CFAD Events

Category: Music Events

Bonnie and Clyde, The Musical

Bonnie & Clyde – UCO Musical Theatre
7:30PM Feb. 16–18, 2023
2PM Feb. 19, 2023
UCO Jazz Lab

The University of Central Oklahoma
College of Fine Arts and Design
UCO School of Music
UCO Musical Theatre
Present

Bonnie & Clyde
The Musical

PROGRAM

ACT 1

Prologue – Bonnie and Clyde
A Dirt Road

Picture Show – Young Bonnie, Young Clyde, Bonnie, Clyde, Company
Various Locations

This World Will Remember Me – Clyde, Bonnie
A Dirt Road

You’re Goin’ Back to Jail – Blanche, Buck, Salon Women
Cinderella Beauty Parlor

How ‘Bout A Dance – Bonnie
Parker Home

When I Drive – Clyde, Buck
Blanches Apartment

God’s Arms Are Always Open – Preacher, Company
A River Behind a Church

You Can Do Better Than Him – Ted, Clyde
McLennan County Jail

You Love Who You Love – Bonnie, Blanche
Cinderella Beauty Parlor/American Café

Raise A Little Hell – Clyde
Eastham Penitentiary

This World Will Remember Us – Clyde, Bonnie
Various Locations

15 MINUTE INTERMISSION

ACT 2

Made In America – Preacher, Company
Various Locations

Too Late to Turn Back Now – Bonnie, Clyde
Clyde & Bonnie’s Hideout

That’s What You Call a Dream – Blanche
Blanche’s Apartment

What Was Always Good Enough for You – Clyde, Bonnie
Barrow Gas Station / Clyde & Bonnie’s Hideout

Bonnie – Clyde
Clyde & Bonnie’s Apartment

Raise A Little Hell (Reprise) – Clyde, Buck, Ted
Sheriff’s Office / Various Locations

Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad – Bonnie
Joplin Apartment

God’s Arms Are Always Open (Reprise) – Blanche, Preacher
The Woods

Picture Show (Reprise) – Young Bonnie, Young Clyde
A Dirt Road

Dyin’ Ain’t So Bad (Reprise) – Clyde, Bonnie
A Dirt Road

CAST

Bonnie Parker
Laila Jalil
Trinity Snodgrass

Clyde Barrow
Logan Corley
Joel Stephens

Young Bonnie
Samantha Stephens
Hannah Butler

Young Clyde
Rhett Hurst
Sam Woods

Blanche Barrow
Morgan Paulson
Ashlea Stewart

Buck Barrow
Garett Christensen
Zach Wright

Ted Hinton
Logan Wright

Emma Parker
Kaia Crawford
Maddie Walkley

Preacher
Lamar Burns

Sheriff Schmid
James Coplen

Deputy Bud
Collin Rizzo

Cumie Barrow
McKenzie Tipton

Henry Barrow
Ian Nance

Ensemble
Jesse Battice
James Copeland
Sara Draper
Baylee Fitzgerald
Ronnell Flemming
Grant William Galloway
Gabby Rae Jimenez
Teagan Jellison
Daniel Johnson
Brenden McCarthy
Kendall McCullum
Sarah Munsell
Ian Nance
Pierson Van Den Dyssel
Heath Rawls
Ireland Reneau
Saoirse Ryhn
McKenzie Tipton
Hailey Wolfe

PRODUCTION CREW

Director and Choreographer
Justin Larman

Music Director
Eric Grigg

Assistant Director
Sophia Williams

Intimacy Director
Sia Villalobos-Baxter

Stage Manager
Baily Hill

Costume Designer
Robbin Davis

Lighting/Projection Designer
Caleb Barnett

Sound Technician
Brayden Pogson

Spotlight Operators
Jenna Gaston, Daniel Johnson

MUSICIANS

Conductor/Piano
Eric Grigg

Fiddle
Katie Barrick

Guitar
Wyatt Manley

Bass
Aimee McRorie

Drums
Cole Holleyman

BIOS

Eric Grigg (Music Director/Conductor) is in his ninth year as a full-time collaborative pianist and vocal coach at UCO. During his time as a Broncho, he has music directed such shows as Sweeney Todd, Sweet Charity, Nine, and Merrily We Roll Along. His professional credits include over sixty productions with Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma, where his most recent credit was music directing Grease. Eric is also a frequent performer in Pops concerts with the Oklahoma City Philharmonic, where he has played for such Broadway stars as Kristin Chenoweth, Kelli O’Hara and Megan Hilty.

Sophia Iris is a sophomore Musical Theatre major and is overjoyed to be working on Bonnie and Clyde! She spent last summer Assistant Directing Newsies Jr. in her hometown and is thrilled to have the opportunity to AD at the collegiate level this time around! She is taking this semester offstage due to a vocal cord injury, but was recently seen on stage as a Witch in Macabret: Coven, and in the ensemble of Sister Act! She would like to thank Justin Larman for trusting her to be at his side throughout this process, and teaching her so much about the inner workings of putting together a show!

Jesse T. Battice (Male Lead Swing/Ensemble) is a sophomore musical theatre major! “Bonnie & Clyde” is his first show in UCO’s Jazz Lab space. Swinging the male leads in this musical has been a blessing of an opportunity and learning experience for which he would like to thank Dir. Justin Larman & MD Eric Grigg. Jess sends love to the entire cast, creative team, and crew of this stellar story. He would also like to thank the entire UCO Faculty, Vocal Coach Dr. Kevin Eckard, The Rodriguez Family, The Gelona Family, The Hammett Family, and most importantly his beautiful Mother and two Sisters. All Glory to God.
Regional: “Distant Thunder” (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), The Polar Express Train Ride (Rail Events Productions). Educational: And the World Goes ‘Round, The Wedding Singer (UCO)

 

Lamar Burns (Preacher) is a junior, musical theater major here at UCO some of his favorite roles here have been Curtis in sister act, and Robbie in the Wedding Singer. He would like to thank his teachers, parents, friends, and God for giving him direction and helping him pursue his dream!

 

Hannah Butler (Young Bonnie) is a 10th grader at Norman high school. Some past performances include Sooner Theatre’s Chicago (Velma), Sooner Theatre’s Damn Yankees (Gloria), and OU’s production of A Christmas Carol (Little girl Crachet). When she’s not at the theatre she’s playing guitar or, dancing. Hannah would like to thank everyone who has helped her obtain this opportunity, and thank them for making this show possible!

 

Garett Christensen is a senior musical theatre major from Spiro, OK. Past UCO credits include Steve in “RENT”, Ensemble in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, and soloist in “Broncho MT Showcase”. He assistant music directed “The Wedding Singer” last fall at Mitchell Hall at UCO. His next project will be music-directing Fugitive Songs at the UCO Boathouse. Love to Mom, Dad, and Clifford.

 

James Coplen (Sheriff) is an enthusiastic freshman MT student who is thrilled to collaborate once more with his favorite director, Justin Larman. James has held roles such as “Emerald City Guard” in Wizard of Oz, “Jimmy Ray Dobbs” in Bright Star, and “Donkey” in Shrek. Apart from the stage, James actively contributes to the Oklahoma City entertainment scene as a multi-instrumentalist, film actor, and writer. He wishes to express his gratitude towards his peers for being a fantastic cast, and more importantly great friends. Break legs!!!

 

Logan Corley (Clyde)is a Senior Musical Theatre major from Mansfield, TX, taking voice under Dr. Marilyn Govich. Previous Credits include Brad in The Rocky Horror Show, Charlie u/s in Kinky Boots, Mr. Wormwood in Matilda (Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma), Big Kid Ensemble in Matilda (Firehouse Theatre), Anthony in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Stacee Jaxx in Rock of Ages (Univ. of Central Oklahoma). Logan would like to thank his family for always supporting him in everything he does and he dedicates this performance to his late Great Grandmother, Tommie LouDella Heeth Champion.

 

Kaia Crawford (Emma) is from Moore, Oklahoma. She is grateful to be a part of this cast and to be playing Emma Parker. She is a freshman MT and very excited to be performing in her first UCO musical. Kaia would like to thank her parents for encouraging her dreams.

 

Sara Draper is a transfer Musical Theatre major from Grove, Oklahoma. She studies voice with Dr. Barbara Fox DeMaio. She has previously been seen at UCO as “Yvette” in Clue and in The Wedding Singer ensemble. Sara is thrilled to be working with such a talented cast and crew. She would like to thank her parents and brother for their continuous love and support and the UCO Musical Theatre Faculty for having confidence in her as an artist.

 

Baylee Fitzgerald (Ensemble) is from Enid, Oklahoma, and will be graduating in the Spring with a BM in music theatre. Favorite credits include Holly in The Wedding Singer, Heather McNamara in Heathers, and Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. Baylee would like to thank the UCO faculty, especially Dr. Marilyn Govich for teaching her so much in the past 4 years. Thank you to her friends for the amazing memories. Big thank you to her family, Mom, Dad, and her boyfriend, Morgan for all of their love and support. And as always, a special shoutout to her puppies, Beau and Hosnar!

 

Ronnell Fleming (Ensemble) is a junior musical theater major and is honored to be a part of UCO’s production of Bonnie and Clyde. Her past credits include Mimi in RENT, Leading Player in Pippin, Rusty in Footloose and working as a swing on OKC’s production of The Polar Express. She would like to thank her friends and family for supporting her and her director Justin for giving her this opportunity.

 

Grant William Galloway (Ensemble) is a freshman pursuing a Bachelor of Music in Musical Theatre here at UCO. Grant graduated from Broken Arrow High School in May of 2022 where he was a member of Broken Arrow’s nationally ranked Tiger Rhythm show choir as well as a handful of the school musicals. Among some of his proudest credentials, Galloway’s resume features roles such as a participant in Kristin Chenoweth’s Broadway Bootcamp,  Danny Zuko (Grease), and Billy Flynn (Chicago).

 

Rhett Hurst spent the summer on the Civic Center stage as “Young Charlie” in Lyric Theatre’s Kinky Boots and “Eric” in Lyric Theatre’s Matilda. Next month, he’ll be “LeFou” in Beauty and the Beast at Sooner Theatre. Other roles include: “Santa” in Elflandia, “Thing Two” in Seussical, “Marty” in Anchors Aweigh, and “Lennie” in Junie B. Jones Jr. Rhett was also in Matilda Jr., Bye, Bye Birdie Jr., and the full production of Annie. He has performed solos at Disneyland, Edmond Fourth of July parade, and Lights on Broadway, and was a finalist in the MetroFamily Magazine’s Cover Kid search.

 

Laila Jalil (Bonnie) is a current Sophomore Musical Theatre major at the University of Central Oklahoma. She had previously performed in UCO’s Macabaret: Coven and in the ensemble Sweeney Todd. Laila would like to thank Justin Larman for this incredible opportunity and Eric Grigg and the rest of the creative team for bringing this show to life.

 

Teagan Jellison (Ensemble) is a sophomore musical theater major from El Dorado, KS. She is excited to be back in the jazz lab and participating in such a beautiful show. Recently Teagan has been seen in the ensembles of UCO’s productions of “The Wedding Singer” and “Sister Act”. She wants to thank Justin Larman for allowing her to be a part of this wonderful production and Dr. Herrington for constantly encouraging her and helping her become a better artist. Finally, she wants to thank her family for their love and support to help her reach her goals.

 

Gabriella Rae Jimenez (female understudy and swing) – is in her senior year at UCO. You may have seen her recently at UCO as Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd or at Lyric Theatre as Magenta in The Rocky Horror Show. Other productions she’s been in include Rent; UCO, Grease; Lyric and Chicago; Courtyard Theatre. Gabriella has enjoyed the challenge of being an understudy and watching the cast grow through the rehearsal process.

 

Daniel Johnson (Swing) is a Musical Theatre Major at The University of Central Oklahoma. He is from Altus Oklahoma, and he graduated with the class of 2022. He is currently swinging for all of the male ensemble roles in “Bonnie and Clyde”. Some of Daniel’s previous roles include: Cornelius Hackle, “Hello Dolly”, Jack Kelly, “Newsies”, Charlie Brown, “You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown,  and Bert Healy, “Annie”. Daniel would like to thank Justin Larman for this opportunity, and his family for supporting him and giving him the courage to become who he is today.

