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Evangel University to host first Alumni Orchestra Concert

Published on Oct 30, 2018 by Paul K. Logsdon

Featuring alumni of Evangel, CBC & AGTS

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel University Department of Music will present its first Alumni Orchestra Concert on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. in the Robert H. Spence Chapel Auditorium.

Admission is free and open to the public. The Spence Chapel is located south of the main entrance to campus, at 1111 N. Glenstone Ave.

More than 40 alumni players will be involved from Evangel University, plus Central Bible College and Assemblies of God Theological Seminary. The three schools consolidated in 2013.

2018-11 EU Alumni Orchestra promo
The first Alumni Orchestra Concert will be on Sunday, Nov. 4 at 2:30 p.m. // PHOTO BY: Paul K. Logsdon (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

“Current students will join the alumni for select parts of the concert, and the ‘grand finale’ piece will be performed by more than 80 musicians,” according to Dr. Larry Dissmore, director of orchestral activities at Evangel.

The varied program will include music from classical, sacred and pops repertoires.

Among the classical selections to be performed are Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, the Waltz from Khatchaturian’s Masquerade Suite, and Nelhybel’s A Mighty Fortress.

Sacred and pops selections will include Camp Kirkland’s arrangement of Praise to the Lord the Almighty, Goeller’s arrangement of Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah, and Michael W. Smith’s Hibernia.

Alumni Orchestra Background

The idea for the Alumni Orchestra arose from two sources.

“Over the years, alumni have suggested the idea to me,” said Dissmore, who is in his 31st year on the Evangel faculty.

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Dr. Larry Dissmore // (CLICK TO ENLARGE)

“In addition, I learned of similar liberal arts colleges that had developed Alumni Orchestras and thought it might be a good idea for us, so I asked Professor Emeritus John Shows to join me in organizing the orchestra,” said Dissmore. “A planning committee of various orchestra alumni was formed about 18 months ago to develop the event.”

Alumni players are convening for a full weekend of rehearsals to include Friday evening and two rehearsals on Saturday. Current students began working on various selections earlier this semester.

The Department of Music at Evangel University offers majors in music, music education, music performance, music business/technology and worship leadership. Each program is carefully designed to ensure that students build strong musical skills, gain professional training and experience a wide range of musical activities.

For more information, call (417) 865-2811 ext. 7212.

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