Saint Xavier University announces fall 2017 concert schedule
With school back in session, Saint Xavier University's (SXU) Music Department will once again be hosting a concert series for the semester. The performances are open to all, and are free for SXU students, faculty and staff with a valid ID. Admission for the public is $6, and $5 for members of the military, senior citizens, and visiting students. For more information, please contact the Music department at 773-298-3421 or visit the Music department web page.
Ok-TUBA-fest
2 p.m., Sunday, October 29, McGuire Hall
Join SXU's brass faculty for a riveting day of workshops and performances. Professors are offering this opportunity to high schoolers who would like to improve their performance skills on any of the following brass instruments: trumpet/cornet, horn, trombone, euphonium/baritone, and the tuba. Topics will include tone, articulation, style, selection and performance anxiety. Beginning at 2 p.m., participants can check-in, and the workshop takes off at 2:15 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., there is a dinner for participants, and at 7:30 p.m. the grand finale: a concert. The fee to participate is $10, which includes the cost of an authentic bratwurst dinner. There will be fun for all, and maybe even a polka!
Collaborative Choral Concert
7 p.m., Thursday, November 9, St. Albert's the Great Catholic Church, Burbank, IL
SXU's Chamber Singers will join with local choirs from Oak Lawn Community High School, Richard's High School and Reavis High School. The groups will be raising money for charity in Oak Lawn. Come to support a good cause and enjoy music along the way.
Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra
7:30 p.m., Saturday, November 11, SXU's Performance Space
The esteemed Leonard Bernstein's music will be the focus for this year's ensemble and orchestra, which will serve as a tribute for his centennial celebration. Bernstein was renowned for his courageous programming efforts and unique tempo selections. He collaborated with countless musicians and was the director of the New York Philharmonic. For this concert, the SXU Wind Ensemble and Symphony Orchestra will focus on composers who were similar to Bernstein, through their influence, creativity and innovation. The repertoire will showcase music by Richard Wagner, Georges Bizet, Ludwig van Beethoven, Dmitri Shostakovich, Modest Mussorgsky, and Gustav Holst, to name a few. Come to celebrate the life of iconic composers!
Collaborative Concert
3 p.m., Sunday, November 12, Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus, Joliet, Ill.
SXU's Chorale and Chamber Singers will be traveling to Joliet to combine their talents with those of the Cathedral Choir of St. Raymond Nonnatus and the Ecclesiastical Choral Society of Joliet. The concert will feature Messe Solennelle, a masterpiece of the French Romantic genre by Louis Vierne. Laura Kempa Bogan, director of Choral Activities at SXU will be conducting the concert. Freewill offerings are accepted. Come out and show your spirit for music during this beautiful concert.
Let's Play the Blues
9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, November 18, Warde Academic Center - Room G-113
For the fourth year running, SXU will host its annual Jazz Guitar Workshop. This year, the focus will be on the blues and its history; how it began its expansion and influence in other genres of music. Topics will touch on blues progressions, chord voicings, rhythmic patterns, use of pentatonic scales and models, and soloing concepts. All guitarists are welcome to participate in this workshop. The cost is $10 and covers the price of lunch and a t-shirt.
Chamber Music Ensemble Concert
3 p.m., Sunday, November 19, McGuire Hall
A number of SXU's Ensembles will perform, including the SXU French Horn Ensemble, the SXU Guitar Ensemble and the SXU Chamber Singers. "Light" will be the theme of this concert, and will reflect a number of songs, including This Little Light of Mine, to close it out. This will be a lovely afternoon as these groups lighten the mood and bring music to life.
Join Voices, Chicago!
8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday, December 1, Shannon Center Main Gym
This choral festival attracts many music lovers from elementary, middle and high school chorus members from the city of Chicago. Choirs will perform for each other, and receive feedback on their performance from a master clinician. Last year, over 500 students participated in the uplifting experience. This year, Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout will be the clinician. The event is hosted by SXU's Music Department, and is a collaboration with the American Choral Director's Association, Chicago Public Schools and Illinois State University's Choral department. Come to enjoy a day of learning mixed with fun!
Jazz Night II
7:30 p.m., Friday, December 1, McGuire Hall
The second Jazz Night of the semester will be a tribute to Buddy Rich, a jazz legend. SXU's Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Combos will perform some of his greatest hits, such as Big Swine Face, Channel One Suite, and Mercy, Mercy, Mercy. Come to celebrate Buddy Rich's centennial birthday while SXU gets the crows swinging.
Christmas Concert
3 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, SXU's Performance Space
The entire music department will come together for the Christmas Concert. SXU's Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Chorale and Chamber Singers will be some of the groups participating in this joyous celebration. Repertoire includes a variety of contemporary works, holiday standards and family friendly tunes. Kick-off you holiday celebration at the Christmas Concert!