January 26, 2004

Troy State University to host 31 st annual band clinic

More than 3,000 people are expected to attend the 31 st annual Southeastern United States Concert Band Clinic at Troy State University Feb. 5-7.

Kicking off the activities this year is the Eighth Regiment Band, a Civil war-period brass band that plays authentic music and original instruments. They will be performing at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5 in the Claudia Crosby Theater.

This year's guest bands include Habersham Central High School of Mt. Airy, Ga.; Sparkman High School of Harvest, Ala.; Starr's Mill High School of Fayetteville, Ga.; and Jonesboro High School of Jonesboro, Ga., who will all be giving concerts throughout the weekend.  

The Symphony Band, conducted by Ralph Ford, will also be performing. Their concert will take place on Friday at 8 p.m.

Mike Nakasone of Pearl City High School in Hawaii, and Ed Lusk, retired clinician, conductor and author from Oswego, New York will be guest conductors for the Crimson and Silver honor bands as they perform at 6:30 p.m. Sat. to close out the event.

Other public concerts include:

• Friday, Feb. 6, 11 a.m., the Habersham Central High School Band of Mt. Airy, Ga., Vicki Pinson, conductor;
• Friday, Feb. 6, 1:15 p.m., the Jonesboro (Ga.) High School Band, Todd Manson and Stacy Brown, conductors;
• Friday, Feb. 6, 4 p.m., the Sparkman (Ala.) High School Band, David Lashley, conductor;
• Saturday, Feb. 7, 1:30 p.m., the Starr's Mill (Ga.) High School Band, Scott King, conductor

All concerts will take place in Claudia Crosby Theater on the TSU Campus.

In addition to the concerts, the three-day event will enable participants to receive instruction during performance clinics, view exhibits and read newly-published music during special sessions for band directors.