‘sound’ at Troy State

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Sometimes something happens that’s just too good to miss. That something will happen Thursday, Dec. 2 on the campus of Troy State University.

All focuses of the university’s fine arts department will combine for a holiday concert extravaganza, "Sounds of the Season."

The concert will be a perfect way to usher in the holiday season and those who don’t attend will miss a rare holiday treat, said Terre Johnson, director of choral activities.

"Sound of the Season" will be held at 7 p.m. at Trojan Arena/Sartain Hall.

The concert will feature the TSU Symphony Band, Gospel Choir, Madrigal Singers, Collegiate Singers and Jazz Band and include flute, French horn and trumpet ensembles, a men’s singing ensemble and piano and vocal soloists.

Johnson said the opportunity for the concert presented itself when the university converted to the semester system.

"Having the students on campus during this time of year makes it possible for us to present a concert like this for the first time," Johnson said. "’Sounds of the Season’ is a great way for us to give something to the community for the holiday season. We are excited about the opportunity and we hope this concert will be the beginning of another tradition on campus."

The concert will feature traditional and familiar holiday music from a wide range of styles and will be like no other concert on campus.

Johnson said he didn’t want to give anything away but he did say the opening and closing of the concert will be "spectacular" and totally different.

The program will feature traditional holiday music as well as music from around the world. One selection by the Collegiate Singers will be a sung in the Nigerian dialect and will feature native drums.

"There will be a good representation of secular and religious music," Johnson said. "The jazz band will play the seasonal favorites in an unusual way. And, several of the selections will be composed by Robert W. Smith, director of bands. The entire concert will be a unique musical experience. We hope everyone will make plans to attend."

Tickets for the concert are $5 and can be obtained at the local banks, the Gazebo, Douglas Brothers and WTBF and at the door concert night.

Johnson said reserved seating is available on a first-come basis. The reserved area will be on the floor and lower levels of the arena.

Season subscribers to the Troy Council on the Arts and Humanities calendar of events will be admitted on that ticket. Troy State students who present a student identification card will be admitted free.

Prior to the concert, the campus will host another first.

At 6 p.m. the Student Government Association will sponsor a Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Bibb Graves Quad. Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of the TSU System, will have the honor of lighting the tree which will be decorated with handmade ornaments. The public is invited to attend.