CCU Wind Ensemble to perform inaugural concert with new band director
The concert will be the group's inaugural performance with T. André Feagin, CCU assistant professor of music and director of bands, conducting the ensemble. It will also feature Daniel O'Reilly, CCU lecturer of music, in a performance of Alfred Reed's "Ballade."
The title of the concert reflects Feagin's commencement with the group as well as the nature of the literature being performed, chosen for its musical and historical significance. The repertoire will present and explore the diverse history and versatility of the wind band.
"Although some of the works on this program may be new to the audience, some of the composers are very recognizable," Feagin said. "From English composer Gustav Holst, known for his work 'The Planets,' to American composer Vincent Persichetti, the concert highlights artist works of merit written for the wind band from the turn of the 20th century to the present."
Composed of 40 students, the CCU Wind Ensemble is the premier wind band of the University, and membership is determined by audition. The ensemble performs four times per academic year.
"I am very proud of the members of the CCU Wind Ensemble," Feagin said. "This particular group has grown tremendously over the past six weeks while preparing for this artistic and challenging program. Every rehearsal has been an exercise in professionalism and artistry, and we are all better people for having had the opportunity to grow together."
Feagin joined the CCU music faculty in the fall of 2016. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts in wind conducting from the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music, as well as a Master of Music in wind conducting and a Bachelor of Music in performance from the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music. He serves as conductor of CCU's Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band and director of both the Chanticleer Regiment and Chanticleer Basketball Pep Band. In addition, he teaches applied clarinet and courses in conducting and music education.
O'Reilly holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Master of Arts in composition from Long Island University in Greenville, N.Y. He has extensive performing experience both in New York City and in the area at venues such as the House of Blues, Broadway at the Beach and Brookgreen Gardens. O'Reilly directs CCU's Saxophone Ensemble and POP 101, the contemporary music ensemble. In addition, he is instructor of the saxophone studio and teaches courses including American Popular Music and the History of Jazz.
General admission is $7. Senior citizens, OLLI members, alumni, teens, and CCU/HGTC faculty and staff may purchase tickets for $5. Children and CCU/HGTC students are $3. To reserve a ticket, call the box office at 843-349-ARTS (2787) or visit during open hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday.
Wheelwright Auditorium is located at 108 Spadoni Park Circle, Conway. For more information, contact Feagin at tfeagin@coastal.edu or 843-349-5081.