The Buffalo State College Music Department continues its popular free concert series this fall, showcasing a captivating collection of music across 12 evening performances that intersperse old favorites with more exotic offerings. The series, which features music students, faculty and local musicians, is free. All concerts are at Buffalo State College's world-class Performing Arts Center at Rockwell Hall, unless otherwise noted.
"We have top-notch musicians on campus and premiere concert venues to share with the community," said Bradley J. Fuster, chair and associate professor, Music, Buffalo State College. "With most concerts lasting an hour to an hour and a half, these concerts make for an easy, enjoyable evening out. Dinner on Elmwood and you're all set." For more information, call (716) 878-6401.
Highlights include:
Oct. 16, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Wind Ensemble. "Not your usual Sousa," said Ricky Fleming, conductor and assistant professor, Buffalo State. "This is a great update on what's new in concert band." Forty-five student musicians perform a lively, eclectic mix of compositions that include Nitro by Ticheli and Suite Concertante by Nelhybel.
Oct. 22, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Student Ross V. Coons Percussion Recital. Spiky, rhythmically charged and intriguing compositions by Darius Milhaud, John Cage, Paul Smadbeck and Elliott Carter. Coons will be accompanied by Assistant Professor Bryan Boyce on piano.
Oct. 23, 8:00- 9:30 p.m. Jazz Ensemble. The 20-piece ensemble, comprised of some of Buffalo State's finest musicians, will perform old favorites like "Fly Me to the Moon," peppered with big band vocalists, funk and Latin. Ricky Fleming conducts.
Oct. 28, 3:00- 4:00 p.m. Chamber Choir and Buffalo State Chorale Concert. Selections by Josquin des Pres, Tschaikowsky, Szymanowski, Dvorak, Brahms and Larson.
Nov. 15, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Wind Ensemble of 45 student musicians evokes a range of moods from epic to whisper soft as they perform works that include upbeat Lancaster March by local composer, John Ricca, and Robert Spittal's reflective Pacem (A Hymn for Peace) with lyrical trumpet solo. Ricky Fleming conducts.
Nov. 28, 8:00-9:00 p.m. Percussion Ensemble. WNY musicians and educators engage the audience in an exhilarating rhythmic adventure as they perform pieces by contemporary composers: George Andrix, Gareth Farr, Nigell Westlake, Henry Cowell and Sidney Hodkinson. Clarinet solo by Ben Christy, dean, School of Arts and Humanities, Buffalo State College. Percussion solo by Brad J. Fuster, chair and associate professor, Music. Concert to be held in the Savage Theater Arts Building.
Nov. 29, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Jazz Ensemble. The Buffalo State Jazz Ensemble will thrill you with hard swing and sultry ballads in the style of the great Count Basie, big band leader. Ricky Fleming conducts.
Dec. 4, 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Buffalo State College student musicians, faculty and alumni soloists, choirs and orchestra perform Handel's Messiah. Concert to be held at St. Stanislaus Church, 123 Peckham Street, Buffalo. Repeat performance, Friday, Dec. 7, 7:00 p.m. at The New Mt. Ararat Temple of Prayer, 971 Jefferson Avenue at Best Street.
Dec. 5, 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Wind Chamber Ensembles Concert. Flute, clarinet and trombone and tuba student ensembles perform. Crystal Reinoso, professor, on clarinet.