The Wind and Percussion Ensemble of the University of Mary Washington will perform its spring concert, “The Centennial,” on Friday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. in George Washington Hall, Dodd Auditorium. The concert, which is a Centennial event, is open to the public. Admission is the donation of a non-perishable food item for the Fredericksburg Area Food Bank.
The concert will feature two guest conductors, David J. Long, chair and professor of music and UMW composer-in-residence, who will debut his original piece “Their Finest Hour,” and James E. Baker, distinguished professor emeritus of music, who will conduct several compositions in celebration of the university’s 100th anniversary.
In addition, Craig Thomas Naylor, associate professor of music and conductor of the Wind and Percussion Ensemble, will have his composition, “Symphony No. 3, The Centennial” premiered by the ensemble and the UMW Hand Drum Club, for which he is faculty sponsor.
Dr. Long holds a doctor of musical arts degree and master of music degree, both in composition, from the University of North Texas, and a bachelor of music degree in theory and composition from Arizona State University. He has arranged more than 40 pieces for UMW performing organizations, and he founded the modern UMW Jazz Ensemble.
Dr. Baker holds a doctor of musical arts degree from The Catholic University of America and master’s and bachelor’s degrees from The Pennsylvania State University. He founded the Mary Washington College-Community Symphony Orchestra in 1971 and served as its conductor and artistic director for 32 years, as well as its business manager.
The Wind and Percussion Ensemble comprises of students majoring in all areas of study and has tripled in size since its inception nine years ago. For more information about the concert, contact the Department of Music at (540) 654-1012.