted a live chamber concert with Lamar University’s Clarinet Quartet and Clarinet Choir on Wednesday, April 8. The concert was the first in the new series "Live from the Rothwell."
"Classical music fans are one of the staple audiences of KVLU,” said Byron Balentine, station manager. "We are excited for this opportunity to collaborate with the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music to bring live performances to our listeners."
Lamar Civic Orchestra’s "suite" spring concert
The Lamar Civic Orchestra’s annual spring concert was held on Tuesday, March 31, and featured concert suites from Respighi,
Guest artist recital with violinist Mauricio Oliveros
Violinist Mauricio Oliveros, associate concertmaster for the Symphony of Southeast Texas, presented a guest artist violin recital at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24, in the Rothwell Recital Hall. Oliveros performed with pianist Lisa McCarroll of Northern Ireland. The recital highlighted different styles of violin and piano literature through the interpretation of masterworks by Bach, Beethoven,
Duo Korusa performs with Industrial Carillon
Industrial Carillon, Lamar University’s new-music ensemble, presented special guest artists Duo
Cardinal Jazz Orchestra spring concert
The Cardinal Jazz Orchestra performed its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. March 10 in the Vidor High School Auditorium. The program contained a wide variety of music from composers as varied as Stevie Wonder, Thelonius
Faculty Brass Quintet concert employs social media for interactive experience
The Lamar University Faculty Brass Quintet held an exciting, interactive concert with music from the Baroque era through today, including selections from Bach, Handel, Shostakovich, Ellington, Gershwin and more.
"We want to build the audience’s connection to the music and bridge the gap between performer and audience to really get them involved,” said Brian Shook, assistant professor of trumpet in the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music. “During the performance, audience members will be encouraged to go on Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram and any other forms of social media to discuss the concert, post photos and communicate with each other and with the quintet."
Department welcomes guest artist saxophonist Justin Pierce
Saxophonist and clinician Justin Pierce
Dr. Wayne Dyess Memorial Scholarship in Music established
The Lamar University Foundation has announced an endowed scholarship has been established for the College of Fine Arts and Communication. The Dr. Wayne Dyess Memorial Scholarship in Music will provide funds for students to further their studies in higher education.
Wind Ensemble TMEA preview concert
Lamar University’s Wind Ensemble was honored with an invitation to perform
Under the baton of Scott Deppe, LU’s director of bands, the Wind Ensemble is composed of 56 students from several different colleges and majors throughout the university. The concert also featured guest conductors Barry Johnson, retired chair of the music department, and Eric Shannon, director of athletic bands. LU alumnus Master Sergeant Scott Gearhart of The President’s Own United States Marine Band performed two trumpet solos.
LU Opera Theatre presents a tribute to American opera
Lamar University Opera Theatre performed opera scenes featuring works by American composers Leonard Bernstein, Gian Carlo Menotti, Stephen Sondheim, Aaron Copland and Samuel Barber Nov. 21 - 23 in the Rothwell Recital Hall.
“The opera scenes performances are very popular. We're able to present beautiful music to our audience and, at the same time, enhance the learning experience for our students by providing them with a multitude of performing styles,” said Dr. Serdar Ilban, director of Lamar Opera Theatre and assistant professor of voice in the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music.
The Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music offers two new classes for fall 2014
Dr. James M. "Jimmy" Simmons, president emeritus, will teach two sections of Jazz Improvisation. MUSI 4300.01, Jazz Improvisation I, for those who did not take the course in Spring, 2014, and MUSI 4300.02, Jazz Improvisation II, for those who took the course in Spring, 2014, and wish to continue. The class will meet usually an hour on Tuesday or Wednesday, plus "field trips" for experience in local jazz venues.
Dr. Bryan Proksch, assistant professor, will offer MUSI 1310, "History of Rock and Roll." The class will meet Tuesday and Thursday 12:45-2:05. This course is a survey of Rock Music covering the history of the musicians involved, the style and its development from the 1950s to the present. Topics to be covered include Elvis, The Beatles, Heavy Metal, and even Disco. The course is geared towards students interested in music generally and does not require or expect any prior musical training.
LU Wind Ensemble to perform at TMEA
The Lamar University Wind Ensemble has been honored with an elite invitation to perform
The Wind Ensemble is conducted by Dr. Scott Deppe, director of bands at Lamar, and has about 55 members. Students in the group come from several different colleges and majors throughout the university.
2013-14
Family-friendly Concert in the Park
In April, the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music held it's second annual old-fashioned Concert in the Park with food,
Lamar’s Wind Ensemble and Concert Band performed music from Disney’s “Frozen” and “The Lion King,” the overture to Hector Berlioz’s opera “Béatrice et Bénédict,” popular marches, and many other light classical, jazz and pops selections.
Cardinal Jazz Singers concert with Lauren Kinhan
The premiere Lamarissimo! concert of the Cardinal Jazz Singers in April 2014 featured guest artist Lauren Kinhan, of the Grammy-Award winning New York Voices. The performance featured classic jazz standards, gospel and sacred music from The Manhattan Transfer, Bobby McFerrin, Mark Murphy and others.
Junior music major Connor Bordelon-Ross wins prestigious TAMS scholarship
Boundless energy and enthusiasm for his craft helped Connor Bordelon-Ross secure the highly competitive Clara Freshour Nelson Music Scholarship administered by the Texas Association of Music Schools.
A native of Rosenberg, Bordelon-Ross performs in the Marching Band, the Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble and World-Drumming Ensemble at Lamar. He also teaches private music lessons at Little Cypress-Mauriceville High School.
Generations: 60 Years of Chinese-American Contemporary Music
Industrial Carillon, Lamar University’s new music ensemble, proudly featured special-guest composer and Grammy Award-winner, Chen Yi, in their March 2014 concert. Yi was proclaimed by The New York Times as “one of the most distinctive composers of her generation.” Her compositions blend Chinese and Western traditions, transcending cultural and musical boundaries. Through doing so, Yi serves as an ambassador