 

Maddie Kemmet (Emma) is a junior musical theatre major from Norman, OK.  Some of her favorite shows she has been a part of at UCO are Sweeney Todd (Ensemble) & The Wedding Singer (Julia Sullivan). She would like to thank her UCO Musical Theatre family & faculty for always showing their support and especially Justin Larman & Eric Grigg for their hard work and dedication to this show.

 

Brenden McCarthy (Ensemble) is a junior musical theater major here at UCO. He is super stoked to play a character named Johnson.

 

Kendall McCollum (Ensemble) is a senior musical theatre major at UCO. You may have seen her as Julia Sullivan in UCO’s production of “The Wedding Singer” last semester. As a swing in “Grease”, in the ensemble of “Nine”, as Joanna in “The Theory of Relativity” and as Sister Mary Lazarus in “Sister Act”. She studies voice under the wonderful Dr. Marilyn Govich. She would like to thank her parents, friends, and her dog Kaia for all of their love and support.

 

Sarah Munsell (Ensemble) is a Sophomore musical theatre major at the University of Central Oklahoma. She is so incredibly excited to make her Jazz Lab debut in Bonnie and Clyde! Some of her favorite past shows include Wedding Singer (Ensemble) at UCO, Guys and Dolls (Adelaide), and Mamma Mia (Ensemble) at The Sooner Theatre! She would like to give a special thanks to Justin, Greg, Michael, and Marilyn for always pushing her to do her very best!

 

Ian Nance (Henry) is a current junior here at UCO, majoring in Musical Theatre Performance. His goal with his degree is to go into film and perform at community theaters once he completes his degree. Ian has been in love with theater and his debut show as the Emperor in Mulan Junior at nine years old. One of his favorite shows he has been in was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, where he played sneaky Mungojerrie. He would like to thank his parents, Marquetta and Allen Vyce for supporting him and hopes to make them proud. He also wants to thank all his peers and staff for helping and encouraging him to become the man he is today.

 

Morgan Paulson (Blanche) is a sophomore Musical Theatre Major from Austin Texas. You may have seen her in the Jazz Lab show Sister Act last spring, as a swing for The Wedding Singer this previous September, and in the Holiday show last December. She’s so thankful to her friends and family and is studying voice with Dr. Molly Johnson. She appreciates all the love and support from her peers as well as the faculty at UCO. Bonnie and Clyde has been a special experience due to the hard work of our director Justin and the rest of the cast. She hopes you get as much out of it as she has from being in it.

 

Heath Rawls (Ensemble) is a sophomore musical theatre major from McKinney, Texas, and a member of the DeMaio studio. Performance credits include Firehouse Theatre: The SpongeBob Musical (Electric Skate) North Texas Performing Arts: Urinetown (Bobby Strong), A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (Monty Navarro) Outcry Theatre: Assassins (John Hinckley). He would like to thank his friends, his family, and everybody involved with this show for all of their support.

 

Ireland Reneau (Ensemble) is a senior musical theatre major and dance minor, and is so excited about the opportunity to be a part of this show!  Some of her favorite past roles include Margot in Legally Blonde, Victoria in CATS, and Alice in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.  She would like to thank her family for their endless support, as well as the cast, crew, and faculty!  Enjoy the show!

 

Colin Rizzo (Deputy Bud/ Ensemble) is a Sophomore Musical Theatre Major from Boston, Massachusetts! He is studying voice with Dr. Kevin Eckard and is beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to be in Bonnie and Clyde! He debuted in the UCO Jazz Lab show Sister Act last spring where he played “Michelle” and was part of the ensemble as well! He has also been a part of the 2021 New Bronco Showcase as well as The Wedding Singer where he played some feature roles in the ensemble! He would like to thank his mom for constantly pushing him to be the best that he can be and never give up on his dreams. He is incredibly thankful to his friends and family for their constant support and love for his career!

Saoirse Ryhn (Ensemble) is a junior musical theatre major at UCO and is ecstatic to be back in the Jazz Lab performing in Bonnie and Clyde. Her favorite credits include Holly in The Wedding Singer, Charity in Sweet Charity, and Margot in Legally Blonde. She’d like to thank her family and friends for being her biggest support system and the whole creative team for putting together such an amazing show!

 

Trinity Snodgrass (Bonnie) is a junior musical theatre major from Edmond, Oklahoma. Some of her past credits include Belle, “Beauty and the Beast,” Woman 1, “And the World Goes Round,” and Maria, “Sound of Music.” She is currently studying voice with Dr. Barbra Demaio. Trinity is so thankful to her family and to everyone who has directed or helped in any way for B&C!! She is grateful for this opportunity and sends love to the rest of the cast!!

 

Joel Stephens (Ensemble) is a junior musical theatre major at the University of Central Oklahoma. Some of his favorite credits include Franz Klinemann at the Arts Center of Coastal Carolina and Doody in Grease at Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma. He is currently studying with Tisha Wills He is incredibly proud of all the work everyone has put in to make this show great!!

 

Samantha Stephens (Young Bonnie) is ecstatic to be a part of this cast! She is a sophomore and a class officer at Harrah High School. Past performances include Sooner Theatre’s Damn Yankees (Meg Boyd), Sooner Theatre’s Newsies (Hannah/Bowery Girl), and Artworks Academy’s Shrek the Musical JR. (Fiona), and Seussical the Musical JR. (Cat in the Hat). When she’s not at the theatre she’s playing tennis, baking, or singing in her youth’s worship band. Samantha would like to thank Justin, Eric, and the whole cast and crew for giving her this amazing opportunity!!

 

McKenzie Tipton (Cumie) is a senior Music Theatre major/Dance Performance minor at UCO. Her performance experience includes the Woodstock Playhouse in NY, Pfalztheater in Kaiserslautern Germany, Kia EV6 Launch, and the Kaleidoscope Dance Company. She also has a passion for aerial dance, writing folk music, and stage combat at the renaissance fair! When she’s not avoiding the pointy end of a sword, McKenzie fiercely adores her job as a dance teacher/choreographer for OKC Parks and Rec. McKenzie couldn’t be more grateful to finish out her time at UCO with this phenomenal show.

 

Ashlea Stewart (Blanche) is a senior musical theatre major from Norman, Oklahoma, studying voice with Dr. Marilyn Govich. Her credits include Reno Sweeney Anything Goes, Woman 1 World Goes ‘Round, and Angie Sullivan/ensemble Wedding Singer. She would like to thank her family, friends, and the amazing UCO faculty!

 

Pierson Van den Dyssel (Ensemble) is a Senior Music Theatre major at UCO. Some of his previous credits include KIA in The Polar Express the ride, Alan/CoChoreographer/Dance Captain in Bare: A Pop Opera, and Race in Newsies. He would like to thank his friends and family for all the support they have given him. Break legs to the rest of the cast and crew!

 

Hailey Wolfe (Ensemble) is a senior musical theatre major from Houston, TX. She is so excited to perform in her final show at UCO! Past credits include Mamma Mia! (Sophie), Into the Woods (Cinderella), Sweeney Todd (Johanna), and This Is Our Youth (Jessica). She hopes you enjoy the show!

 

Sam Woods (Young Clyde) Sam is thrilled for the opportunity to work with and learn from the amazing cast of Bonnie and Clyde at UCO. Sam has recently enjoyed being cast as Bugsy in Kismet’s Bugsy Malone Jr, Adult Rudolph in Kismet’s Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Adult Simba in Kismet’s Lion King Jr, and was a soloist in Poteet Theatre’s Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif. Sam is a 5th grader here in Edmond who enjoys gaming, basketball, and hanging out with friends. He would like to thank his family for their love and support, and for all the stops for hamburgers after practices.

 

Logan Wright (Ted Hinton) is a senior musical theatre major here at UCO and is from Midwest City, Oklahoma. His UCO credits include: The Wedding Singer (Ensemble), Sweeney Todd (Ensemble), Rent (Mark Cohen), Rock of Ages (Lonny), Sweet Charity (Oscar), and Theory of Relativity (Curtis.) Logan would like to thank his mom, dad, stepdad, brother, Maw Maw and Paw Paw for all their love and support!

 

Zachary Wright (Buck) is a UCO transfer student who was last seen as Robbie Hart in the main stage production of The Wedding Singer on the Mitchell Hall stage. Some of his favorite roles include Quasimodo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame, William Barfee in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Thomas Andrews in Titanic: The Musical. He would like to thank his friends and family for their continued support.

 

SPECIAL THANKS

Greg White, Ph. D.
Kelli Cormack
UCO Jazz Lab Staff
Hideaway Pizza
UCO Voice Faculty
Rob Glaubitz D.M.A.
Janna Montgomery
Brian Mitschell
Patterson Allen
Ashlea Stewart
UCO Photographic Services
UCO Box Office Staff
Choctaw High School Drama Department
Jefferey Meek
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma
Maryjane Burton
Toucan Productions

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement

Learn more about UCO Musical Theatre


Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on February 3, 2023 by Lauren Burk
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Emily Butterfield: Musical Tributes

Musical Tributes
5PM Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023
Radke Fine Arts Theatre

Emily J. Butterfield, flute and alto flute

Collaborating Musicians:
Samuel Magrill, piano
Hwaju Lee, piano

Program

 

J. Rosamond Johnson (1873-1954)
Arr. By Evelyn Simpson-Currenton (b. 1953)
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing

Samuel Magrill, piano

 

Charles DeLaney (1925-2006)
Hymn of Pan (solo flute)

 

Paul Taffanel (1844-1908)
William I B. Bennett, editor (1936-2022)
Grande Fantaisie on Themes from “Mignon” by Ambroise Thomas

Hwaju Lee, piano

 

Intermission

 

Amanda Harberg (b. 1973)
Feathers and Wax

Samuel Magrill, piano

 

Clifford Benson(1946-2007)
A Song for Wibb

Hwaju Lee, piano

Lift Every Voice and Sing sheet music - page 1
Lift Every Voice and Sing sheet music - page 2

Lift Every Voice and Sing sheet music - page 3

Biographies

Emily Butterfield

Emily Butterfield

Emily J. Butterfield, D.M.A, is a professor of flute and head of the winds and percussion division in the UCO School of Music. She performs in the Enid Symphony Orchestra and in the chamber ensemble, “Heavy Metal.” In August 2022, the UCO College of Fine Arts and Design recognized Butterfield for her excellence in teaching with the presentation of the Vanderford Distinguished Teacher Award.

Prior to her appointment at UCO, Butterfield taught at Muskingum College, Mt. Vernon Nazarene University, Morehead State University, and the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She was also a coach, performer and administrator for Chamber Music Connection, Inc. in Columbus, OH, and a founding member of Favorable Winds, a professional woodwind quintet based in Columbus, OH. As an orchestral musician, Butterfield has performed in the Fargo-Moorhead Symphony Orchestra, Southeast Ohio Symphony, Ashland Symphony, Columbus Bach Ensemble, Newark-Granville Symphony, Lansing (MI) Symphony, and the New Sousa Band. She also taught K-12 band, strings, classroom music and vocal music at school districts in Michigan, California, and Minnesota.

Butterfield has appeared as a guest artist for various universities and flute festivals and has also performed at several national music conventions including those hosted by the National Flute Association, International Double Reed Society, College Music Society, and the International Horn Society. She has served as an adjudicator for the National Flute Association (NFA), Oklahoma Flute Society, Central Ohio Flute Association, Upper Midwest Flute Association, MTNA and the Madison, Wisconsin Flute Festival. Butterfield, who is currently a Board Delegate, has served on the board of the Oklahoma Flute Society in various capacities, including most recently as the Competition Chair for Flute Fair. She was a member of the 2013 NFA Young Artist Competition Repertoire Committee and is a past president of UCO’s Pi Kappa Lambda chapter.

In competition, she placed third in the 2002 Kentucky Flute Society Young Artist Competition, won a 2004 NFA Convention Performer’s Certificate, and in 2005, the NFA selected her D.M.A. document, “The Professional Life and Pedagogy of Clement Barone,” as a winner in its Doctoral and Dissertation Competition. Her writings have also appeared in “Flute Talk” and “The Flutist’s Quarterly.”

