USAO Fills Spring Semester with Live Music, Drama

CHICKASHA -- Spring is in full swing at the University of Science and Arts, and this semester is packed with music and drama performances. Multiple concerts and drama productions are scheduled for the upcoming months, including remaining shows in the Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series and the return of the Festival of Music and Ideas.

" The music and drama departments are pleased to offer such a diverse array of performances featuring our talented students and faculty," said Dr. Stephen Weber, associate professor of music. " This type of music and drama calendar enriches the lives of community citizens and defines USAO's role as a cultural and artistic hub of Grady County."

The annual Davis-Waldorf Performing Arts Series continues Feb. 15 when South American folk ensemble Andes Manta comes to the USAO campus for a lively evening concert taking listeners into the heart of the Amazon rainforest. The season concludes March 4 with New York-based The Acting Company's production of William Shakespeare's " The Tempest." Both events begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium.

Tickets for the evening shows range from $1 for Chickasha public school students to $10 for general public. Tickets are available through the USAO Box Office in Troutt Hall or by phone at (405) 574-1213.

USAO's first major theatre production for the New Year doubles as a Valentine's gift to the community when the drama department presents " Almost, Maine." The romantic comedy is offered to the public with three free performances Feb. 8-9 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 10 at 2 p.m. in the Davis Hall Theatre.

Throughout the spring, several theatrical events are planned as well, including a scholastic meet acting competition April 3 from 8 a.m. to noon and a student directed one-act play festival April 11-12 at 7:30 p.m.

The University's music department has scheduled eight student recitals for the spring. The department hosts student recitals at noon in the Davis Hall choir room every second and fourth Tuesday through April.

Additionally, each of USAO's musical and choral ensembles will give a final spring performance highlighting the semester's accomplishments.

The Concert Choir brings several vocal pieces to the stage March 27 at 7:30 p.m. in the Davis Hall Theatre. The Concert Band joins the USAO Key Players April 1 for a 7:30 evening performance in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium. The new Vocal Jazz Ensemble performs April 5 at 7:30 p.m. in the Alumni Chapel. The USAO ShowBand takes the stage on April 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium.

Each of the university musical ensembles and members of the drama department join forces Feb. 18-23 for the six-night Beethoven Week, the second of five events planned for the Festival of Music and Ideas through 2009. Last fall, 700 campus and community members attended the first event, October's Bach Festival. Each Beethoven event starts at 7:30 p.m. in a different campus location each night. More information is available online at www.usao.edu/news.

All events are open to the public. Departmental music concerts are free, and admission is charged for some drama productions. More information is available from Dr. Stephen Weber at (405) 574-1295 or Katie Davis at (405) 574-1310.

USAO events always are listed online at www.usao.edu under Calendar or News.