SHSU Update for Week of Feb. 24

Symphony Orchestra to Perform

The orchestra, conducted by Carol Smith, will be accompanied by music faculty members Andrew Wilson/violin, Peter Kempter/violoncello, and Clive Swansbourne/piano. Admission is $8 adults/$5 students/free with SHSU ID.

The orchestra will perform Beethoven's "Overture to Egmont, Opus 84," with Harold Turbyfill conducting. This spirited, colorful and dramatic music was inspired by the drama of the same name, written by the German poet Goethe. It deals with the political and religious struggles of the Spanish and the Dutch for sovereignty in Holland, with Egmont, leader of the Protestant Dutch people, as the tragic central figure.

Another Beethoven selection, "Concerto for Violin, Violoncello and Piano in C major, Opus 56," will feature the three SHSU music faculty members. The triple concerto was the first product of a long, important friendship between Beethoven and Rudolph of Hapsburg, Archduke of Austria. Rudolph studied composition with Beethoven and later assisted the musical genius with gifts of money, as well as intellectual and moral support. In turn, Beethoven dedicated several works to Rudolph, including the well-known Archduke trio.

Hanson's "Symphony No. 2, Opus 30 ('Romantic')" is considered his most successful work, and one of the most beloved of American symphonies. Hanson was a 20th century American composer, born in Wahoo, Nebraska. The audience may recognize the second movement of his "Symphony No. 2"---a song that became a "signature" for Hanson as well as for a couple of series on radio and television.

The Symphony Orchestra will also perform on March 7 at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands.

For more information call the Sam Houston State School of Music at 936.294.1360.

'How I Learned to Drive'

This Pulitzer Prize-winning drama chronicles a young woman's account of her arduous journey through adolescence to adulthood. The indifference of a dysfunctional family leaves Lil' Bit (Jennifer Gilbert) uncertain about the direction of her life when she is taken under the wing of her favorite uncle, Peck (Kevin Crouch).

"This story of incest and survival deals sensitively with the victims and their dilemma," said Penelope Hasekoester, theatre manager.

"How I Learned to Drive" is directed by senior musical theatre major Leanne Hill. Other cast members include Tracilyn Jones, Amanda LaVergne and Brent McBeth. The show is stage-managed by Tara Mininger. Amanda Bauer designed the set, lighting design is by Joel McDonald, costume design by Sharna Christensen, sound design by Brian Upchurch, and Andrew Porter is the technical director.

All tickets are $8 per person. For more information or to make reservations, call the University Theatre Center box Office at 936.294.1339. No one under the age of three will be admitted.

Take Classes in Italy

The classes will be held in the medieval town of Pontremoli in northern Tuscany, which is two hours from Florence and Pisa. Classes will meet at the Castle of Piagnaro, an 11th century castle remodeled to host cultural and scientific events, and at various locations around the area. There will also be same-day and two-day excursions that will take students to nearby Lucca, Pisa, Florence, Venice and Milan.

Students will be housed in double rooms in family-owned and managed hotels and will be provided three meals daily during the weekend and two during weekends. The program, which is priced at $2,990 per student, includes air transportation from and to Houston.

For additional information concerning registration, visit the websites of the Office of International Programs or the Italy Field School, or contact Alessandro Bonanno in the Department of Sociology at 936.294.1488 or Corliss Lentz in the Department of Political Science at 936.294.1459.

Alpha Chi to Induct New Members

Attorney Raymond W. Greer will be the guest speaker. Greer is a member of Alpha Chi, a former SHSU alumni board president, and former Student Government Association president.

New members of the scholarship society include: Patrick J. Bartkowiak, Amanda Becka, Elizabeth Bond, Valerie Boreing, Jamie Lyn Boyett, Angela Brown, Keri Butcher, Tara Converse, April Dillli, Bethanie Gilliam, Cortney Gurley, Marcella Gutierrez, Paula Hansen, Melissa Hicks and Christie Jones.

Also, Denise Katzilierakis, Susan Lowery, Megan Martin, Kevin Muenster, Fletch Murphy, Cara Neathery, John David Newcomb, Amanda Perez, Barbara Ryals, Jean Sindlinger-Callahan, Shaun Stoehr, Amy Webster, Terry Williford, Lindsey Wohrer and David Wright.

Donations Sought for MTV Tour

MTV's Campus Invasion Tour is an annual nationwide tour that visits 20 college campuses across the United States in a two-month period, bringing hot musical groups and interactive events to students. The tour could make an exclusive tour stop in Huntsville and the southeast Texas region if $45,000 is raised by the Program Council to defer the $60,000 event price tag.

"Although this event is of great cost, I feel it would be very beneficial for our campus in many ways, the least of which being the national publicity and television coverage our campus would receive," said Rachel Young, Program Council representative. If scheduled, the tour could come to the SHSU campus mid-April.

Program Council will not proceed with the event until funds are secured, so interested sponsors are asked to pledge support soon. Each donating department or organization will be recognized for its contribution to the tour.

To make a donation or for more information, contact Rachel Young in the Program Council office at 934.294.1763.

SHSU Update

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SHSU Media Contacts: Frank Krystyniak, Julia May
Feb. 24, 2002
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