Butterfield received a Bachelor of Music in instrumental music education from Michigan State University, a Master of Music in Flute Performance from Florida State University and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Flute Performance from The Ohio State University. Her teachers include Katherine Borst Jones, William Bennett, Charles DeLaney, Clement Barone, and Jack Wellbaum.

 

Sam Magrill

Sam Magrill

Samuel Magrill, D.M.A., is coordinator of Graduate Studies, professor of Music and a Composer-in-Residence in the School of Music at the University of Central Oklahoma, where he has taught music theory and composition since 1988. Previously, he taught at the University of Wyoming and California State University, Long Beach. He obtained his Bachelor of Music in Composition from Oberlin Conservatory and his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees in Composition from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Magrill has written more than one hundred compositions for a variety of instruments, from solo piano and chamber music to choir, wind ensemble and symphony orchestra. His works have been performed throughout the United States and abroad and at many regional and national conferences including the Society of Composers, Inc, the National Flute Association, the North American Saxophone Alliance, and the College Music Society. His CDs include electro-acoustic music (“The Electric Collection”), his four operas, wind symphony compositions (“Oklahoma Bandscapes”), and collections of music for cello and other instruments, many of which he wrote specifically for his colleague Dr. Tess Remy Schumacher and the UCO Cello Ensemble.  He has received numerous awards and commissions, including ones from the National Endowment for the Arts, the American Music Center, the Mid-America Arts Alliance, the Illinois Arts Council, ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers), the Oklahoma Music Teachers’ Association, the American Composers’ Forum’s Continental Harmony Program and faculty research grants and merit credit awards from the University of Central Oklahoma. In the spring of 2000, he was inducted into SAI as an Arts Associate and won the AAUP-UCO Distinguished Creativity Award. Other memberships include ASCAP, Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda. Dr. Magrill is also an active collaborative pianist.

His interest in World Music led him to collaborate with M.V. Narasimhachari. Together they produced two volumes of The Music of India: An Introduction (1996-2003). His work with Indian music came to fruition when he presented his “East-West Duo” for violin, cello and mridangam in a concert of his music in Chennai, India on January 1, 2005.

Recent compositions and performances include “Cello Dance”, performed by Linda Jennings, cello and Chindarat Charoenwongse, piano, on their Thailand tour (June 2013), “The Winding Way”, performed at the V Festival Internacional de Musica de Campina Grande in Brazil by the UCO Concert Chorale, Karl Nelson, D.M.A., director (July 2014), and “Stone Poems”, performed by Natalie Syring, flute and the composer at the piano, at the National Flute Association Conference in Chicago (August 2014). “Five Bagatelles” (2018), for flute, violin, cello and piano was performed 4/17/18 by Mira Magrill, flute; Gregory Lee, violin; Jonathan Ruck, cello; Samuel Magrill, piano, at Saint Paul’s Cathedral, Oklahoma City on a brightmusicconcert entitled “Old and New.” “Celloklavier: Beethoven Deconstructed” was written especially for cellist Dr. Tess Remy-Schumacher to celebrate the 200th anniversary of Beethoven’s death and was premiered 8/30/22 on the Faculty Artists Concert Series at the UCO Jazz Lab.

 

Hwaju Lee

Hwaju Lee

Hwaju Lee is an Adjunct Instructor of Piano and a Collaborative Pianist at the University of Central Oklahoma, performing for Cantilena Women’s Chorus, Concert Chorale, Chamber Singers, University Choir, and Department of Dance ballet classes. In addition to her responsibilities at UCO, she also teaches piano lessons for students at UCO’s Central Community Music School.

 

Prior to teaching at UCO, Ms. Lee has taught piano courses at Indiana Wesleyan University, Oklahoma State University, and Ball State University and was a piano instructor at In-Home Music Teacher, LLC in Dallas, Tx. She also maintained a private studio for over 15 years. Ms. Lee has also given masterclasses at Arkansas State University and Mongolia International University. She has served as a collaborative pianist and class piano instructor at Oklahoma State University, an instructor at Arkansas Governor’s School, and a pianist for the Stillwater Chamber Singers.

 

Ms. Lee performs regularly as a soloist and collaborative artist around the United States
and South Korea. She has performed in a variety of ensemble settings including choirs, wind ensembles, and orchestras, and has been invited to perform as a guest collaborator for recitals. Recently, Ms. Lee was invited to judge the Pohang Arts High School and CBS National Competition in S. Korea. She also has earned various awards and scholarships including the University of North Texas Organ/Harpsichord Scholarships, Dean’s Camerata, Texas Public Education Grant.

 

Ms. Lee completed her doctoral coursework at Ball State University in Piano Performance. There, she was awarded a full scholarship and a graduate assistantship working as a teacher and collaborative pianist. She received her M.M. from the University of North Texas where she studied harpsichord and forte piano with Prof. Christopher Hammer, piano with Prof. Joseph Banowetz, and collaborative piano with Dr. Steven Harlos. Ms. Lee earned a B.M. from Gangneung-Wonju National University with academic scholarships and has also studied at Pohang Arts High School as a Piano Performance Major in S. Korea.

The UCO School of Music’s Faculty Artist Concert Series (FACS) showcases faculty musicians while also raising scholarship funds for UCO students. Proceeds from every performance generate scholarship funds to support UCO School of Music students in financial need.

To make an additional tax-deductible donation to the School of Music, visit centralconnection.org/facs and scroll to the bottom of the page.

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on January 25, 2023 by Scott Hale
Comments (0)

FACS: Sounds of Antiquity

The Brisch Center for Historical Performance presents:

Sounds of Antiquity
4:15PM January 29, 2023
Radke Fine Arts Theatre

Program 

Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf (1739-1799)
Concerto No. 2 for Violone and Orchestra in Eb Major, Kr. 172
1. Allegro moderato
2. Adagio
3. Allegro 

Felice Gardini (1716-1796)
Duet for Violin and Viola in Bb Major 
1. Allegro 
2. Adagio 
3. Allegro 

Martin Berteau (1691-1771)
Cello Sonata No. 3 in G Major, Op. 1 
1. Allegro 
2. Grave 
3. Allegro  

Florian Leopold Gassmann (1729-1774)
Trio in Bb Major for Two Violas and Violone, H. 377 
1. Allegretto 
2. Andante 
3. Menuetto: Grazioso 
4. Allegro 

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750)    
Christmas Oratorio, BWV 248, Part IV. Aria: “Flößt mein Heiland” 

No Intermission

Translation

BWV 248 Oratorio, Part IV, No. 4 “Flößt, mein Heiland” (Echo aria) (1734-5)
Translated by Michael Marissen

 

Flößt, mein Heiland, flößt
Is it, my Savior, is it [true] that

dein Namen
your name instills

Auch den allerkleinsten Samen
even the very tiniest seed

Jenes strengen Schreckens ein?
of that stark horror [of the Day of Judgment]?

Nein, du sagstja selber nein; (Nein!)
No, yes you yourself say, “no”; “No!”

Sollt ich nun das Sterben scheuen?
Now shall I shy away from having to die?

Nein, dein stifies Wort ist da!
No, your sweet word is there!

Oder sollt ich mich erfreuen?
Or shall I rejoice?

Ja, du Heiland sprichst selbst ja. (Ja!)
Yes, you yourself. Savior, declare, “yes;” “Yes!”

Personnel

Natalie Syring, barqoue flute
Dr. Margaret Brisch, harpsichord
Dylan Madoux, harpsichord
Dr. Danielle L. Herrington, soprano
Katayla Mongold, soprano
Dr. Hong Zhu, baroque violin
Theodora Morris, baroque violin
Dr. Ralph Morris, baroque viola
Orlando Ramirez, baroque viola
Dr. Tess Remy-Schumacher, baroque cello
Sophia Darvin, baroque cello
Dr. Michael Geib, violone

Tonight’s FACS performance is generously sponsored by Dr. Margaret Brisch.

The UCO School of Music’s Faculty Artist Concert Series (FACS) showcases faculty musicians while also raising scholarship funds for UCO students. Proceeds from every performance generate scholarship funds to support UCO School of Music students in financial need.

To make an additional tax-deductible donation to the School of Music, visit centralconnection.org/facs and scroll to the bottom of the page.

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on January 18, 2023 by Scott Hale
Comments (0)

FACS: Eclipse Chamber Ensemble

Faculty Artist Concert Series
7:30PM Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023
UCO Jazz Lab

Beyond Borders

Eclipse Chamber Ensemble
Natalie Syring, flute
Gerald Warlick, oboe
Jenny Rucker, clarinet
Miho Fisher, piano

PROGRAM

Trio pour Flûte, Hautbois, et Clarinette avec accompagnement de Piano (1892)
Louis-Adolphe Mayeur (1837-1894)

Morning Dew (2022)
(World premiere–commissioned by Eclipse)
Dillan Francis (b. 1990)

Suite dans le style ancient, Op. 127 (1928)
Mel Bonis (1858-1937)

  1. Prélude
  2. Fuguette
  3. Choral
  4. Divertissement

INTERMISSION

Na Berdyczów (2012)
Ewa Fabiańska-Jelińska (b. 1989)

Relative Theory (2019)
Robert Patterson (b. 1970)

  1. Pascal’s Triangle
  2. Noether’s Theorem
  3. Einstein’s Daydream
  4. The Hammers of Pythagoras

ABOUT ECLIPSE

Group photo of Eclipse chamber ensemble.

left to right: Miho Fisher, piano; Natalie Syring, flute; Gerald Warlick, oboe; Jenny Rucker, clarinet

Eclipse is a unique chamber ensemble consisting of flute, oboe, clarinet, and piano. The members of Eclipse are Natalie Syring, flute; Gerald Warlick, oboe; Jenny Rucker, clarinet; and Miho Fisher, piano. Eclipse has been together as an ensemble for about 9 years. Our ensemble began at Oklahoma Christian University, where we are all faculty members. We are also members of the Oklahoma Community Orchestra, and we also have connections to the University of Central Oklahoma—either degrees or as faculty members. It would be safe to say that this is the only long-term ensemble of this instrumentation in Oklahoma, and most likely in a multi-state region—even possibly in the US. Needless to say, there is not a lot of music written for our combination of instruments. We have played the standard pieces that exist—mostly from the late Romantic or early 20th century—so part of our journey is always the exploration and search for new repertoire. We have enjoyed practicing and preparing this brand-new program for you, which includes many premieres and first-time performances. We hope you enjoy listening!

Gerald Warlick performs regularly as principal oboist with the Enid Symphony Orchestra, the Oklahoma Community Orchestra and chamber music groups Cimarron Wind Quintet and Eclipse. He is also an adjunct professor of oboe at Oklahoma Christian University. Formerly, Mr. Warlick played oboe with the Oklahoma Symphony Orchestra, the Lawton Philharmonic and Lyric Theatre. Mr. Warlick retired as a public-school music educator and taught oboe at the University of Central Oklahoma and Southern Nazarene University. His oboe instructors include Francine Schutzman, Helen Baumgartner and Richard Killmer.

Miho Fisher is a collaborative pianist from Japan, serving as a staff accompanist at Oklahoma Christian University. She studied at the University of North Texas and the University of Central Oklahoma under Steven Harlos and Valery Kuleshov, and completed BM/MM in Piano Performance. She was a prize winner of the 2004 Van Cliburn IPCOA competition and appeared in UCO’s FACS, CollabFest at UNT, among others. She is a pianist for the Oklahoma Community Orchestra, a member of the woodwind/piano quartet Eclipse, and serves as a company pianist at Oklahoma City Ballet. Most recently, Miho was awarded as the Third Place Winner of the 2022 PRCCP Virtual International Collaborative Piano Competition.

Jennifer “Jenny” Rucker has been the principal clarinetist with the Oklahoma Community Orchestra since its inception in 1982. She is a frequent substitute for the Oklahoma City Philharmonic Orchestra, playing clarinet, bass clarinet and saxophone. In addition, Jennifer has competed in the International Clarinet Association’s “Clarinetfest” Orchestral Excerpt Competitions, where in 2006-2008, and 2010, was chosen as a semifinalist, and in 2007, won second place in Vancouver, B.C. Jenny earned both her Bachelor’s and Master of Music Education degrees from the University of Central Oklahoma. She is a member of the Eclipse Quartet, the Cimarron Wind Quintet, The Lyric Theatre Orchestra, and the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony. She is currently an adjunct clarinet instructor at Oklahoma Christian University and the University of Central Oklahoma and has a highly successful private clarinet studio at her home in Edmond. Jenny was recently chosen by audition, to perform the Mozart Clarinet Concerto, K.622, with the Oklahoma Chamber Symphony, on May 6, 7:30 pm at the First Church of OKC on 5th and Broadway, in downtown OKC.

