USAO musicians reach 'first chair' in state

Two students at the University of Science and Arts were named to the 2012 Oklahoma All-Collegiate Band.

Jeff Eike, a senior from Ames pursuing a double major in instrumental music and computer science, and David Forsythe, a senior business administration major from Sacramento, Calif., were chosen to perform with the ensemble composed of the finest band students from universities and colleges across the state.

The OACB performed at the annual Oklahoma Music Educators Conference under the direction of guest conductor Dr. Steven Davis, director of the Conservatory Wind Ensemble at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

“It was really a once-in-a-lifetime experience to play music of this caliber with other gifted musicians from around the state under Dr. Davis’ baton,” Eike said.

“I felt really privileged to rehearse and perform with the best instrumental musicians in the state.” Forsythe added, “It was a thrill that made all those years I’ve spent improving my own craft feel like time well spent.”

Eike plays the tuba and Forsythe, the euphonium, in the USAO Concert Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Dan Hanson.

Hanson, now serving his 24th year as professor of music theory and director of instrumental ensembles at USAO, shared his enthusiasm for his students’ accomplishment.

"The music department is extremely proud of these accomplished musicians,” Hanson said.

“We salute their hard work and dedication as ambassadors of our university."

The USAO Concert Band includes students from every major on the campus and counts towards the artistic expression credits required by the university’s interdisciplinary studies core.