Campus Connection

[caption id="attachment_22836" align="alignright" width="134"] Stephen Gryc[/caption]

Composer-in-Residence Stephen Gryc works in the repertoire

The UW-La Crosse Symphonic Band and the UW-L Wind Ensemble will hold separate concerts at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Sunday, May 5. Both groups will perform works by Stephen M. Gryc, composer-in-residence on campus May 2-12. The Symphonic Band will perform at 2 p.m., while the Wind Ensemble will perform at 4:30 p.m. Admission to both concerts is free. An American composer, Gryc has always been fascinated by sounds and musical instruments. An intimate understanding of the technique of instruments and the imaginative use of instrumental color are hallmarks of his music. Gryc is professor of music composition and theory at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford where he teaches traditional orchestration, as well as courses in writing for wind ensembles and voices. Gryc has written for every type of western instrument and ensemble from duo to large orchestra. His music has been performed by such ensembles as the New Jersey Percussion Ensemble, Philadelphia Brass Quintet, Avalon String Quartet, Cascadian Choral, U.S. Marine Band and the Minnesota Orchestra. His works have been heard in 43 states and in 23 foreign countries. Gryc was born in St. Paul, Minn., and has earned four degrees in music, including Doctor of Musical Arts from the University of Michigan. He earned the 1986 Rudolf Nissim Prize for orchestral music and the James and Frances Bent Award for Artistic Achievement from the University of Hartford. At 2 p.m. the Symphonic Band will feature works from present day contemporary composers. The band will highlight “Blue Rider” by Gryc and premiere “Beacon,” a new piece composed by Kim Archer. The piece is part of a commission initiated by Central High School Band Director Bix Swerman. Other pieces are “Vesuvius” by Frank Ticheli, “Sheltering Sky” by John Mackey and “Songs of Sailor and Sea” by Robert W. Smith. The Symphonic Band consists of of students from across campus who wish to continue playing in a concert band. The band is conducted by Professor Tammy Fisher, who also directs the Screaming Eagles Marching Band and heads up the department’s Percussion Studio and Instrumental Music Education Program. Fisher received a doctorate in music education from the University of North Carolina-Greensboro, a master’s in music education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s in music education from Clarion University of Pennsylvania. At 4:30 p.m. the Wind Ensemble will preform Gryc’s “Fanfare for a Nobel Rebel” and “Masquerade Variations.” Other works include: “Hammersmith” by Gustav Holst, “Circuits” by Cindy McTee “American Overture” by Joseph Willcox Jenkins and arranged by J. H. Reynolds, and “O Magnum Mysterium” by Morten Lauridsen and translated by H. Robert Reynolds. The Wind Ensemble draws around 50 of the most talented instrumentalists at the university who perform sophisticated past and current literature written for wind bands. Membership is open to all majors but is by audition. Tom Seddon is conductor of the Wind Ensemble. At UW-L Seddon also directs the Wind Ensemble and Orchestra, along with teaching conducting and trumpet. He holds a doctorate and master’s in music education from The Hartt School and a bachelor’s in music education from Lebanon Valley College of Pennsylvania. He received the Central Connecticut State University 2009-10 Excellence in Teaching Award. If you go— What: Concerts Who: UW-L Symphonic Band When: 2 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Who: UW-L Wind Ensemble When: 4:30 p.m. Sunday, May 5 Where: Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Admission: Free.