Natalie Syring is on the faculty of the University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma Christian University, and Herbert Armstrong College, where she teaches both flute and piano. Ms. Syring performs professionally with the chamber group Eclipse and is a member of the Oklahoma Community Orchestra. She is also a baroque flutist with the Brisch Center for Historical Performance. She is the founder and conductor of the Oklahoma Flute Society Honor Flute Choirs for youth in grades 7-12, and has been leading these ensembles for 19 years. Ms. Syring is a member of the Oklahoma Flute Society, the OKC Pianists’ Club, the Music Teacher National Association, and the National Flute Association—playing at national conferences in Chicago, New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Kansas City. She holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree (University of S.D.) and a Master of Flute Performance degree (Sam Houston State University).

PROGRAM NOTES
About the Music and the Composers

Trio pour Flûte, Hautbois, et Clarinette avec accompagnement de Piano (1892)
Louis-Adolphe Mayeur (1837-1894)

Little has been written about Belgian-born Louis Mayeur. He studied clarinet at the Paris Conservatoire with Klosé and was in Adolphe Sax’s first saxophone studio, once it opened in 1860.  He went on to become one of the most brilliant saxophone performers of his era and is probably best known today for the repertoire he wrote for that instrument. Few of his pieces have been recorded and fewer appear to be in print.
As a performer, he appeared with both the Brussels Opera and the Paris Opera (1871), and spent many years in the French military bands. In 1879 he is listed as a member of Taffanel’s illustrious quintet as a clarinetist.
This Trio is sometimes known by an alternate name of “Quartet for Piano and Winds.” It is scored for the three upper wind voices, which in itself is somewhat unique. The piano part is more of an accompaniment that supports the solo lines of the wind instruments but is still an integral part of the composition. The composition makes no innovative musical statement but rather is a trifle of a showcase that reminds one of the popular parlor music of the late 19th century.

 

 Morning Dew (commissioned by Eclipse in 2022)
Dillan Francis (b. 1990)

Dillan Francis (b. 1990) is an Oklahoma-based musician specializing in composition, conducting, and woodwind performance. As a composer, his works often focus on combining the sounds of popular music with the form and development of classical music. Dillan’s concerto for bass clarinet, The Traveling Bass Clarinetist, will premiere with the Oklahoma City University Wind Ensemble in late January 2023 with Dillan as the soloist.
Morning Dew explores the peaceful serenity and joyfulness of watching the dew form on the grass in the early hours of the morning. The piece begins before the sun rises in the cool of the morning with the listener gazing out and reflecting on the dew drops with a cup of coffee or tea in hand. As the sun rises, color begins to fill the drops and blades of grass, bringing warmth to the morning. As the sun completes its ascent, the dew on the grass begins to sparkle and dance in the light of the morning.

Suite dans le style ancient (1928)
Mel Bonis (1858-1937)

The life of Mélanie Bonis could be compared to a modern-day soap opera. She was born into a middle-class Parisian family with no particular musical background or connections to the music world. Mélanie taught herself the piano and started to compose, but she was 12 before her parents finally consented to music lessons. At age 16, she studied with César Franck. He showed interest in her compositions and convinced her parents to send her to the Conservatoire, although at this time period, musical composition could not be a profession for a woman, as it was believed that a woman could not compose anything of value. Mélanie gave herself the pseudonym Mel Bonis to avoid any feminine connotation in her name.
At the Conservatoire, Mélanie met and fell in love with Amédée Landély Hettich, a 22-year-old student, poet, and journalist. This relationship was strongly opposed by Mélanie’s parents, who forced her to leave the Conservatoire. Her family arranged a marriage to Albert Domange, a successful and materialistic businessman, twice widowed, father of five boys and 25 years her senior. For many years, Mélanie devoted her life to her family duties, including bearing three children, managing a large family and a staff of 12 people, traveling and entertaining. Mélanie had little time for music and her husband and family had no interest in it.
At some point in her marriage, Mélanie happened to meet Hettich again. He encouraged her to return to music and composition and introduced her to Alphonse Leduc, her future publisher. She began to have some success with her music and also began collaborating with Hettich, setting his poems to music. Although they resisted for some time, the passion they had for each other was still present and they eventually gave into the temptation and Mel became pregnant. Because of the accepted societal rules of the time, this illegitimate daughter was born in secrecy and Mel was not able to legally recognize her. The ordeal took a great toll on Mélanie, who turned to prayers and musical creation to try to overcome her depression.
The Suite dans le style ancient (Suite in the Old Style), exists in at least three versions, scored for different instrumentations and also with different movements and/or movement titles. The piece is not really a suite of dances, as the title suggests. The movements nod to forms of the “old style” (the Fugette), but also portray the lush and emotional phrasing that is notable in the music of Mel Bonis.

Na Berdyczów (2012)
Ewa Fabiańska -Jelińska (b. 1989)

Ewa Fabiańska-Jelińska (b. 1989) began studying composition at an early age in Torun, Poland.  She graduated with Honors from the Paderewski Academy of Music in Poznań, Poland, where she also earned a Ph.D. in Composition (2016) after postgraduate composition study at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna (2014).
The artist has won numerous national and international competitions for composers, as well as scholarships from the Minister of Culture and National Heritage and the Minister of Science and Higher Education. Her compositions are performed very often in Poland and have been featured at numerous international festivals and concerts around the world. (See her full bio for a complete list of honors and awards).
In 2017/2018 Ewa Fabiańska-Jelińska was Composer-in-Residence of the Feliks Nowowiejski Music Society and two-time winner of Program Music of Our Time organized by The Krzysztof Penderecki European Centre for Music. The artist is the President of the Poznań Branch of the Polish Composers Union and a member of the Polish Society of Contemporary Music. She works at the Ignacy Jan Paderewski Academy of Music (Poznań, Poland) as an assistant professor.
About Na Berdyczów:  “The piece “Na Berdyczów” for flute, oboe, clarinet, and piano was written in 2012 when I was a student in the composition class. The composition consists of three movements inspired by Ukrainian dances (hopak, dumka, kozak), which are built on the principle of contrast – from the presence of cantilena to motor and virtuoso elements, as well as the use of references to Ukrainian folk music.”

Relative Theory (2019)
Robert Patterson (b. 1970)

Robert Paterson is described by the press as “a modern-day master” and his music is often described as “the highlight of the program” (The New York Times). Paterson’s music is well-known for his reverence for nature, his puckish sense of humor, as well as consistent praise that comes from audiences and artists alike. Named Composer of The Year by The Classical Recording Foundation, his music is often found on playlists on National Public Radio as well as NPR’s Performance Today. Paterson’s music has been performed by orchestras, operas and choirs throughout the world. Recent & upcoming performances include the Oratorio Society of New York’s Carnegie Hall debut of Whitman’s America, the New York Choral Consortium’s “Big Sing” premiere of Look to the Sky, the Ember Choral Arts premiere of Listen, and the New Amsterdam Singers premiere of I Go Among Trees. Paterson’s awards include the A.I. duPont Composer’s Award from the Delaware Symphony, a three-year Music Alive grant from the League of American Orchestras and New Music USA. His favorite residencies include Yaddo, The MacDowell Colony, and the Aaron Copland House. Robert is the artistic director of the Mostly Modern Festival in the USA and in The Netherlands. For more information, visit robertpaterson.com.
Relative Theory is a four-movement, ca. 12-minute work for flute (doubling piccolo), oboe (doubling English horn), clarinet (doubling bass clarinet), and piano. Each movement is inspired by a mathematician or theoretical physicist. I was inspired by a story that the commissioning ensemble, the Exponential Ensemble, told me about how much they enjoy performing programs for children that relate math to music. In a fun, yet hopefully meaningful way, the movements of my piece are designed to draw parallels between these two distinct, but interrelated worlds.
The title Relative Theory is a play on words: it loosely refers to Albert Einstein’s famous Special Theory of Relativity, but also to musical theories and theoretical principles that are used between each of the movements. All of these movements are inspired by mathematicians or theoretical physicists, and their theorems and theories inspire the music itself.
In Pascal’s Triangle, triads and intervallic content are structured so as to use binomial coefficients in musical ways. In Noether’s Theorem, the music mirrors her theorem, which states that every differentiable symmetry of the action of a physical system has a corresponding conservation law. Einstein’s Daydream, perhaps the most fanciful movement, quotes a few themes from Beethoven, J.S. Bach and Mozart, three composers whose music Einstein loved to play on his violin. The work ends with a movement entitled The Hammers of Pythagoras, inspired by a legendary, apocryphal but nevertheless playful tale of Pythagoras passing by a blacksmith at work one day, and discovering that musical notes could be translated into mathematical equations.
There are some fascinating programmatic relations that dictate how thematic materials are used in various movements. Albert Einstein thought very highly of Emmy Noether, a mathematician who never achieved the fame she deserved because she was female. In fact, some of her theories inspired Einstein. Therefore, some of the themes in the second movement are used in the third. Einstein and Pythagoras both figure prominently in music history, albeit for different reasons, so themes from each of these movements permeate back and forth.
Relative Theory was commissioned by the Exponential Ensemble, with funding from the New York State Council on The Arts (NYSCA).

Tonight’s FACS performance is sponsored by Larry and Leah Westmoreland.

The UCO School of Music’s Faculty Artist Concert Series (FACS) showcases faculty musicians while also raising scholarship funds for UCO students. Proceeds from every performance generate scholarship funds to support UCO School of Music students in financial need.

To make an additional tax-deductible donation to the School of Music, visit centralconnection.org/facs and scroll to the bottom of the page.

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on January 10, 2023 by Lauren Burk
Comments (0)

UCO Jazz Ensemble I

Jazz Ensemble I

OkMEA Honor Band Performance
Tulsa Performing Arts Center
January 19, 2023 7PM

UCO Jazz Ensemble I
 Brian Gorrell, Director

PROGRAM

After You’ve Gone
Creamer/Layton
Arr. Bill Holman

All of Me
Simons/Marks
Arr. Thad Jones

‘Round Midnight
Williams/Monk
Arr. Slide Hampton

Notorious Tourist from the East
Toshiko Akiyoshi

Body & Soul
Green/Sour/Heyman/Eyton
Arr. Will Campbell

Waltz for Debby
Bill Evans
Arr. Don Sebesky

Time Check
Don Menza

JAZZ ENSEMBLE I MEMBERS

Saxophones

Samuel Vaughn
Alto Sax I

Eric Neel
Alto Sax II

Nicholas Cockerill
Tenor Sax I

Jeffrey Stevenson
Tenor Sax II

Matthew Stevenson
Bari Sax

 

Trombones

Naomi Wharry
Trombone I

Tyler Gitthens
Trombone II

Austin Oden
Trombone III

Mason Longey
Trombone IV

Ben Curtis
Bass Trombone

 

Trumpets

Jack Cheatham
Trumpet I

Cameron Hadley
Trumpet II

Caleb Rollins
Trumpet III

Brock Lewis
Trumpet IV

Cameron Cox
Trumpet V

 

Rhythm

Tahlon Brahic
Piano

Eric Wall
Guitar

Nelson Gonzalez
Bass

Kyle Broadbooks
Drums

LETTERS OF CONGRATULATIONS

Charleen Weidell, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design

Members of Oklahoma Music Educators Association,

It is my sincere pleasure to offer congratulations to the UCO Jazz Ensemble I for this prestigious opportunity to perform at your 2023 Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference. The selection of this group validates what I observe every day in our School of Music—world-class instruction of exceptional students leads to outstanding performances.

Our College of Fine Arts and Design combines the experience of Oklahoma’s oldest public educational institution with groundbreaking thinking about the role of the arts in the 21st century. As you are already aware, our School of Music is recognized nationwide as one of Oklahoma’s foremost institutions for preparing professional musicians in all fields.

Thank you again for selecting us as an Honor Group and allowing our students and faculty to showcase their musical talent at your conference.

