IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Gita Brown, 401-456-8465, gbrown@ric.edu
Laura Hart, 401-456-8977, lhart@ric.edu
PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Rhode Island College Wind Ensemble, conducted by Professor of Music Robert Franzblau, joins with two of the Ocean State’s finest high school bands: Ponaganset High School, directed by Daniel Coyne; and North Smithfield High School, directed by Fritz Benz, for the annual “High School Band Invitational Concert.” This concert will be held on Friday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m., in Sapinsley Hall (admission $10).
Although best known for their award-winning Jazz Band, the North Smithfield High School music program also boasts an outstanding band and chorus. According to Rhode Island College Wind Ensemble Conductor Robert Franzblau, “When I heard their band last spring at the state concert band festival, I was extremely impressed with their musicianship and their attention to detail. Mr. Benz and his students have a lot to be proud of.”
Most Rhode Island musicians are familiar with the reputation of Ponaganset High School’s band. “Mr. Coyne has for 17 years built upon this amazing program created by his predecessor,” said Franzblau. “It’s an honor to share the stage with them. In fact, several members of the Rhode Island College Wind Ensemble were once members of North Smithfield and Ponaganset High School’s band programs."
The RIC Wind Ensemble will close the “High School Band Invitational Concert” with two cornerstones from the wind band repertoire: H. Owen Reed’s La Fiesta Mexicana and Percy Grainger’s soulful Irish Tune from County Derry.
For tickets, call the Box Office at (401) 456-8144, or visit www.ric.edu/pfa. Sapinsley Hall in the Nazarian Center is located on the RIC campus, 600 Mt. Pleasant Ave., Providence. Click here for Facebook event.
Established in 1854, Rhode Island College serves approximately 9,000 graduate and undergraduate students through its five schools: the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, the Feinstein School of Education and Human Development, the School of Social Work, the School of Management and the School of Nursing. For more information, visit www.ric.edu.
