ISSUED: 5 April 2023
MEDIA CONTACT: Dana Costa
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — —“Call of the Wild,” an evening of wind band music related to nature and survival, is the theme of Shepherd University’s School of Music concert on Friday, April 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the Frank Arts Center Theater. The Shepherd University Wind Ensemble will perform a concert featuring special guest soloist, adjunct music professor and oboist Gregory Shook in “The Winter’s Passed” by Wayne Barlow, a reflective expression of hope. A pre-concert lecture describing the works on the concert program will begin at 7 p.m.
The Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Scott Hippensteel, associate professor of music, embarks on its musical adventure with Samuel Hazo’s tribute to the Olympic Spirit, “Olympiada,” with student conductor Anthony Domina, a music education major from Connellsville, Pennsylvania. The journey continues with a stirring tribute to our collective love of America, “Buffalo Soldier” by James “Kimo” Williams; a rousing 6/8 march, “The New Colonial,” by Robert B. Hall; an epic homage to the sunset, “Dusk” by Steven Bryant; a trek into the “Wilderness” by Cait Nishimura; a five-movement suite recalling themes from Leonard Bernstein’s satirical musical, “Candide,” as arranged by Clare Grundman; and an all-out race to the finish line aptly named, “Windsprints” by Richard Saucedo.
As a professional oboist, Shook has performed with the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra, Washington National Symphony, Washington National Opera, Washington Bach Consort, and in pit orchestras for the National and Warner theaters. He also has presented numerous solo recitals, chamber music programs, and performances with other freelance ensembles throughout the tri-state and Washington, D.C. areas. In addition to his career as an oboist, Shook is co-founder and Music and Artistic Director of Hagerstown Choral Arts, an auditioned choral group of approximately 100 singers. He has held leadership positions in the American Choral Directors Association, American Guild of Organists, and Choristers Guild.
General admission for “Call of the Wild” is $15; $10 for Shepherd faculty, staff, alumni, senior citizens, active-duty military, and ages 18 and under; and free for Shepherd students with a valid Rambler ID. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at shepherdrams.universitytickets.com
For more information about upcoming events, visit the Calendar of Concerts and Events webpage.
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