The concert will conclude a daylong event involving honor band members representing 58 high schools from all six New England states.

The students were chosen from more than 300 who applied for the festival from a total of 62 high schools. Selection was based on students' individual musical achievements while attending the schools they are representing. More than two-thirds of those selected have been members of their respective all-state bands or orchestras.

Guest conductors for the 2009 festival are Robert Sheldon and Christopher Tucker. Both are internationally known composers of band music and have many published and recorded works to their credit.

The festival bands will share the concert with the Plymouth State University Symphonic Band, conducted by Professor Gary Corcoran. The Colonial Brass of the United States Air Force Band of Liberty will join with the PSU Band in a performance of a suite from "Mass" by Leonard Bernstein.

The university band will perform works by Paul Dukas, Edward Madden and Percy Grainger. Mezzo-soprano Heather Jacques will be featured with the Symphonic Band in a performance of Christopher Tucker's "Earth, the Gentlest Mother."

Tickets for the performance are $7 at the Silver Center Box Office, (603) 535-ARTS or (800) 779-3869.

]]> 11/17/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6739 PLYMOUTH, N.H. - The PSU Guitar Ensemble kicks off a series of Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance programs in December with a concert at 7 p.m. December 1 in the Smith Recital Hall. The eight-performer program will feature music from Ottmar Liebert, classical solo and trio pieces, jazz tunes with a tribute to the legendary Les Paul and several original compositions. Free tickets are available at the Silver Center Box Office, (603) 535-ARTS.

Up next are the PSU Chamber Players, at 7 p.m. December 2. The concert will feature a selection of performers from such groups as the Trumpet Ensemble, Flute Choir, Clarinet Choir and Woodwind Quintet. Two piano duos comprising Marni Balint and Alyssa Costa, and Professor Carleen Graff and Costa, will join this program. Free tickets for this concert in the recital hall are also available at the Silver Center Box Office.

PSU Jazz Ensembles will perform in the recital hall at 7 p.m. December 3. The program will feature the Jazz Combo, "a quintet of students playing straight ahead' jazz with compositions by Art Blakey and Ellis Marsalis," according to jazz instructor Jimmy Alba. The PSU Jazz Band will play a variety of modern jazz band arrangements,including some exciting swing and Latin charts. Vocalist Krystal Morin will sing with the band. Jazz Ensemble tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for seniors and youth at the Silver Center Box Office.

December 4 and 5 will find members of the Contemporary Dance Ensemble (CDE) on the Hanaway Theatre stage, in an evening of dance that highlights adjudicated works by student choreographers. A variety of dance genres including tap, ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip-hop and musical theatre will be represented in the works of both faculty and student choreographers. The PSU Dance Team will also join the program. Tickets for the CDE recital are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and youth at the Silver Center Box Office.

The PSU choirs will join a double string quartet and Akwaaba, a Ghanaian drumming ensemble, to present A Joyful Noise, Sunday, December 6 at 3 p.m. in the Hanaway Theatre. The diverse program includes Bach's motet for double choir, Komm, Jesu, Komm; carols by Stephen Paulus and Mack Wilberg with audience participation, and African carols.

Tickets for A Joyful Noise are $10-8 for adults, $9-7 for seniors and $7-5 for youth at the Silver Center Box Office, (603) 535-ARTS.

A December 9 performance by the PSU Percussion Ensemble that features percussion instruments from around the world will top off a busy week for Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance students. With music from traditional to contemporary, the performances promise an exciting blend of both visual and sonic diversity. Tickets for the Percussion Ensemble program in the Smith Recital Hall are $4 for adults and $2 for seniors and youth.

Log on to ThisWeek@PSU, http://thisweek.blogs.plymouth.edu for general information about events at Plymouth State University.

]]> 11/9/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6751 PLYMOUTH, N.H. - The PSU choirs will share the Hanaway Theatre stage with Akwaaba, a Ghanaian drumming ensemble, and a double string quartet at 3 p.m. December 6 when they present A Joyful Noise.

According to Professor Dan Perkins, director, the University Chorale has spent the fall semester exploring the style and traditions of carols from throughout the world.

This concert will include traditional carols arranged by Stephen Paulus and Mack Wilberg that will give the audience a chance to sing along, as well as carols from Nigeria, Zambia and South Africa. The diverse program also includes Bach's motet for double choir, "Komm, Jesu, Komm."

"Since our first collaboration with Akwaaba in 2007, the PSU choirs have been eager to renew that relationship," Perkins said.

The Akwaaba Traditional African Drum and Dance Ensemble was formed by Theo Nii Martey during a tour with Brekete Ensemble in London. It brings together a group of friends who have been drumming and dancing together for many years in Ghana and the UK. The group includes past members of the National Dance Ensemble, Brekete Ensemble and the Shidaa cultural troupe. "Akwaaba" means "welcome" in the Twi language of the Ashanti tribe of Ghana.

Martey, director of Akwaaba, and Perkins will present a series of workshops at three high schools in New England prior to the concert.

