Campus Connection

Works featured include those of Composer-in-Residence Stephen Gryc

UW-L's Brass Quintet and UW-L Music Department faculty will join to perform chamber music featuring works by an artist in residence. The performance is set for 7 p.m. Friday, May 3, in Annett Recital Hall in the Center for the Arts. Admission is free. [caption id="attachment_22836" align="alignright" width="134"] Stephen Gryc[/caption] The quintet and faculty will perform works by Stephen M. Gryc, the composer in residence on campus May 2-12. The program includes Gryc’s “Desert Light for Brass Quintet,” “Fanfare Agitata” and “Con Sordino” for solo trombone, performed by Scott Bean. The Brass Quintet will also perform selections by Ewald and Girshwin. Gryc, an American composer, 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. He teaches traditional orchestration courses, 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 a 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. Gryc’s works will also be featured in concerts by the UW-L Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble on May 5 and the UW-L Orchestra May 10. [caption id="attachment_22837" align="alignright" width="134"] Tom Seddon[/caption] Tom Seddon is conductor of the UW-L Brass Quintet. 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— Who: UW-L Brass Quintet and faculty What: Performance of works by Stephen M. Gryc, composer in residence When: 7 p.m. Friday, May 3 Where: Annett Recital Hall, Center for the Arts Admission: Free.