USAO Musicians Selected for All-State Honor Band

CHICKASHA – Two music students at the University of Science and Arts are ringing in the New Year with honors as they perform later this month in the Oklahoma All-Collegiate Honor Band. Andrea Jones and Rebekah Ervin recently were selected to perform in the statewide ensemble.

Jones, an undeclared junior from Pleasant Hill, Ohio, was selected to perform clarinet. Ervin, a music freshman from El Reno, joins the ensemble on alto saxophone. Both students are members of USAO’s Droverspirit Wind Ensemble and Pep Band under the direction of Dr. Dan Hanson, professor of music.

“These talented students exemplify the best of what is right at USAO,” Hanson said. “The music department is extremely proud of these accomplished musicians. We salute their hard work and dedication as representatives from our very special university.”

Hanson currently is serving his 20th year as director of instrumental ensembles.

The 100-piece All-Collegiate Band performs a public concert Jan. 17 at 3 p.m. in the ballroom of Tulsa’s downtown DoubleTree Hotel as the inaugural event of the Oklahoma Music Educators Conference. The annual conference will be held in the Convention Center and hotels of downtown Tulsa Jan. 16-19.

Jones said she is drawn to the band’s music selection. “The challenging repertoire performed by this elite group makes this an exciting learning experience,” Jones said.

According to Hanson, the honor ensemble is comprised of top band students from universities and colleges across the state. Each year, a different world-renowned conductor and clinician is invited to conduct the ensemble. This year’s guest conductor is Dr. David Waybright, director of bands at the University of Florida.

Ervin said she is excited to perform with the state’s top musicians. “It’s a unique experience to rehearse with a world-class conductor,” Ervin said. “It will be thrilling to perform with the very best musicians in the state.”

PHOTO CUTLINE

Rebekah Ervin, left, and Andrea Jones recently were selected to perform with the state’s top university musicians. The USAO music students will join the Oklahoma All-Collegiate Honor Band for a live performance Jan. 17 in Tulsa as part of the annual Oklahoma Music Educators Conference.

NEWS RELEASE January 7, 2008
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND ARTS OF OKLAHOMA - CHICKASHA
CONTACT MICHAEL BENDURE, News Bureau, 405-574-1362, mbendure@usao.edu
RANDY TALLEY: Public Relations, 405-574-1337, rtalley@usao.edu
FAX: 405-574-1377