Charleen Weidell, Dean
UCO College of Fine Arts and Design

 

Rob Glaubitz, Director of the School of Music

Members of Oklahoma Music Educators Association:

As Director of the UCO School of Music, I am overjoyed that University of Central Oklahoma’s Jazz Ensemble I has been selected as one of the Honor Groups at the 2023 Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference.  This well-deserved honor reflects the talent and commitment of all the UCO music students who are a part of UCO’s award-winning jazz program.  The selection also highlights the exemplary leadership of Brian Gorrell as the head of the UCO Jazz Division as well as the dedication and pedagogy of our UCO instrumental and jazz faculty who teach and guide these students.

This year’s group continues the long tradition of success in jazz performance for the University of Central Oklahoma.  Recognized nationally for its excellence in Downbeat Magazine multiple times in the last ten years, UCO Jazz Ensemble I has been selected to perform at numerous prestigious festivals including a recent appearance at the 2021 Midwest Clinic and the 2018 Monterey Jazz Festival.  At the heart of this prolonged success is UCO’s positive and student-centered approach to instruction combined with an innovative curriculum which is unique in Oklahoma and a high level of artistry in every aspect of the jazz program.

Thank you to OkMEA for inviting UCO Jazz Ensemble I to perform in 2023.  I am proud to be associated with such excellent students and faculty and I am excited for their opportunity to showcase their work at such a prestigious event.

Sincerely,
Rob Glaubitz
Director
UCO School of Music

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR

Brian W. Gorrell serves as director of jazz studies for the nationally respected program at the University of Central Oklahoma Jazz Lab in Edmond, Oklahoma. A former member of the Lawrence Welk Orchestra among many other professional accolades, Gorrell also serves as advisor for UCO’s Master of Music in jazz studies and Bachelor of Music in jazz performance, teaches applied saxophone and directs the award winning “UCO Jazz Ensemble I”. Under his direction, UCO’s top jazz group has been recognized for outstanding large ensemble performances in Downbeat Magazine’s 35thAnnual Student Music Awards in 2012 and again in the 39thAnnual Awards in 2016. The group also performed at the prestigious Midwest Clinic in December 2013 and notably at the Jazz Education Network (JEN) Conferences in 2012, 2013, 2017 and Reno, NV, in January 2019. Most recently “UCO Jazz Ensemble 1” tied first place in the collegiate jazz ensemble division at the prestigious Monterey Next Generation Jazz Festival in March 2018, and was featured on the main stage of the Monterey Jazz Festival in September 2018! Gorrell has also presented lectures on jazz and saxophone pedagogy at Oklahoma Music Educators Conferences, Regional North American Saxophone Alliance (NASA) Conferences and at the NASA Biennial National Conference in 2016. He also currently serves as music director for the Oklahoma City Jazz Orchestra. Professor Gorrell completed a bachelor’s degree in music education from UCO in 1995 and earned a Master of Music in saxophone performance at Oklahoma City University studying with acclaimed classical saxophonist Gail Hall in 1998.

Equally proficient on saxophones and keyboards, Gorrell has produced many album projects including “In Some Other World” (1995), “Soulmates” (1999), “In The Swing of Christmas” (2002), “Live at the UCO Jazz Lab” (2008), and as director, “Swingin’ in 2012”, “Still Swingin’ in 2015”, and “Spirit of Monterey 2018” with UCO’s Jazz Ensemble I. In addition to the Welk Orchestra, he has performed with such diverse notables as Doc Severinsen, The Manhattan Transfer, Aretha Franklin, Louie Bellson, Phil Woods, Kris Berg and the Metroplexity Big Band, the OKC Jazz Orchestra, the Edmond Jazz Orchestra, Jay Migliori, Jay Daversa, John Daversa, Clark Terry, The Lennon Sisters, Ralna English, Patti Page, Slide Hampton, Kay Starr, Steve Allen, Jim Nabors, Ty England, Diane Schuur, Christopher Cross, The Temptations, The Four Tops, The Drifters, Gil Goldstein, Randy Brecker, Dave Douglas, John Fedchock, and many others.

Gorrell has always been passionate about music education and has been aggressive in developing new programs at UCO including a Minor in Jazz Studies and Oklahoma’s only Master of Music in Jazz Studies, with majors in Performance and Music Production. He founded the Oklahoma Youth Jazz Ensemble in 2012, which offers advanced jazz education to top high school students in Central Oklahoma, and in addition completed work on a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Performance degree at UCO that began in Fall 2016. The Oklahoma Jazz Educators Association has twice named him “Collegiate Jazz Educator of the Year”, and his band “Brian Gorrell & Jazz Company” have been performing regularly since 1995 throughout the Midwest.

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Learn more about UCO Jazz Studies

View Brian Gorrell’s Biography.

Apply Now!

View scholarship information here.
Posted on January 3, 2023 by Lauren Burk
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UCO Wind Symphony

Wanderlust

Music That Takes You Places

OkMEA Honor Band Performance
Tulsa Performing Arts Center
Friday, January 20, 2023 9PM

UCO Wind Symphony
Dr. Brian Lamb, Conductor

PROGRAM

Sansei Fanfare (2011)
Brett William Dietz (b. 1972)

Traveler (2003)
David Maslanka (1943-2017)

The Low-Down Brown Get-Down (2020)
Omar Thomas (b. 1984)

WIND SYMPHONY MEMBERS

Flutes

Naomi Tomko
Del City, BM

Bryanna Louch
Choctaw, BM

Karissa Denham
Southmoore, BME

Abbie Childers
Tuttle, BME

Becca Boulden
Edmond North, Biology

 

Oboe

Braeden Jermain
Edmond North, BME

Dr. Robin Sweeden
Faculty

 

Bassoons

Abbie Claussen
Bartlesville, BME

Ryan Holcomb 
Tulsa Union, BME

Micah Adkins (Contrabassoon)
Edmond Santa Fe, BME

 

Clarinets

Cristian Celis
Justin, TX, BM

Kyle Nolting
Mustang, Math

Mikayla Walker
McAlester, BME

Sara Roark
Tuttle, BME

Jasmine Wright
Western Heights, BME

Fernanda Ceron
Western Heights, BME

Roseanna Medina
Chickasha, BME

Bass and Contra Clarinets

Noah Billingsley
Bartlesville, BME

Eli Hellstern
Edmond Santa Fe, BME

Anthony DeLozier
McKinney, TX, BM

 

Saxophones

Jeffrey Stevenson (Bari)
Madison Heights, VA, MM-Jazz

Eric Neel (Alto/Soprano)
Edmond Memorial, BME

Jalon Thomas (Alto)
Western Heights, BM

Nick Cockerill (Tenor)
Moore, BME

Jon Torres (Tenor)
Mustang, Kinesiology

 

Trumpets

Caleb Rollins
Edmond Santa Fe, BM

Miranda Highby
Edmond Santa Fe, BM

Brock Lewis
Choctaw, BA-Music

Laila Martinez
Deer Creek, Nursing

Cameron Hadley
Berryhill, BME

Ty Clifton
Choctaw, BME

 

Horns

Blake Sullivan
Mustang, BME

Becca Geitzenauer
Enid, BM

Alex Hamm
Checotah, BM

Cristalynne Burns
Classen SAS, BME

 

Trombones

Naomi Wharry
Idabel, BM

Mason Longey
Choctaw, Business

Austin Oden
Edison Prep, Tulsa, Comp Sci

Mateo Rivera (Bass)
Edmond Memorial, BME

 

Euphonium

Lucas Haught
Coweta, BME

Matthew Cardwell
Mustang, BME

 

Tuba

Matt Card
Southmoore, BME

Riley Crow
Cushing, BME

 

String Bass

Cullen Smith
Western Heights, BME

 

Percussion

Kyle Broadbooks
Verdigris, BM

Mike Hill
Tulsa Union, BME

Zach Kimber
Piedmont, BME

Katelynn Moore
Edmond Santa Fe, BME

Eric Sturgeon
Mounds, BME

Trey Brabham
Mustang, BME

Treven Cowherd
Edmond Memorial, BME

 

Piano

Huiru Hu
Fujian, China, MM

LETTERS OF CONGRATULATIONS

Charleen Weidell, Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Design

Members of Oklahoma Music Educators Association,

It is my sincere pleasure to offer congratulations to the UCO Wind Symphony for this prestigious opportunity to perform at your 2023 Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference. The selection of this group validates what I observe every day in our School of Music—world-class instruction of exceptional students leads to outstanding performances.

Our College of Fine Arts and Design combines the experience of Oklahoma’s oldest public educational institution with groundbreaking thinking about the role of the arts in the 21st century. As you are already aware, our School of Music is recognized nationwide as one of Oklahoma’s foremost institutions for preparing professional musicians in all fields.

Thank you again for selecting us as an Honor Group and allowing our students and faculty to showcase their musical talent at your conference.

Charleen Weidell, Dean
UCO College of Fine Arts and Design

 

Rob Glaubitz, Director of the School of Music

Members of Oklahoma Music Educators Association:

As Director of the UCO School of Music, I am overjoyed that University of Central Oklahoma’s Wind Symphony has been selected as one of the Honor Groups at the 2023 Oklahoma Music Educators Association Conference.  This well-deserved honor reflects the talent and commitment of all the UCO music students who are a part of UCO’s award-winning School of Music.  The selection also highlights the exemplary leadership of Dr. Brian Lamb as the Director of Bands as well as the dedication and pedagogy of our UCO instrumental faculty who teach and guide these students.

This year’s group continues the long tradition of success for the Wind Symphony at the University of Central Oklahoma.  Recognized frequently for its excellence, the UCO Wind Symphony has recorded five albums on the Equilibrium label with “Colgrass Horizons” winning Classical Album of the Year in 2013 from Musical Toronto.  The ensemble often premieres and commissions works, including collaborations with composers Susan Botti, Michael Daugherty, Michael Colgrass, David Maslanka, and Carter Pann.   Recently, the UCO Wind Symphony appeared at the 2022 CBDNA Southwestern Division Conference.  Most importantly, the UCO Wind Symphony’s greatest successes are its alumni who are changing the world through teaching and performing at all levels.

Thank you to OkMEA for inviting the UCO Wind Symphony to perform in 2023.  I am proud to be associated with such excellent students and faculty and I am excited for their opportunity to showcase their work at such a prestigious event.

Sincerely,

Rob Glaubitz
Director
UCO School of Music

PROGRAM NOTES

Brett William Dietz (b. 1972, Pittsburgh, Pa.) is an American composer and educator. Dr. Dietz earned the Bachelor of Music in Percussion and the Master of Music in Composition/Theory from the Mary Pappert School of Music at Duquesne University. In 2004, Dietz earned his Doctorate of Music from Northwestern University. He has studied percussion with Jack DiIanni, Andrew Reamer, Stanley Leonard, and Michael Burritt while his principal composition teachers include Joseph W. Jenkins, David Stock, and Jay Alan Yim. He current serves as Associate Professor of Percussion at the Louisiana State University School of Music. He is the music director of Hamiruge (the LSU Percussion Group).

Dietz is in demand as a clinician and soloist throughout the United States and abroad. Recent performances have taken him Paris, France (perKumania International Percussion Festival), Bangkok, Thailand (College Music Society International Conference), and Genral Roca, Argentina (Patagonia International Percussion Festival), and appearances at Carnegie Hall (New York City). He has performed at several Percussive Arts Society International Conventions and is a founding member of the Tempus Fugit Percussion Ensemble. TFPE has performed throughout the United States and Europe and has released two compact discs (Tempus Fugit and Push Button, Turn Crank) that have received great critical acclaim. Dietz has released numerous compact disks with Cat Crisis Records including Seven Ghosts: The Percussion Music of Brett William Dietz, In Motion: The Percussion Music of David Stock, and Nocturne.

