John Shows returns as guest conductor
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – The Evangel University Symphonic Band will perform in concert on Tuesday, March 29, at 7:30 p.m., in the Barnett Recital Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.
The Symphonic Band is a 40-piece ensemble open to all Evangel University students.
“We are excited to have Mr. John Shows return to campus and join us for this concert as guest conductor,” said Matthew Moore, director of bands. Shows served in the Evangel music department for 41 years, including 26 as the department chair, before retiring in 2007 with the title of professor emeritus.
Taking turns at directing the band will also be Katrina Benescasa, assistant director of bands, and Moore himself.
Sarah Spector, senior voice major from Hamilton, Ohio, will perform a soprano solo on “Angels in the Architecture.” The piece tells a story of good vs. evil and will open with the use of water-filled glasses and tuned whistle-tubes that are swung over the head to sound.
The Barnett Recital Hall is just south of the Robert H. Spence Chapel, facing Glenstone Ave. Live streaming of the concert will be available online at: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/evangel-university-music .
Program
- “Flashpoint,” by John Moss
- “Whirlwinds,” by Richard L. Saucedo
- “Amazing Grace,” by Frank Ticheli
- “1st Suite in Eb,” by Gustave Holst
- “Florentiner March,” by Julius Fucik
- “3rd Suite,” by Robert Jager
Intermission
- “Angels in the Architecture,” by Frank Ticheli
The legacy of John Shows
John Shows received his bachelor of music from Evangel (then College) in 1966. He joined the faculty just 3 months after graduating and taught in the music department while also continuing his own education. In 1981, he stepped into the role of department chair.
During his term of leadership, the Department of Music earned accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), and the massive Barnett Fine Arts Center was constructed.
In 2008, Shows was named Music Administrator of the Year by the Missouri Music Educators Association. The Evangel University Alumni Association honored Shows during the Trees of Honor ceremony at Homecoming 2014.
He currently serves as a clinician and adjudicator in multiple states and continues to lead the Triumphant Trumpets for the Greater Springfield Easter Sunrise service.
“John Shows’ legacy and leadership are what we currently stand on as a music department,” said Moore. “I personally learned a lot from him musically and spiritually during my time as an undergrad. I was ecstatic when he said yes to my invitation to the podium — it’s simply giving honor where honor is due.”
Matthew Moore also teaches the recording and music technology classes at Evangel. He is a published writer, arranger, audio engineer and producer.
For more information, visit www.evangel.edu or contact the music department at (417) 865-2811, ext. 7212.