USAO Choir Concert Features Folk, Pop Music March 27

CHICKASHA -- Traditional spirituals, folk songs and pop selections weave the repertoire for the Concert Choir's spring concert March 27 at the University of Science and Arts.

" In contrast to the recent performance in the Beethoven Music Festival, the spring concert will feature a variety of lighter choral music in popular styles that everyone will enjoy," said Dr. Jan Hanson, professor of music and conductor of the ensemble.

Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Davis Hall Theatre, the annual spring concert features student conductors for two selections.

Mickey DeFord, a piano performance senior from Oklahoma City, conducts " Every Night When the Sun Goes In," arranged by Ruth Elaine Schram. DeFord has performed with the USAO Key Players ensemble and has appeared in multiple drama performances.

Comanche music junior Scott Pitts directs " Let Me Fly," arranged by Jerry Depuit. A three-year member of both the USAO Concert Choir and USAO Droverspirit Band, Pitts recently sang with the All-Collegiate Honor Choir of the Southwest American Choral Director's Association in Kansas City.

The concert includes " Spiritual Jubilee," a medley of spirituals arranged by Linda Spevacek which quotes the songs " I Got A Robe," " Great Day!," " Down By The Riverside" and " Ain't-a That Good News."

The Concert Choir also will perform an arrangement of acoustic superstar James Taylor's classic, " That Lonesome Road."

" The concert concludes with an unforgettable arrangement of 'Turkey in The Straw,' Hanson said, " featuring accompaniment of piano, spoons and washboard."

Deborah Johnson, USAO adjunct instructor in music, serves as accompanist for the concert. Johnson, who has long been associated with the university as the Concert Choir accompanist, recently performed with the Concert Choir as a collaborative artist in February's Beethoven Music Festival.

The spring concert is free and open to the public.