Southwestern ensembles plan performances

The Southwestern Oregon Community College Music Department is hosting this year’s installment of the Winter Concert Series next week with two nights of free music for the community.

The choirs will be performing at 7 p.m. on Monday, March 10, at the First Presbyterian Church, 438 Elrod Ave., in Coos Bay. This benefit concert for the Women’s Safety and Resource Center will feature the Southwestern Community Symphonic Choir, which will be performing “Songs of the Sea” under the direction of Lorna Murphy. The Southwestern Chamber Choir and Jazz Choir, under the direction of Gaylene Adamson, will be performing several songs of both traditional and modern jazz literature.

Southwestern instrumental groups will be performing at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 12, at the Hales Center for the Performing Arts. Bands to perform include the Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Director of Music Mike Turner; the Recorder Ensemble, under the direction of music instructor Charlotte McLauchlin; and Snowball’s Chance, the Southwestern Jazz Combo, under the direction of second-year student Paul VanDervoort.

The Southwestern Community Orchestra, under the direction of music instructor Blake McGee, also will be performing its “World Premiere” arrangement. Guest performer Dr. Stephen Gross, a University of Oregon faculty member, will be guest performer with the group, playing tuba.

Press Release Date: March 6, 2008