Friday night marks the return of Frank Ticheli to Texas. He grew up near Dallas playing trumpet, studied composition at SMU and Michigan, and taught at Trinity University for several years.
Currently a USC professor, Ticheli will lead seven of his works with members of the Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble at Texas Lutheran University.
"I am looking forward to working with the students," says Ticheli. "I can't wait to see where they are in the [rehearsal] process, and to interpret my pieces with them together. Some of the ensemble members aren't [music] majors, and I know they are there because they want to be there, not because they have to be there. It is exciting!"
On tap Friday night is a preview to a new work, "Korean Folk Songs" from "Jeju Island," as well as one his most performed works, "Blue Shades."
Frank will meet audience members before and after the concert at Jackson Auditorium on the TLU campus. Ticheli then heads to Austin Saturday for a performance of a new song cycle for soprano and band.
One of Ticheli's most popular works is "Blue Shades":
http://youtu.be/P3VZeOf8h_Y