Tickets for A Joyful Noise are $10-8 for adults; $9-7 for seniors and $7-5 for youth at the Silver Center Box Office, (603) 535-Arts or (800) 779-3869.

Information about the program and participants is available from Professor Perkins via e-mail to danp@plymouth.edu.

Log on to ThisWeek@PSU, http://thisweek.blogs.plymouth.edu for general information about events at Plymouth State University.

]]> 11/9/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6752 Tipsheet of PSU events scheduled in November is available at http://www.plymouth.edu/news/tipsheets/Nov09tips.pdf. ]]> 11/1/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6696 Award-Winning Professional, Student and Faculty Performers at Plymouth State University

PLYMOUTH, N.H. - The new semester brings the excitement of Plymouth State University performing arts programs back to the Silver Center for the Arts beginning September 17. From music to theatre and dance performances and book readings, the Silver Series fall lineup presents diverse programming.

The 2009-2010 Silver Series for the Performing Arts leads off September 17 at 7 p.m. with folk icon Tom Rush whose shows offer a musical celebration filled with the rib-tickling humor of engaging story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues.

Rush will perform in the intimate Smith Recital Hall, for an unforgettable audience experience.

Rush is a gifted musician and performer, presenting a musical celebration ... a journey into tradition and the musical spectrum. His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made him both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. Rush displays an uncanny knack for finding wonderful songs, and writing his own-many of which have become classics re-interpreted by new generations. His 2009 release, "What I Know," has topped the Americana charts with harmonies by Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Bramlett and Nanci Griffith.Sponsored by MegaPrint.

October 8 brings Blues-Flamenco-Celtic-Funk-Folk-Jazz dynamo Deborah Henson-Conant to the Smith Recital Hall. Henson-Conant is a Grammy-nominated, genre-bending electric harp player and vocalist. She has written and produced her own one-woman shows and orchestrated many symphony shows including one that aired on PBS. The Boston Globe calls Henson-Conant a combination of "Leonard Bernstein, Steven Tyler and Xena the Warrior Princess" and Scott Simpson at NPR invites us to "imagine the talented love child of André Previn and Lucille Ball. Sponsored by Megaprint.

The genre shifts again October 29 when the Silver Series presents John Sebastian, former lead singer and songwriter of The Lovin' Spoonful, and member of the Rock and Roll and Songwriters halls of fame; and David Grisman, a virtuoso mandolinist who spearheaded an acoustic music revolution with "Dawg" music-a unique blend of swing, bluegrass, Latin and other musical influences.

The duo's CD, "Satisfied," is a collection of acoustic duets featuring traditional folk tunes, blues, classic instrumentals and original tracks. Their musical history dates back to college days at New York University circa 1963 when the Greenwich Village folk revival was in its heyday. They made their first recording together as members of the Even Dozen Jug Band with future luminaries Maria Muldaur, Stefan Grossman and others. Sebastian teams with mandolin master Grisman for traditional folk/blues songs and instrumentals, as well as Sebastian originals.Presented in Hanaway Theatre with sponsorship by Abode Builders of New England.

Still want more? Look forward to second semester when the Silver Series presents Colonial Brass, the U.S. Air Force Band of Liberty's brass ensemble; jazz from Grace Kelly Quintet, led by saxophonist, vocalist, composer and arranger Grace Kelly; symphonic sounds made in New Hampshire by the Nashua Symphony Orchestra and Chorus and the Ying Quartet, comprising classical musician siblings Janet, Phil and David Ying and the newest quartet member, Frank Huang.

Also on the spring program, a one-man theatrical presentation, Mother/SON, in which writer and actor Jeffrey Solomon, playing both roles, converses with his mother about her struggles with his homosexuality; Natraj, a quintet that melds the classical music of India, traditional music from West Africa and contemporary jazz; and Celtic tenor John McDermott. McDermott's a cappella rendition of Danny Boy is touted by many as the definitive rendition of this iconic song.

The PSU Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance also hosts a vibrant series of programs at the Silver Center, performed by students, faculty and guests.

Student Theater offerings this fall include Raised in Captivity by Nicky Silver opening September 24 and Rodgers and Hammerstein's classic musical Oklahoma, October 15-18.

Nicky Silver wrings laughs from the horrors of everyday life in Raised in Captivity, his story of estranged twins who are reunited at their mother's funeral. Raised in Captivity is a quirky, dark comedy of characters trying to break out of their emotional prisons in a very unconventional manner. The play is recommended for mature audiences.

At the another end of the drama pendulum, Oklahoma tells the story of the high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys in the western territories. Cowboy Curly and farm girl Laurey find that true love can be as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road.

The final fall theatre presentation is Rhinoceros, November 19-22, an absurdist play by Eugene Ionesco that examines apathy and conformity. What will it take for Berenger to stand up to the increasing menace of rhinocerization in his town?

Music patrons can sample multiple genres in performances by the All New England choral and band festivals; a faculty piano recital by Professor Carleen Graff; Duo Veritas with Professor Dan Perkins and Camerata New England cellist Linda Galvan; student guitar, chamber, percussion and jazz ensembles and the annual holiday choral treat, A Joyful Noise. This year the choirs celebrate a multicultural holiday with Ghanaian drumming ensemble Akwaaba, and a string quartet, December 6.

