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OBU—Oklahoma Baptist University

Symphonic Winds in Concert with Prague High School Band April 30

April 24, 2015

The Symphonic Winds, a brass, woodwind and percussion ensemble comprised of Oklahoma Baptist University students, will join the Prague High School band in concert Thursday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. in Raley Chapel's Potter Auditorium. The public is invited to attend the free event.

The 49-member Symphonic Winds will perform works including "Down a Country Lane" by Aaron Copland and "Arabesque" by Sam Hazo. They will also perform "Lauds" by Ron Nelson, "With Heart and Voice" by David Gillingham and "Five American Gospel Songs" arranged by Luigi Zaninelli. The latter will include arrangements of "His Eye is on the Sparrow," "Amazing Grace" and "Shall We Gather at the River" with a guest performance by Dr. Louima Lilite, associate professor of music, on vocals.

The Symphonic Winds recently performed at the Baptist Church Music Conference at Quail Springs Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. They were joined by the Bisonettes Women's Glee Club, the Bison Glee Club and the University Chorale.

The Prague High School band will join the Symphonic Winds in concert. The 57-member ensemble includes students ranging from eighth to 12th grade. They will be presenting two pieces, "Burma Patrol" by Karl King and "Symphonic Journey #1" by Roland Barrett.

"We are extremely honored to be performing at an OBU concert," said Kathy Eby, director of the Prague High School band. "This honor recognizes not only our students' talents, but also the community and the school administration's support of the band."

Ryan Meeks, director of bands and coordinator of instrumental studies at OBU, praised the work of Eby and the Prague band.

"I have known Mrs. Eby for around 10 years," he said. "She has been an outstanding source of guidance and encouragement throughout my teaching career. She is a highly accomplished music educator who continues to make a positive impact on the lives of her students and colleagues. It is truly an honor to share this concert with the Prague High School band."

"Mr. Meeks' outreach to high school band students will help encourage them to continue their musical career in college," Eby added. "The opportunity to listen to a college band that plays good literature is very rare for a small-school band."