Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Percussionist Scott Harris, assistant professor of music at Stephen F. Austin State University, will be the featured artist during the SFA Wind Ensemble concert at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 3, in W.M. Turner Auditorium.

Harris will give the southern United States premiere of David Maslanka's "David's Book," a concerto for percussion and band that SFA co-commissioned with 19 other universities. The Nacogdoches performance will be only the second concert at which it has been played.

"The piece utilizes over 20 different percussion instruments in the solo part, including a variety of traditional pitched and non-pitched percussion instruments as well as multiple gongs, tam-tams and Tibetan singing bowls," Harris said.

David W. Campo, SFA associate director of bands, will conduct the work.

Fred J. Allen, SFA director of bands, will direct the ensemble in presenting Ottorino Respighi's "The Pines of Rome."

"This piece includes a thrilling ending featuring brass musicians from the Wind Symphony playing in the auditorium's balcony," Allen said.

Kevin Whitelaw, SFA adjunct faculty member, will conduct Percy Grainger's "Irish Tune from the County Derry," a melody also known as "Danny Boy."

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.