PSU and guest dancers add to the seasonal delights with a Contemporary Dance Ensemble concert featuring student and faculty choreography December 4 & 5.

Eagle Pond Authors'Series

Beginning its 11th season, the Eagle Pond Authors' Series hosts poets Franz Wright and Kevin Young October 22 and November 4, respectively.

Wright's poetry collection, Walking to Martha's Vineyard, won the Pulitzer Prize and his newest book, Wheeling Motel is due out fall 2009. Writer-in-residence at Brandeis University, Wright is the author of 14 collections.

Kevin Young, born in 1970, is widely regarded as one of the leading poets of his generation; one who finds inspiration in African American music and the bittersweet history of Black America. Young, a multiple award winner, is professor of poetry at Emory University.

Readings are presented free of charge and are followed by a book signing and reception. The Eagle Pond Authors' Series is sponsored by a generous grant from Follett Higher Education Group.

Details of date, time, location and cost for all events are available on the Silver Center Web site at silver.plymouth.edu and in Plymouth State's online calendar, ThisWeek@PSU, at http://thisweek.blogs.plymouth.edu/; or by calling the box office at (603) 535-ARTS or (800) 779-3869.

]]> 9/15/09 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6683 PLYMOUTH, N.H.--- Natalie Shaw, a 2006 graduate of Plymouth State University, was crowned Miss New Hampshire 2008 on Saturday, May 2 at the annual state pageant.

The 23-year old Shaw currently teaches music in Manchester, NH elementary schools. She graduated from PSU with a bachelor's degree in music, concentrating in voice performance and pedagogy. She also minored in theatre at the University.

Music Professor Kathleen Arecchi fondly remembers her former student as a highly poised young woman who earned excellent grades and had a longtime commitment to competing in the Miss America program.

"This has been something she has worked for quite a while," said Arecchi. "She was a good student. She was very talented, with a beautiful voice. She was also a very nice person."

Another PSU faculty member, Associate Theatre Professor Elizabeth Cox, had an equally positive assessment of Shaw's time as a PSU student.

"Natalie was a very graceful and charming young woman," said Cox. "She was very dedicated as a music major and was an excellent student. She acted in several musical theatre productions, providing an opportunity for her to demonstrate her range in singing and performance."

Shaw, a veteran of five previous Miss New Hampshire pageants, will use her new title to try to call attention to hunger issues. Shaw has had a strong interest in hunger relief going back to her time as a young girl, when she would do volunteer work for various organizations with her family.

For more information about this release, contact Bill Laforme at (603) 535-2211 or wjlaforme@plymouth.edu. ]]> 5/4/08 http://www.plymouth.edu/news/fullstory.php?number=6331 Melanie Donahue of Littleton, a Plymouth State University senior music major, has had an original composition for band published by Alfred Publishing Company, one of the world's largest publishers of written music.

Eire was premiered by the Plymouth State Symphonic Band at their spring 2006 concert and is reported to be the only piece by a female composer in the Alfred band catalog.

"Melanie's composition is very tuneful, and it draws upon the popularity of Celtic music worldwide," said Professor Gary Corcoran, director of bands at Plymouth State. "J. W. Pepper and Son, one of the largest sheet music distributors in the U. S., has included Eire on its Editors' Choice promotional recordings, which almost guarantees that the piece will reach a much wider audience than it might have otherwise. Melanie's music reflects an intuitive craftsmanship. She has a wonderful opportunity at this time continue to develop her craft to the highest level possible."

Donahue began composing during her junior year of high school. She was accepted at Plymouth State and found herself drawn to composition classes. Those classes offered significant opportunity to work one-to-one with Dr. Jonathan Santore, professor of music theory and composition and chair of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance at PSU.

Santore, himself an award-winning composer, "could tell that the finished product would be something special. it works' for band-that verb covers a wide range of issues that confront any director selecting a composition for performance by an ensemble. I think this is the beginning of a notable compositional career," Santore said.

Eire began as a class assignment and was written specifically for band, but the melody which became the theme for the work was in Donahue's head for two years. A second theme is composed in Irish jig style. Donahue says it is "celebratory-perhaps like St. Patrick's day-and reflective of another aspect of Irish culture." The piece is currently online at www.alfred-music.com.

Composition requires more than technical skill-the process involves research, in this case about Irish music, the immigrant experience, and family history. The novice composer likes to walk along the ocean, and kept hearing the central theme of the work in her head as she did so.

"I am so fortunate that Dr. Santore gave me the opportunity to write this piece and to have it performed," said Donahue. "Speaking with noted composer and publisher Robert Sheldon at Alfred was a wonderful experience."

Sheldon says Donahue is a very talented writer and predicts that she will have great success. "An acceptance into our catalogue means that her work was selected over hundreds of other pieces that were not accepted, including many by previously published and successful composers. Eire is a delightful composition that will be very playable by bands across the country."

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