HLSCC Performing Arts Series’ Summer Music Fest, Saturday, May 31, 2008

by HLSCC

 

H. Lavity Stoutt Community College’s five performing ensembles are promising yet another exciting night of music for the final concert of the institution’s 2007-2008 Performing Arts Series, to be held on Saturday, May 31 at the College Auditorium, Paraquita Bay at 8:00 p.m.

The ensembles comprise HLSCC students, faculty and staff, as well as members of the wider community.

The two-hour concert, dubbed the College’s Summer Music Fest, has become the traditional finalé to the Performing Arts Series. 

The five groups are led by Ms. Allison Flax-Archer (Woodwind Ensemble), Ms. Erica Wattley (Flute Choir), Mr. Arthur Selwood (Brass Ensemble), Mr. André Braithwaite (Jazz Band), and Ms. Donna Abraira (Concert Chorale).  The College’s ensembles are featured twice a year in late May or early June to coincide with graduation and at Christmas time.

Vice President Dr. Karl Dawson said rehearsals for the event (began) since the start of (the) Spring semester.

“I am very excited about the concert,” he said.   “This is essentially the College’s music programme on show.”

The HLSCC Vice President said there will be a combination of classical and Jazz performances, as well as a broad genre of music spanning many centuries from as far back as the 1600s to the early 20th century and contemporary music.

He said the pieces to be performed will span not only eras, but also cultures and continents, including Africa and North and South America.

“All the music groups have been working very hard, so I expect that the concert will be an excellent event.”

HLSCC international student Felix Liu will perform with the Flute Choir on the violin, making it the first time that the instrument has been used in College performances.  The Flute Choir, which this year includes two stringed instruments, will perform a popular movie theme among its offerings.

One of the selections to be performed by the Jazz Band is Dizzy Gillespie and Frank Paparelli’s “A Night in Tunisia.”  The Concert Chorale will introduce an African influence with Jambo Rafiki Yangu by Montoya, as well as a number of traditional spiritual and contemporary pieces.

The local flavour is not left out either, as the Brass Ensemble will perform Arthur Selwood’s arrangements of “Ella Gift” and “Louis’ Mule.”