Professors take stage

Concert Preview

Anyone with an appreciation for music and a desire to help other students can be both entertained and generous this weekend during the premiere of the school of music's JMU Faculty Gala.

Music faculty members will perform at a recital benefiting performance scholarships within the school. This event will feature many different styles of music, from opera to classical to show tunes.

All of the 13 performers instruct within the school on individual instruments or voice. Some professors will perform solo, while others will appear in duets. Also scheduled to perform is the all-female Montpelier Wind Quintet composed of faculty.

"All of the performers are professional musicians with national and international credentials," said Marilou Johnson, director of the school of music. "The concert is a fantastic opportunity for the JMU and Harrisonburg community to hear a professional concert, all [geared toward] endowing scholarships for future music students."

Pieces to be presented include a work of Mozart's, "Tonight" from Leonard Bernstein's "West Side Story" and an original work by JMU alumnae Linda Betts Frazier. One of the most anticipated performances is Rick DiGiallonardo's, who will present a self-composed piece in four movements written for the keyboard synthesizer. His work, titled "In Walked In:. A Day in the Life" models the funky style of the Beatles. DiGiallonardo has worked as a professional musician for many years, has several gold albums and even has toured with musical legend Elton John.

Margo Tillman expressed her satisfaction with the event, and said it is "[a] great way to showcase our faculty talents,[while] at the same time raising scholarship money for students."

Current music major junior Justin Leighty, student liaison for the concert, called the faculty performers "just amazing."

The concert takes place April 18 at 3 p.m. in the Wilson Hall Auditorium. Tickets are $10 for general admission or $8 with a JAC card.