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Milligan College, TN (Sept. 7, 2011)—Milligan College will host the fifth annual area-wide string orchestra workshop and concert on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. in the Mary B. Martin Auditorium in Seeger Memorial Chapel. The concert is free and open to the public.
The all-day workshop will feature 200 high school and college string students from Dobyns-Bennett High School, Science Hill High School and Milligan. The renowned Dr. John Ross of Appalachian State University will serve as workshop clinician.
The evening concert will showcase the beautiful and energetic sounds of a mass orchestra. The repertoire to be performed includes a wide range of styles from the classic sound of Vaughn Williams’ “Moorside Suite” to the hauntingly beautiful “October” by Eric Whitacre.
Dr. John Stanley Ross is the director of bands and associate professor of music at Appalachian State University where he conducts the Appalachian Wind Ensemble and the Appalachian Concert Band. He also teaches courses in wind literature and band techniques and frequently guest conducts the Appalachian Symphonic Band.
Ross has commissioned and arranged several works for winds and conducted 24 world premieres. His performances have won the praise and admiration of composers such as Samuel Adler, David Gillingham, William Harbinson and David Maslanka. Ross also serves as president of the board of directors of the New York City based WEAVE Soundpainting Orchestra, a professional interdisciplinary ensemble that features improvisation with musicians, dancers, visual artists and actors.
In 2002, Ross completed his doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting at Michigan State University, studying with Professors John L. Whitwell, John T. Madden and Dr. Wesley J. Broadnax. While in attendance, he instructed graduate wind conducting seminars, taught private lessons in conducting and clarinet, supervised student teachers, and conducted the University Concert Band. Ross completed his master of music degree in wind ensemble and band conducting from the University of Michigan in 1992, studying with Professors H. Robert Reynolds, Gary Lewis, Donald Schleicher, Jerry Blackstone, Gustav Meier and Dennis Glocke. He also received a bachelor’s degree in music education from Olivet College in 1988.
For additional information, contact the Milligan music department at 423.461.8723 or at music@milligan.edu.