An avid composer, Dietz’s music has been performed throughout the United States, Europe, East Asia and Australia by numerous ensembles including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Portland Symphony Orchestra, Winston Salem Orchestra, Dallas Wind Symphony, Eastman Wind Ensemble, National Wind Ensemble, New Music Raleigh, Pittsburgh New Music Ensemble, River City Brass Band, Northwestern University Wind Symphony, Louisiana State University Wind Ensemble, Duquesne University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, the University of Scranton Wind Symphony, the Northwestern University Percussion Ensemble, Ju Percussion Ensemble, Malmo Percussion Group, and the University of Kentucky Percussion Ensemble. His compositions have been featured at the 1998 College Band Directors National Association Eastern Division Conference, and the 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2007 Percussive Arts Society International Convention. Dietz’s composition, Pandora’s Box received its New York Premiere at Carnegie Hall by the National Wind Ensemble conducted by H. Robert Reynolds. His opera Headcase was premiered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Called “haunting and powerful – a remarkably sophisticated score that blends words, music and visual displays to touch the heart and mind” by the Pittsburgh Tribune Review, the opera relives the story of the stroke Dietz suffered in 2002.

He was a recipient of the 2005 Merrill Jones Young Composers Band Composition Contest, the 2002 H. Robert Reynolds Composition Contest, 3rd Place Winner of the 2002 Percussive Arts Society Composition Contest, and the 2001 Pittsburgh Foundation Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Arts. His composition five-0 for brass quintet received an award from WFMT (Chicago Classical Radio) and was premiered live on the air as part of the station’s 50th anniversary (2001). He has also received numerous teaching awards at Louisiana State University including the 2010 School of Music Teaching Excellence Award and the 2011 LSU Alumni Association Faculty Excellence Award.

In addition to his work at Louisiana State University, he has also served on the music faculties of Duquesne University, Westminster College (New Wilmington, PA), and the Merit School of Music in Chicago. Dietz endorses Dynasty Percussion, Zildjian Cymbals, and Innovative Percussion. (composer biography from windrep.org)

Saisei Fanfare, although titled descriptively, is not a programmatic work in that it does not present a story or depict specific events. However, the brief work evokes a range of moods from serenity to renewal to excitement. The work does not begin with a bang as one might expect from a fanfare. Rather, it begins with a subtle, understated manner that effectively sets up the first bold statement of the fanfare, which occurs approximately one minute into the piece. An essential aspect of this work is achieving a decided contrast between the character of the broad, lyrical melody presented in the opening by the low woodwinds and contrabass, and that of the punctuated fanfare by the trumpet and battery percussion.

Dietz reports that the work was inspired by his attraction to mindfulness and the Buddhist philosophy.  (program note from Teaching Music Through Performance in Band and windrep.org)

**********

David Maslanka (30 August 1943, New Bedford, Mass. – 6 August 2017, Missoula, Mont.) was an American composer. Dr. Maslanka attended the Oberlin College Conservatory where he studied composition with Joseph Wood, and spent a year at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria. He also did graduate work in composition at Michigan State University with H Owen Reed.

David Maslanka served on the faculties of the State University of New York at Geneseo, Sarah Lawrence College, New York University, and Kingsborough College of the City University of New York. He was a member of ASCAP.

Over the past four decades, David Maslanka has become one of America’s most original and celebrated musical voices. He has published dozens of works for wind ensemble, orchestra, choir, percussion ensembles, chamber ensembles, solo instrument, and solo voice. However, he is especially well-known for his wind ensemble works. Of his nine symphonies, seven are written for wind ensemble, and an additional forty-one works include among them the profound “short symphony” Give Us This Day, and the amusing Rollo Takes a Walk. Year after year, Maslanka’s music is programmed by professional, collegiate, and secondary school wind ensembles around the world.

When Maslanka wrote A Child’s Garden of Dreams, he was living in New York City and teaching music composition at Sarah Lawrence College and New York University. He was rapidly becoming interested in psychology, psychotherapy, and meditation, and was particularly captivated by the writings of Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung. Maslanka began to incorporate self-hypnosis and lucid dreaming into his meditative exercises, which heavily influenced his musical thought. He began to notice specific symbols in his “mental landscape” that he translated into music. Today, Maslanka’s unique compositional technique is known for its emphasis on meditation, psychoanalysis, self-discovery, and the accession of one’s own subconscious energies. His search for spiritual and metaphysical discovery ultimately spurred him to leave New York City in 1990, and move to Missoula, Montana, where he lived and worked until his death.

Maslanka’s works for winds and percussion have become especially well known. They include among others, A Child’s Garden of Dreams for Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Concerto for Piano, Winds, and Percussion, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th symphonies, Mass for soloists, chorus, boys chorus, wind orchestra and organ, and the two wind quintets. Percussion works include Variations of ‘Lost Love’ and My Lady White for solo marimba, and three ensemble works: Arcadia II: Concerto for Marimba and Percussion Ensemble, Crown of Thorns, and Montana Music: Chorale Variations. In addition, he has written a wide variety of chamber, orchestral, and choral pieces. (composer biography from windrep.org)

Traveler was commissioned in 2003 by the University of Texas at Arlington Band Alumni Association, the Delta Sigma chapter of Kapa Kappa Psi and the Gamma Nu chapter of Tau Beta Sigma, in honor of the career contributions of Ray C. Lichtenwalter (b. 1940), retiring director of bands at UT Arlington. Ray has been a close friend and champion of my music for many years, and it was a great pleasure for me to write this piece for his final concert.

The idea for Traveler came from the feeling of a big life movement as I contemplated my friend’s retirement. Traveler begins with an assertive statement of the chorale melody Nicht so traurig, nicht so sehr (Not so sad, not so much). The chorale was not chosen for its title, although in retrospect it seems quite appropriate. The last part of a life need not be sad. It is the accumulation of all that has gone before, and a powerful projection into the future — the potential for a tremendous gift of life and joy. And so, the music begins with energy and movement, depicting an engaged life in full stride. At the halfway point, a meditative quiet settles in. Life’s battles are largely done; the soul is preparing for its next big step.

In our hearts, our minds, our souls
We travel from life to life to life
In time and eternity.

(program note by the composer)

**********

Omar Thomas (b. 1984, Brooklyn, N.Y.) is an American composer, arranger and educator.  Born to Guyanese parents, Omar moved to Boston in 2006 to pursue a Master of Music degree in jazz composition at the New England Conservatory of Music. He is the protégé of Ken Schaphorst and Frank Carlberg, and has studied under Maria Schneider.

Omar’s music has been performed in concert halls across the country. He has been commissioned to create works in both jazz and classical styles. His work has been performed by such diverse groups as the Eastman New Jazz Ensemble, the San Francisco and Boston Gay Men’s Choruses, and the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.

He conducts the Omar Thomas Large Ensemble, a group that was first assembled for Omar’s graduate composition recital at the New England Conservatory of Music in the spring of 2008. He was awarded the ASCAP Young Jazz Composers Award in 2008 and was invited by the ASCAP Association to perform his music in their highly exclusive JaZzCap Showcase, held in New York City.

Mr. Thomas accepted a position in the composition area at the University of Texas in Austin in the fall of 2020. Previously he was a member of both the Harmony and Music Education departments at Berklee, where he taught all four levels of harmony offered, in addition to taking charge of the “Introduction to Music Education” course. Omar was an active member of the Berklee community, serving on the Diversity and Inclusion Council, the Comprehensive Enrollment Strategy Workgroup, and acting as co-chair of the LGBT Allies. Omar was nominated for the Distinguished Faculty Award after only three years at the college, and was thrice awarded the Certificate of Distinction in Teaching from Harvard University, where he served as a teaching fellow. (composer biography from windrep.org)

The end of the 60s into and through the 70s saw the era of the “blaxploitation” film — a genre of filmmaking aimed at African-American audiences which put us in leading roles of stories that often followed anti-establishment plots. These films were often controversial due to their exaggerated bravado, hypersexuality, and violence. Noticing the lucrative potential of blaxploitation films, Hollywood began to market these films to a wider audience. Though low budget, they possessed an exciting, raw, soulful quality unlike any other genre up until that time, and from these films were born some of the most iconic characters (Shaft, Dolemite, Foxy Brown, and Cleopatra Jones, to name a few) and soundtracks ever created, written by some of the biggest names in African-American popular folk music of the day and since, including Isaac Hayes, Curtis Mayfield, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye.

The Low-Down Brown Get-Down is the soundtrack for a nonexistent blaxploitation film. It pulls from various sounds and styles of African-American folk music, such as funk, R&B, soul, early hip hop, the blues, and even film noir to stitch together its “scenes.” The title pulls from and is inspired by “post-jive” African-American Vernacular English (AAVE). The word “Brown” in the title, in addition to its reference to none other than the Godfather of Soul, James Brown, whose most-famous licks and bass lines pepper the intro and recur throughout the piece, also refers to the melanin of the people who created these sounds.

This piece unapologetically struts, bops, grooves, slides, shimmies, head bangs, and soul claps its way straight through its thrilling “chase scene” finale. It was my intention with the creation of this piece to go full steam ahead on bringing African-American folk music to the concert stage to take its place amongst all other types of folk music that have found a comfortable home in this arena. May this work push back against notions of “sophistication,” “appropriateness,” and “respectability” that have been codified in the concert music setting for a century and more. (program note by the composer)

ABOUT THE CONDUCTOR

Brian Lamb has served as the Director of Bands at the University of Central Oklahoma since 2001. He conducts the Wind Symphony, The Symphonic Band, and the Marching Band, and teaches conducting and instrumental courses; he continues to guide all aspects of the UCO band program.

Dr. Lamb made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2005, performing with UCO friend and colleague Tess Remy in the Weill Recital Hall. In 2006, Lamb and the UCO Wind Symphony performed for a full house in the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall. The UCO Wind Symphony, with Lamb as conductor, has garnered international attention and acclaim from audiences, composers, and critics alike for outstanding and creative performances and for playing an active role in commissioning projects and consortiums, including work with Carter Pann, David Maslanka, Carolyn Bremer, Richard Danielpour, Michael Daugherty, Michael Colgrass, Samuel Magrill, and others.

Lamb received his bachelor’s degree in music education from Baylor University, a master’s degree in trumpet performance and literature from the University of Notre Dame, and the doctor of musical arts degree in conducting from the University of North Texas. He has been fortunate to study with many outstanding musical mentors, including Eugene Corporon, Michael Haithcock, Gary Sousa, Larry Rachleff, Alan McMurray, Jack Stamp, Dennis Fisher, John Haynie, Barry Hopper, and William Scarlett. Prior to his UCO appointment, Dr. Lamb served as Director of Instrumental Studies at Southwest Baptist University and as director of bands and chairman of the fine arts department at James Bowie High School in Arlington, Texas.

Still active as a trumpet performer, Dr. Lamb plays in the Redbud Brass Quintet, the UCO Faculty Brass Quintet.  Dr. Lamb is active as a clinician and guest conductor all over the world, and his groups have received acclaim for performances at regional, state and national conventions.  In his 22-year tenure at UCO, the Wind Symphony has been selected to perform at three College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Regional Conventions, and they have been the collegiate honor band at six Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OkMEA) conventions. Under Lamb’s baton, the UCO Wind Symphony has released 5 CDs on the prestigious Equilibrium label, which are available on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, CDBaby, and all other relevant streaming services. He has contributed several published works to various journals and textbooks, and he is the author of “Music is Magic,” a children’s radio program that aired on KUCO-90.1 FM. He is a member of Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society, the College Band Directors National Association, Oklahoma Music Educators Association, The National Association for Music Education, and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He was honored as a Friend of the Arts by Sigma Alpha Iota, he is an honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi, the national band service fraternity, and he was recently inducted into the Oklahoma chapter of Phi Beta Mu, the international band directors’ fraternity.

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Learn more about UCO Wind Symphony.

View Dr. Brian Lamb’s Biography.

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Posted on January 3, 2023 by Lauren Burk
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Winter Choir Concert

7:30PM Dec. 3, 2022
Mitchell Hall Theatre

UCO Winter Choral Concert

University Choir
Stephanie Keegan-Moring, Director
Hwaju Lee, Piano

Cantare
Dr. Molly Johnson, Director
Dr. Karl Nelson, Director
Hwawju Lee, Piano

Cantilena
Dr. Molly Johnson, Director
Luis Vasquez, Assistant Director
Hwawju Lee, Piano

Concert Chorale
Dr. Karl Nelson, Director
Keegan Rose, Assistant Director
Rondal Wallace, Piano

PROGRAM

Dona Nobis Pacem
Anonymous

Combined Cantilena & Cantare

Translation: Give Us Peace

I know about love the way the fields know about light,
the way the forest shelters us.

