SHSU Update for Week of Nov. 11

New CD Features Tull's Compositions

The new disc features seven of Tull's compositions spotlighting the piano in various combinations with other instruments. It was recorded in January and March 1999, at the Moores Opera House at the University of Houston.

The seven pieces span almost 30 years of Tull's career as teacher and composer, and all were written while he lived and taught in Huntsville. Many of the performers on the disc were associated with him at Sam Houston State.

Charlotte Tull, wife of the composer, is the featured pianist on the recording, and will attend the party.

Other performers include trumpeter Randal Adams, flutist Ann Fairbanks, violinist/violist James Gardner, oboist Spring Hill, clarinetist Randall Luster, bassoonist Juliet Markovich, trumpeter Anthony Piog, saxophonist Donald Theode, trombonist David Waters, violist Lawrence Wheeler, and percussionist Tim Tull, son of the composer, who conducts the "Nonet," the first offering on the recording.

"The significance of the title, 'Friends Play Fisher Tull,' should be readily apparent after reading the player biographies," wrote Charlotte Tull, in the disc notes.

"Each performer has had personal contact with the composer at some time in their career and, in many cases, worked on these same pieces under his supervision. It is with great devotion and respect that they dedicate these performances to their friend, Fisher 'Mickey' Tull."

Music critic Carl Cunningham wrote of Tull in the notes that "he had the warm, honest smile and open-hearted character that bespeak the treasured friendship for which true Texans are known."

Tull was born in Waco and earned his undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees in music from the University of North Texas. He was a faculty member at Sam Houston State University for 37 years, from 1957 until his death in August 1994.

He was chairman of the music department for 17 years, was named distinguished professor of music, and received the prestigious Piper Professor Award in 1984 in recognition of his excellence as a teacher. He received many awards for his compositions, which are played throughout the world.

The compact disc recording project was supported in part by the Huntsville Arts Commission.

Marketing Consultant Joins SHSU

Gaertner said that Vernick's efforts will be primarily in the areas of the presidential investiture on February 21, 2002, on a public relations campaign, on establishing a support group to be known as the "President's Circle," and on the recently-established University/Community Council.

"Paula is extremely capable and we are pleased that she has agreed to assist us in these important areas," said Gaertner.

While at The University of Texas/San Antonio, Vernick worked with Gaertner when he was dean of the UTSA College of Business. Her activities included external matters such as publications, the Dean's Council (a group of prominent businessmen and businesswomen in the area), and special events such as the Dean's Distinguished Lecturer Series.

Paula and her husband, Marty, recently relocated from San Antonio to the Huntsville area in connection with Marty's business.

Edwards Wins Alpha Chi Scholarship

In addition, the Texas Omicron Chapter of Alpha Chi at Sam Houston State University has announced that 63 students have been accepted for membership. To qualify, students must be in the upper 10 percent of their class and hold a 3.7 grade point average as a junior or 3.6 as a senior.

The SHSU chapter has also scheduled a reception to honor faculty members identified by their members as contributing to their academic success. James F. Gaertner, Sam Houston State president, will be the speaker for that event, which is at 7 p.m. Thursday (Nov. 15) in Austin Hall.

The new members are Tressa Lenae Barten, Constance S. Bell, Jennifer L. Bergman, Thomas Lucas Besich, Jack E. Birdwell, Michael A. Boeringa, Bart Matthew Boushley, Jennifer A. Brock, Sonia G. Calloway, Lisa L. Cannon, Lisa Capps, Marissa Ann Chancellor, Jason Clark, Tara Ann Colley, Jyme Brooke Cotton, Tiffany L. Cullum, Barbara DeBardelaben, Lisa Lynn Ellis, DeAnna Engleman, Vennessa Erickson and James L. Franks.

Also, Darla Faulkner, Craig Allen Fritz, Jennifer G. Gauntt, Kerri Ann Goodwin, Stacie M. Griffin, Susan A. Gutierrez, Sandra Ann Gyuricza, Amy Grimes Hendrix, Brian D. Hinkel, Marta Hinton, Janet L. Hogan, Kimberly Nicole Hubenak, Carrie Hutson, Jennifer Renee King, Liliana N. Kothny, Kerstin U. Lanig, Sharon K. Lawrence, Emily Low, Rickey Luce Jr., Gina Burson McDaniel and Saralyn Brooke McIver.

Also, Jael P. Miller, Scott L. Morgan, Shani Nance, Kathleen S. Nichols, Kristen Novosad, Natasha M. Ospina, Erin Elise Parris, Jana Kay Paschal, Deborah Perez, Nacole Predom, Sarah M. Pyle, Pamela Sanders, Shelby Leigh Schroeder, Rose Lee Seidel, Sheryl L. Sitts, Somer L. Smith, April Lynn Stowe, Tracy Talas, Erica Faye Thonsgard, George Allen Wood and Laura Marie Zadorozny.

Patricia Williams, professor of curriculum and instruction, is the chapter sponsor, and also serves as president of the Alpha Chi national council.

Masks and Puppets

The exhibition is the present and past collective and creative works of Breitenbach, featuring "masks and marionettes, fun and fantasy, fact and fiction." The works are in the Gallery of the Walker Education Center, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily.

An artist's reception will be held in the atrium of the Center on Nov. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Registrar Associate Attends Meeting

The council was established in the 1970s as an educational organization to enhance the training and continuing education of Veterans Administration program officials employed by South Texas colleges, universities, trade and proprietary schools. The council is an integral part of the VA's Consumer Representation Plan to improve communication with all veterans and endeavors to identify local needs and issues regarding Veteran's Educational Benefits and to make recommendations to the Veterans Administration.

During the conference Hudson was selected as a member of the Veterans Civic Council Board and was named council treasurer. Sam Houston State University will host the conference in October 2002.

Sam Houston Trio to Perform

The presentation includes "Piano Trio in D major, Op. 70, No. 1 (Ghost)" by Beethoven. The "Ghost" nickname is attributed primarily to the second movement's ominous mood and use of tremolo by the strings.

Following the intermission, the trio will perform "Piano Trio in C major, Op. 87" by Brahms. Brahms was especially pleased with this trio and told his publisher, "You have not so far had such a beautiful trio from me and very probably have published none to match it in the last 10 years."

Wind Ensemble Concert Features Modern Compositions

The program includes the compositions of four twentieth century musicians including "Variants on a Mediaeval Tune" by Norman Dello Joio, "Dirge for Band" by Robert Starer, "Postcard" by Frank Ticheli, and "Dream Dancer" by Michael Colgrass. Each of the composers has been honored nationally for their contributions and success in music.

SHSU Choirs Present Fall Festival

The choirs include the SHSU Women's Chorus, Men's Chorus, and Chorale conducted by Allen Hightower.

SHSU Update

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SHSU Media Contacts: Frank Krystyniak, Julia May
Nov. 11, 2001
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