Composer Maslanka Creates Two New Works for University s 150th

Date: 2/1/07
Contact: Marc Lebovitz

Now that Illinois State University new University Song, Pride of Illinois, has been introduced to the campus community, more new music is on the way. Composer David Maslanka, considered one of American s most important composers for band, was commissioned to create two pieces for ISU s Wind Symphony to premiere during the beginning of Illinois State s sesquicentennial celebration.

Maslanka s Procession of the Academics was written to be used at all ISU formal ceremonies and will debut as the platform party enters Braden Auditorium for the Founders Day convocation/150th Kickoff at 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15.

The second Maslanka composition, A Carl Sandberg Reader, written to commemorate and celebrate Illinois State s 150th year, will premiere at the Wind Symphony s Presidents Concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 18, in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall. A large chamber ensemble comprised of members of the Wind Symphony, will be joined in the Sandberg Reader by President Emeritus David Strand as narrator, School of Music baritone John Koch and folk singer and Bloomington resident Denise La Grassa. The Wind Symphony is conducted by Director of Bands Stephen Steele.

Tickets to the Presidents Concert are $10 for the general public, $8 for faculty-staff and $7 for students and senior citizens, and can be purchased at the CPA box office from noon to 5 p.m., by calling (309) 438-2535 or on line at Ticketmaster.com

Maslanka is no stranger to the band program at Illinois State. The Wind Symphony has performed many Maslanka compositions, several of which have been composed for the ISU group. The Wind Symphony has performed Maslanka s work on four Albany Records releases.

Maslanka s A Carl Sandberg Reader is based on poems of Carl Sandberg and 19th-century folksongs.

Born in New Bedford, Mass., Maslanka attended Oberlin College and spent a year at the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He did graduate work in composition at Michigan State University. Maslanka has served on the faculties of various universities and colleges and presently resides in Missoula, Mont.