We are vulnerable like an infant.
We need each other’s care or we will suffer.
How will you ever find peace
unless you yield to love?

There are beautiful, wild forces within us.
Let them turn millstones inside
filling bushels that reach to the sky.

O wondrous creatures,
by what strange miracle
do you so often not smile?

My soul is a candle that burned away the veil;
only he glorious duties of light I now have.
The soul is a candle that will burn away the darkness;
only the glorious duties of love we will have.
Tenderly, I now touch all things,
knowing one day we will part.

What keeps us alive, what allows us to endure?
It is the hope of loving, of being loved.
We weep when light does not reach our hearts.
We wither like fields if someone close does not rain their kindness upon us.
My soul has a purpose,
it is to love.

Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine,
(Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord,)
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
(and let perpetual light shine upon them.)
Te decet hymnus, Deus in Sion,
(A hymn befits thee, O God in Zion.)
et tibi redetur votum in Jerusalem;
(and to thee a vow shall be fulfilled in Jerusalem.)
exaudi orationem meam,
(Hear my prayer,)
ad te omnis caro veniet.
(for unto thee all flesh shall come.)
Requiem.
(Rest.)

Kyrie eleison.
(Lord have mercy.)
Christe eleison.
(Christ have mercy.)
Kyrie eleison.
(Lord have mercy.)

Sanctus, Sanctus, Sanctus,
(Holy, Holy, Holy,)
Dominus Deus Sabaoth.
(Lord God of Hosts.)
Pleni sunt coeli et terra gloria tua.
(Heaven and earth are full of thy glory)
Hosanna in excelsis.
(Hosanna in the highest)

Lacrimosa dies illa
(O how tearful that day,)
Qua resurget ex favilla,
(on which the guilty shall rise)
Judicandus homo reus.
(from the embers to be judged.)
Huic ergo parce, Deus.
(Spare them then, O God.)
Pie Jesu Domine,
(Merciful Lord Jesus,)
dona eis requiem. Amen.
(grant them rest. Amen.)

Pie Jesu Domine,
(Merciful Lord Jesus,)
Dona eis requiem.
(grant them rest.)

Agnus Dei,
(Lamb of God,)
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
(who takest away the sins of the world,)
Miserere nobis.
(grant them rest.)
Agnus Dei,
(Lamb of God,)
Qui tollis peccata mundi,
(who takest away the sins of the world,)
Dona nobis pacem.
(Give us peace.)

Lux aeterna luceat eis, Domine
(May light eternal shine upon them, O Lord,)
Cum sanctis tuis in aeternum:
(in the company of thy saints forever and ever;)
quia pius es.
(for thou art merciful.)
Requiem aeternam dona eis, Domine;
(Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord,)
et lux perpetua luceat eis.
(and let perpetual light shine upon them.)

In paradisum deducant te Angeli;
(May the angels lead you into paradise;)
in tuo adventu suscipiant te martyres,
(May the Martyrs welcome you upon your arrival,)
et perducant te in civitatem sanctam Jerusalem
(and lead you into the holy city of Jerusalem.)
Chorus angelorum te suscipiat,
(May a choir of angels welcome you,)
et cum Lazaro, quondam paupere,
(and, with poor Lazarus of old,)
aeternam habeas aeternam habeas requiem.
(may you have eternal rest.)

The Hope of Loving
Jake Runestad

I. Yield to Love
II. Wild Forces
III. Wondrous Creatures
IV. The Heart’s Veil
V. My Soul Is a Candle
VI.The Hope of Loving

Taylor Bradshaw, soprano
Jarrett Cox, tenor
Keegan Rose, baritone

Concert Chorale
UCO Chamber Orchestra

Requiem for Peace & Reconciliation
Michael Hoppé
Arr. by Richard Bronskill

I. Introit
II. Kyrie
III. Sanctus
IV. Lacrimosa
V. Pie Jesu
VI. Agnus Dei
VII. Lux Aeterna
VIII. In Paradisum

University Choir
Cantilena, Cantare
Concert Chorale
UCO Chamber Orchestra

UNIVERSITY CHOIR MEMBERS

Madeline Angier
Edmond
Studio Art

Gabriella Beck
Yukon
Musical Theatre

Evan Bryan
Edmond
Undecided

Garett Christensen
Spiro
Musical Theatre

Noah Cochran
Edmond
Musical Theatre

Baylee Fitzgerald
Enid
Musical Theatre

Danielle Gosset
Oklahoma City
Child Development

Jonathan Hansen
Oklahoma City
Psychology

Auburn Hilliard
Edmond
Musical Theatre

Laura Liepins
Edmond
Human Development

Emma Livingston
Ft. Worth, TX
Musical Theatre

Jo McBride
Altus
Software Engineering

Samuel Moran
Flower Mound, TX
Musical Theatre

Abby Morris-Sherman
Shawnee
Musical Theatre

Sophia Mullican
Austin, TX
Musical Theatre

Mychenna Pike
Noble
Forensic Science

Elyse Schmidt
Tahlequah
Forensic Molecular Biology

Sarah Scott
Edmond
Musical Theatre

Pierson Van den Dyssel
Grapevine, TX
Musical Theatre

Logan Wright
Midwest City
Musical Theatre

Zhikun Han
China
Vocal Performance

 

CANTARE MEMBERS

Nathan Bosworth
Joshua Tree, CA
Musical Theatre

Alex Bowen
Yukon
Forensic Science/Criminal Justice

Campbell Casillo
Edmond
Psychology

Eli Davis
Woodward
Computer Science

Grant Galloway
Broken Arrow
Musical Theatre

Keith Hernandez
El Reno
Vocal Performance

Meo Holloway
Okmulgee
Audio Production

Daniel Johnson
Altus
Musical Theatre

Joe McBride
Altus
Software Engineering

Brenden McCarthy
Trophy Club, TX
Musical Theatre

Emiliano Ramirez
Edmond
Piano Performance

Josiah Reyes
Yukon
Vocal Performance

Luis Vasquez
Cabimas, Venezuela
Choral Conducting/Vocal Pedagogy—MM

 

CANTILENA MEMBERS

Tierra Alexander
Mustang
Music

Madelyn Arriola
Little Elm, TX
Musical Theatre

Kaia Crawford
Moore
Musical Theatre

Gillian Hart
Norman
Psychology

Alyssa Hedding
Flower Mound, TX
Musical Theatre

Gabrielle Hightower
Del City
Vocal Music Education

Carolyne King
Edmond
Biology

Eleanor Little
Edmond
General Studies

Jaci McDaniel
Goodwell
Organizational Communications

Faith Morrissey
Claremore
Vocal Music Education

Sofie Moxley
Edmond
Vocal Music Education

Avery Murphy
Allen, TX
Musical Theatre

Yutong Nie
Hunan, China
Vocal Performance

Karlie Roulet
Sand Springs
History Education

Nicolette Snider
Weatherford
Vocal Music Education

Lillie Taylor
Independence, KS
Musical Theatre

Turner Tecmire
Fort Smith
Musical Theatre

Kylie Weldon
Oklahoma City
Vocal Music Education

 

CONCERT CHORALE MEMBERS

Taylor Bradshaw
Oklahoma City
Vocal Performance

Joshua Buchanan
Guthrie
Vocal Performance

Khalil Cabrera-Tosado
Lawton
Choral Conducting/Vocal Pedagogy—MM

Camille Carlington
Norman
Vocal Music Performance/Psychology

Kody Clark
Midwest City
Fine Arts Administration

Mackenzie Cook
Duncan
Vocal Performance/Vocal Pedagogy—MM

Jarrett Cox
Tuttle
Vocal Music Education

Ashlee Foster
Oklahoma City
Special Education

Erinn Giraudo
Choctaw
General Studies

Bear Harlow
Oklahoma City
Vocal Music Education

Meghan Haynes
Norman
Vocal Performance/Theatre Education

Cheyenne Holland
Yukon
Vocal Performance

Teng Liu
Jiang Su, China
Vocal Performance

Alex Mullings
Edmond
Vocal Performance

Corbyn Nauman
Lawton
Vocal Pedagogy—MM

Davison Nguyen
Oklahoma City
Vocal Performance

Robby Ray
Moore
Music

Keegan Rose
Edmond
Choral Conducting—MM

Makayla Seeney
Kingston
Strategic Communications

Christian Usey
Guthrie
Vocal Performance

Luis Vasquez
Cabimas, Venezuela
Choral Conducting—MM          

 

CONCERT CHORALE MEMBERS

Violin I
Samuel Gilles
Yian Lu
Margaret Foster
Faith Clarke

Viola
Caleb Springer
Raven Cornman
Florence Thompson

Violin II
Madeline Bradley
Robert Deweese
Ashley Selby

Cello
Trinity Davis
Sophia Darvin
Sam Sahlar
Yasaman Seif

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Lauren Burk
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Symphony Orchestra Fall Concert

7:30PM Dec. 6, 2022
Mitchell Hall Theatre

UCO Symphony Orchestra Winter Concert

UCO Symphony Orchestra
Dr. Ralph Morris, Director
Dr. Emily Butterfield, Associate Director

Soloists
Dr. Hong Zhu, Violin
Dr. Dawn Lindblade-Evans, Clarinet

PROGRAM

Overture on Three Russian Themes
Mily Balakirev (1837-1910)

Concerto for Violin, Clarinet, and Orchestra
James Niblock (1917-2018)
Allegro Moderato
Adagio
Allegro

L’Arlesienne Suites
Georges Bizet (1838-1875)
Overture
Minuetto
Adagietto
Carillon
Farandole

SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA MEMBERS

Violin I
Samuel Gilles
Madeline Bradley
Yian Lu
Robbie DeWeese
Anne Michelle Jean Baptiste

Violin II
Faith Clarke
Adriana Medina
Azusena Gordillo
Ashley Selby
Abby Sewell
Sasha Gunderson

Viola
Caleb Springer
Chris Bobo
Bradley Hemphill
Colin Aberson
Katie Mckerlick
Elizabeth Ware

Cello
Trinity Davis
Sophia Darvin
Yasaman Seif
Valerie Ragon
Sam Sahiar
Ashley Haiges
Aria Hansen

String Bass
Alexander Chapman
Cullen Smith

Harp
Chelsea Bushong*

Flute/Piccolo
Naomi Tomko
Kayla Factor

Oboe/English Horn
Gerald Warlick*
Sara Roark

Clarinet
Cristian Celis
Mikayla Walker

Bassoon
Ryan Holcomb
Micah Adkins

Horn
Blake Sullivan
Rebecca Geitzenauer
Alex Lance Hamm
Melissa DeLeon
Derek Stills
Jesse Blomgren

Trumpet
Laila Martinez
Trevor Chandler
Ty Clifton
Tyson Lords

Trombone
Daniel Howard
Taelor Martin
Matt Card

Tuba
William Cagle

Timpani/Percussion
Michael Hill
Eric Sturgeon
Jonathan Haywood

Graduate Assistant
Yasaman Seif

*Guest Artist

GUEST SOLOIST BIO

Dr. Hong Zhu, is a tenured full professor of violin and chamber music, string division head, director of the chamber orchestra, and member of the Brisch Center for Historic Performance at the University Central Oklahoma.  He is also a tenured member at the Oklahoma City Philharmonic.  Dr. Zhu received his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in music performance at Michigan State University, and Bachelor’s degree at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing China.

As a member of the Chinese Youth String Quartet, he won the Yehudi Menuhin Award at The Second England International String Quartet Competition.  He accepted the assistant professor position at his alma mater, the Central Conservatory of Music, as soon as he completed the Bachelor’s degree there. During his tenure at the Central Conservatory of Music, with three other faculty members as the Peking Piano Quartet, they received grants from Australia Government to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for two years, as exchange students and performed around the country, including the Sydney Opera House. He was promoted to lecturer position (a position that is between assistant professor and associate professor in China) at the Central Conservatory of Music, after returning from Australia

Dr. Zhu has been invited to perform as a soloist with the Bangkok National Symphony Orchestra in Thailand, the Chihuahua Philharmonic Orchestra in Mexico, the Marquette Symphony Orchestra in Michigan, the Oklahoma City Community Orchestra, the Oklahoma Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Oklahoma Youth Orchestra. He has also served as concertmaster and guest concertmaster at the Midland Symphony Orchestra in Michigan, the Owensboro Symphony Orchestra in Kentucky, the Colorado Music Festival Orchestra, the Pueblo Symphony Orchestra in Colorado and Lawton Symphony Orchestra.

