The EKU Symphonic Band presented a special performance at the Kentucky International Convention Center on Saturday, February 9, 2002. The concert, held in the Cascade Ballroom, was for the Kentucky Music Educators Association / In-Service Conference. It was the second such appearance of the EKU program in the 48-year history of the event.

Featured on the 40-minute program were six selections, including 3 premieres of new compositions. A Stephen Foster Fantasy, written for and dedicated to the EKU Band and Foster Music Camps, will receive it’s initial presentation. Written by Dr. Gordon Goodwin, Composer Laureate of South Carolina, the work utilizes materials from some of Foster’s more popular and lesser-known pieces to create a unique composition, rather than a stereotypical medley of tunes. The Fantasy is the first known commissioned original composition for the EKU program.

Also presented for the first time were two settings for band by the Conductor/Director of the Symphonic Band, Dr. Joe Allison. "Laurie’s Song," from Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land, will feature Dr. Joyce Wolf, soprano, as well as the EKU Faculty String Quartet, and Rob James and Jason Koontz on percussion. This lovely song is a "coming of age" piece sung by a character who is contemplating graduation, and life afterward. A new setting of the A minor Caprice (#24) by Nicolo Paganini showcased the violin skills of Dr. Eunwhon Bai, newly appointed Assistant Professor of Violin and Viola at the University.

Another special treat was a multimedia presentation of David Gillingham’s Internal Combustion. Newly-composed to illustrate the development of the American automobile, the descriptive work featured the EKU Dance Theatre, under the direction of Dr. Marianne McAdam. New offerings from Scott Boerma and Guy Woolfenden were also programmed.

A large audience enthusiastically received the performance. We hope you enjoy the streaming video from the presentation!