Four musical ensembles at Cameron University will combine to present a concert on Tuesday, April 22, including the debut of the Gold Notes, a newly formed vocal jazz ensemble. That ensemble will be joined by the CU Community Band, the CU Concert Band and the CU Concert Choir for the 7:30 p.m. concert, which will take place in the University Theatre.
Tickets purchased at the door are $10 for adults and $8 for senior citizens, members of the military and non-CU students. Cameron University students, faculty and staff receive one free admission with their CU I.D. Tickets can be reserved by calling the box office at 580-581-2346. Tickets can also be purchased in advance online at https://www.cameron.edu/art-music-and-theatre/events/buy-tickets. (Taxes and processing fees apply.)
"The repertoire for the Cameron University Community Band and Concert Band was carefully selected to provide a diverse and enriching musical experience for both performers and the audience,” says Dr. Andrey Cruz, director of both ensembles. “This repertoire was chosen to engage the musicians with a range of styles, historical contexts and technical demands while offering the audience a compelling and dynamic concert experience."
The program of the Community Band balances tradition and energy. It will kick off with Sousa’s “The Gladiator,” a classic march that reinforces precision and ensemble cohesion, followed by William E. Rhoads’ arrangement of “Brazilian Folk Dance,” which introduces vibrant Latin American rhythms and stylistic diversity. Next up is Tom Lazarich’s “Mystic Mountain Legend,” a piece that explores rich textures and dynamic contrasts. The ensemble will conclude its portion of the concert with “Dance Carnivale” by Randall D. Standridge, an energetic and colorful work that showcases rhythmic drive and excitement.
The Concert Band program presents a mix of historical significance and expressive depth, beginning with Schuman’s “Chester,” a cornerstone of American wind band literature that emphasizes strength and unity. That will be followed by Gjeilo’s “The Sphere,” which brings a contemporary, ethereal atmosphere through lush harmonies, and Forsblad’s “Preludio,” a lyrical and expressive work that highlights musical phrasing and tone. The Concert Band will conclude with Shostakovich’s “Galop,” a fast-paced and exhilarating finale that challenges technical precision and ensemble coordination.
The CU Concert Choir will then take the stage, conducted by Dr. Christian Morren and accompanied by Tom Willoughby on piano.
“This concert is an exciting culmination of a year that has included concerts with the Lawton Community Choir, Lawton Pro-Musica and the Lawton Philharmonic Orchestra,” says Morren. “Our vocal students have worked extraordinarily hard this year, and I am impressed with their work ethic, discipline, and growth. The ensemble will culminate the year with a diverse repertoire.”
The ensemble will start with the Latin “Cantate Hodie” by Mary Lynn Lightfoot, “O Love” by Elaine Hagenberg and “Sanctus” from Franz Schubert’s “German Mass in F.” Divinia D’Haiti will sing Dolly Parton’s “Light of the Clear Blue Morning” as the choir accompanies her. The concert will also feature two small ensembles singing “Measure Me Sky” and “Vox Vibe,” allowing the students to sing independently and show off their vocal skills. The choir portion of the concert will end with Keith Hampton's Gospel piece "Praise His Holy Name."
Next up is the debut of the Gold Notes, a vocal jazz ensemble conducted by Khalil Cabrera-Tosado and accompanied by Doris Lambert. The group was established to provide vocal students an opportunity to perform an additional musical style. They will perform “Unforgettable” arranged by Mac Huff and “Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans” by Kirby Shaw.
The band and choral groups will then come together to lead the audience in a rendition of “Cameron Pride.”
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PR# 25-053