As a well experienced violin teacher, Professor Zhu has also taught in University of Michigan- Flint, Flint Institute of Music, and Murrey State University.  Many of his students have won awards in various of music competitions at the state and international levels.  He has been invited to give master classes, judge competitions and perform in European and Asian countries.

**********

Dawn Marie Lindblade-Evans, D.M.A., Professor at the University of Central Oklahoma, joined the faculty in the fall of 2011. She also teaches for Clarinet Pro Workshops with Executive Director, Julie Linder. She has previously held positions at Southeastern Louisiana University and the Puerto Rico Conservatory of Music.

An active chamber musician, she is currently a member of the Lupine Trio (Hong Zhu, violin and Sallie Pollack, piano), and the Otis Trio (Tess Remy-Schumacher, cello and Sallie Pollack, piano). In 2016, she toured China and performed with the Sugar Fish Reed Trio and taught classes in Guangzhou, Chengdu and Beijing. In 2019 she concertized with colleagues in Bangkok, Thailand. Most recently, the Otis Trio concertized through Germany and Montenegro in the summer of 2022.

Conference performances include the International Clarinet Association’s ‘Clarinetfest’, the Oklahoma Clarinet Symposium, College Music Society National and Regional Conferences, and the Society of Composers, Inc. National Conference. Dawn is currently the Oklahoma state chair for the International Clarinet Association.

Lindblade-Evans studied with renowned pedagogues Dr. Elsa Ludewig-Verdehr, Dr. James Gillespie and Dr. Kimberly Cole-Luevano.

Dawn Marie Lindblade-Evans is a Selmer Paris/Conn Selmer artist and performs on Seles Présence clarinets. Dawn Marie is also a Performing Artist  for D’Addario & Company and performs exclusively on Reserve and Reserve Classic reeds, and plays the Reserve clarinet mouthpiece (X15E).

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Lauren Burk
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Fall Percussion Consort Concert

7:30PM Dec. 4, 2022
Mitchell Hall Theatre

UCO Percussion Consort Concert

UCO Symphony Orchestra
Bill Repavich, Director

PROGRAM

Quartz City
David Johnson

Mike Hill, soloist

Conversation for Two Tambourines
Bobby Lopez

Maid with the Flaxen Hair
Claude DeBussy
Arr. Michael Boo

The Whole Toy Laid Down
Dave Hollinden

Home by Sundown
Ralph Hicks

Minuano
Pat Metheny & Lyle Mays
Arr. Bob Curnow

PERCUSSION CONSORT MEMBERS

Trey Brabham
Yukon

Kyle Broadbooks
Claremore

Treven Cowherd
Edmond

Jonathan Haywood
Tulsa

Mike Hill
Broken Arrow

Cole Holleyman
Edmond

Zach Kimber
Piedmont

Jimmy Miller
Cashion

Katelynn Moore
Edmond

Eric Sturgeon
Edmond

Liam Wyler
Edmond

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement.

Learn more about the UCO School of Music.

Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on November 28, 2022 by Lauren Burk
Comments (0)

‘Tis the Season

‘Tis the Season – UCO Musical Theatre
7:30PM Dec. 8–10, 2022
5PM Dec. 11, 2022
7:30PM Dec. 15–17, 2022
UCO Jazz Lab

The University of Central Oklahoma
College of Fine Arts and Design
UCO School of Music
UCO Musical Theatre
Present

‘Tis the Season
Holiday Show

SHOW LIST

The More You Give
Garett and Ensemble

Christmas Don’t Be Late
Morgan and Sarah

Elf’s Lament
Brenden and Samuel

Jingle Bells
Anna

Santa’s Lost His Mojo
Heath and Ensemble

Christmastime Again
Samuel, Sarah, Abby, Morgan, and Anna

I’ll Be Home for Christmas/The Way You Look Tonight
Anna and Garett

Cozy Little Christmas
Hope

What Christmas Means to Me
Haley and Ensemble

Snowman
Morgan

Happy Holidays
Noah and Men

You Make It Feel Like Christmas
Hope and Samuel

Be a Santa (Choreographed by Sheri Hayden)
Abby, Brenden, and Ensemble

Winter Wonderland
Heath and Sarah

NY Christmas
Garett and Ensemble

15 minute Intermission

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Haley and Men

All I Want for Christmas
Abby, Hope, Anna

Drunk on Christmas
Heath and Sarah

Man With the Bag
Abby with Dancers

Hallelujah
Haley and Noah

A Holly Jolly Christmas
Morgan, Anna, and Garett

I Dream of Christmas
Hope and Abby

White Christmas
Ensemble

We Wish You the Merriest
Anna, Noah, and Ensemble

Christmas Stays the Same
Sarah

Hang Your Lights
Brenden with Haley, Morgan and Sarah

Auld Lang Syne
Haley with Ensemble

CAST

Anna Bahn
Garett Christensen
Noah Cochran
Hope Horton
Haley Kinnard
Brenden McCarthy
Samuel Moran
Abby Morris-Sherman
Morgan Paulson
Heath Rawls
Sarah Scott

PRODUCTION CREW

Director/Choreographer: Elizabeth Dragoo
Music Director: Chad Haney
Associate Choreographer: Ireland Reneau
Stage Manager: Baily Hill
Assistant Stage Manager: Alejandra Carnero
Costume Designer: Alyssa Couturier
Lighting Designer: Logan Corley
Light Board Operator: Ireland Reneau
Sound Technician: Eli Argot
Assistant Director: Gabriella Rae Jimenez
Spotlight Operators: Teagan Jellison / Lillie Taylor
Dance Captain: Samuel Moran
Vocal Captains: Haley Kinnard / Garett Christensen

MUSICIANS

Piano: Chad Haney
Guitar: Than Medlam
Bass: Sam Krempl
Drums: Cole Holleyman

CAST BIOS

Anna Bahn is a junior musical theatre major, making her UCO Jazz Lab and Holiday Show debut! Originally from Amarillo, Texas, some of her favorite roles include Lily (The Secret Garden), Miss Honey (Matilda), and Johanna (Sweeney Todd). Anna would like to thank her family, especially her mom, for her abundant love and support.

 

Garett Christensen is a senior musical theatre major from Spiro, OK. He would like to thank his mom & dad, Elizabeth Dragoo, Chad Haney, Mary Wierick, and Greg White for their hard work and collaboration on this project. He currently studies piano with Dr. Sallie Pollack. Past UCO credits include Steve in “Rent”, Ensemble in “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street”, and soloist in “Broncho MT Showcase”.

 

Noah Cochran is a sophomore MT transfer at the University of Central Oklahoma and this is his 3rd show with UCOMT. His previous credits include Beedle U/S in (Sweeney Todd) Billy Cane (Bright Star) and Mr. Mushnik (Little Shop of Horrors). He would like to thank the UCOMT faculty, his wonderful voice teacher, Dr. Mark Johnson, and his amazing family and friends for their continued support.

 

Hope Horton is a sophomore musical theatre major from Springfield, Missouri.  She was last seen on the Mitchell Hall stage in the ensemble of Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, in March 2022. Favorite past performances include Liesl in The Sound of Music, Jo in Little Women, and Cosette in Les Miserables. Hope would like to thank Greg White, Elizabeth Dragoo, Chad Haney, Ireland Reneau, her fellow castmates, and crew members. She also sends a special thank you to her vocal coach, Dr. Barbara DeMaio!

 

Haley Kinnard (she/her) is Junior Musical Theatre major at UCO. She is so excited to do her first full production on the Jazz Lab stage. Some of her favorite roles have been Drowsy from The Drowsy Chaperone, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, and Jo March in Little Women. Haley has a passion for sharing the joy of the arts with children and watching theatre magic transform their lives. She would like to thank Elizabeth Dragoo and Chad Haney for the opportunity to be in this show and the entire creative team for their hard work and professionalism. She would also like to thank her family and friends for always supporting her.

 

Brenden McCarthy is a junior musical theatre major at UCO. He has previously been seen in UCO musicals such as The Wedding Singer (Ensemble) and in And the World Goes ‘Round (Featured vocalist).  Brenden is thrilled to spread a little holiday joy to the people like him and dedicates this performance to everyone who doesn’t ever have a good holiday season.

 

Samuel Moran is a senior musical theatre major at UCO from Flower Mound, TX, and is over the moon excited to be a part of this cast. Regional: The Lost Colony (Ensemble/Partial Swing/Dance Captain); University of Central Oklahoma: “Rent” (Angel), “Sweet Charity” (Ensemble), “Sister Act” (Ensemble); Southwestern University: “Spring Awakening” (Melchior), “Heathers” (Ensemble, J.D. u/s); Casa Mañana: “On Golden Pond” (Billy); Lyric Stage: “Human Comedy” (Ulysses), “Nine” (Ensemble). Many thanks to Elizabeth Dragoo, Ireland Runeau, Gabriella Rae Jiminez, Chad Haney, Mary Brozina-Wierick, and mom and dad. Phil. 4:13.

 

Abby Morris-Sherman is a senior musical theatre major here at UCO! She is from Shawnee, Oklahoma. Some of her favorite roles include Maureen (RENT), Millie (Thoroughly Modern Millie), and Cindy Lou (Marvelous Wonderettes). Abby is currently Miss Sooner State and will go on to compete for Miss Oklahoma in June. She thanks Elizabeth, Chad, Baily, and Ireland for all of their hard work on this show! MERRY CHRISTMAS!

 

Morgan Paulson is a sophomore Musical Theatre Major from Austin, Texas. She is studying voice with Dr. Molly Johnson and is so excited to be in this year’s annual Christmas show. She debuted in the Jazz lab show Sister Act last spring and was the swing for The Wedding Singer this previous September. She’s so thankful to her friends and family for their love and support as well as the faculty at UCO. She hopes you enjoy the Holiday show and you leave more jolly than you came!

 

Heath Rawls is a sophomore musical theatre major from Mckinney, Texas! He is a member of the DeMaio studio, and is so excited to spread some Christmas cheer! Some favorite past roles include Bobby Strong (Urinetown), Monty Navarro (A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder), and John Hinckley (Assassins). He would like to thank his friends, his family, and everybody involved with this show for all of their support.

 

Sarah Scott is so happy to be back in the Jazz Lab for this holiday season! She would like to thank her girlfriend and cat, Steve, for all of their support.

SPECIAL THANKS

Greg White, Ph. D.
Kelli Cormack
UCO Jazz Lab Staff
Hideaway Pizza
UCO Voice Faculty
Rob Glaubitz D.M.A.
Janna Montgomery
Patterson Allen
Brian Butler
Scott Hale
Dawn Allen
Sheri Hayden
Ashlea Stewart
Lauren Burk
Kangwa Mundende
Bryan Mitschell
Melissa Griffith
Carter Haney
Tucker Dragoo
UCO Photographic Services
UCO Box Office Staff

View the College of Fine Arts and Design Artistic Expression Statement

Learn more about the Musical Theatre Division


Get discounts on the things you love while supporting the next generation of artists, designers & performers at UCO.

The Central Arts Card is a fundraising effort benefiting UCO’s College of Fine Arts and Design and a community outreach effort. As a cardholder, your donation supports the arts and grants you discounts at our partner organizations. Visit go.uco.edu/cac to learn more!

Partner Organizations

Blue J’s Rockin’ Grill — 10% off purchases*

Commonplace Books — 10% off purchases*

Edmond Historical Society & Museum — 10% off gift shop purchases / 1 free admission to “1940s RadioTheatre” show*

Edmond Fine Arts Institute — 10% off classes*

UCO Jazz Lab — $5 off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mitchell Hall Theatre — 10% off select productions (see a list of qualifying UCO events below)*

Mt Everest Cuisines — 10% off purchases over $20 / Free drinks on purchases over $30*

School of Rock — $50 off first-month private lessons enrollment. $75 off first-month group or lesson+group enrollment*

This is just the beginning! Our list of partner organizations in this new program is growing every week.
*Some restrictions may apply. Contact the partner organization for additional details.

Posted on November 21, 2022 by Lauren Burk
Comments (0)
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