OXFORD,
\nMiss. – The Patrons of Music organization, a support group for the
\nmusic program at the University of Mississippi, will host its annual
\nbenefit concert March 5 in the Music Building’s Nutt Auditorium on the
\nOxford campus.<\/p>\n
The 8 p.m. “Big Band Bash” will feature UM music
\nfaculty, as well as guest musicians from the Oxford community. General
\nadmission tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the UM Box Office in
\nthe Student Union 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday or by
\ntelephoning 662-915-7411. Early ticket purchase is advised due to
\nexpected sellout.<\/p>\n
“Our ‘Big Band Celebration’ last year was such
\na success that we created a part two called ‘Big Band Bash’ for this
\nyear’s event,” said Patron’s member Julia Aubrey, associate professor
\nof music. The program features music by Duke Ellington, Cole Porter and
\nother composers of the Big Band Era.<\/p>\n
Back by popular demand, the “Andrew Sisters” are slated to sing their signature hit “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Members of the trio are Aubrey and voice faculty Cynthia Linton and Jennifer Robinson.<\/p>\n
Accompanying the trio will be an instrumental ensemble coordinated by Patrons’ member Wade Irvin, professor of music. The ensemble will re-create the sounds of Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey through special arrangements of tunes such as “Stompin’ at the Savoy,” “Take the ‘A’ Train” and “In the Mood.” Faculty vocalists also will present songs of Cole Porter, including “Night and Day.”<\/p>\n
The Patrons of Music organization was created in 2004 to help recruit the most qualified student musicians to the university. The organization helps with financial needs and supports the students while they “strive to fulfill their potential,” according to the organization’s Web site.<\/p>\n
“It’s for the benefit of the students of the university, and of the town that we love,” said Linda MacCormack, Patrons’ president. Encouraging support for the concert, MacCormack said, “In difficult times like these, we don’t need to listen to TV news all the time – music is the answer to better spirits.”<\/p>\n
Aubrey promises that the concert will entertain. “Music patrons can sit back and enjoy the sounds of the big band from this highly talented group of musicians and have the added satisfaction of helping young musicians further their music education at the University of Mississippi,” she said.<\/p>\n
For more information or for assistance related to a disability, call 662-915-7268. For more information about the Department of Music, visit http:\/\/www.olemiss.edu\/depts\/music\/<\/a> .<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"