Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - American composer Dr. John Zdechlik will serve as the guest conductor during the Stephen F. Austin State University Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, in Cole Concert Hall.

During "An Evening with John Zdechlik," the composer will direct the Wind Symphony in performing two of his compositions, "Prelude and Fugue," published in 1996, and his newest work, "Sing My Tongue, Alleluia." Zdechlik will also direct the Symphonic Band in performing his "Psalm 46" and "Chorale and Shaker Dance."

Under the direction of David W. Campo, SFA associate director of bands, the Wind Symphony will perform works by Camille Saint-Saëns and Eric Whitacre. The Symphonic Band, directed by adjunct faculty member Kevin Whitelaw, will perform Gustav Holst's "Marching Song."

A native of Minneapolis, Minn., Zdechlik received his doctoral degree in composition and music theory from the University of Minnesota in 1970.

He had a 35-year teaching career, much of it spent at Century College (formerly Lakewood College) in White Bear Lake, Minn., where he taught theory, conducted the concert and jazz ensembles and chaired the Music Department.

He has composed over 60 works for band, small ensembles, and solo musicians, and his compositions are performed by high school, college and community bands in the United States, Europe and Japan. He has conducted in 35 states, Japan, Scotland and England.

As a jazz pianist, he led a two-week State Department-sponsored tour of Paraguay, Uruguay and South America in 1992 with his 17-piece big band.

Zdechlik is a member of the College Band Directors National Association, Minnesota Music Educators Association, and in 1989, was elected to membership in the merican Band Masters Association.

"We are fortunate to have Dr. Zdechlik visiting our campus and working with our students," said Campo. "In addition to serving as a guest conductor for the concert, Dr. Zdechlik will speak to Dr. Stephen Lias' composition students and the instrumental conducting classes."

The concert is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts and School of Music. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.