October 12, 2005

Purdue musicians offer Halloween fun in spooky symphony

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – From Darth Vader to musical bumblebees, the Long Center will be abuzz with Halloween antics when the Purdue Orchestra presents its annual Halloween family pops concert, the "Symphony SPOOKtacular," at 2:30 p.m. Oct. 23 at the Long Center, 111 N. Sixth St.

Designed for kids of all ages, the concert features everything from "Star Wars" themes by John Williams and "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" made famous by Disney's "Fantasia" to the "Flight of the Bumblebee" performed by a giant bee on a tuba.

Orchestra director Jay Gephart plans to swoop into the concert in Darth Vadar attire, accompanied by costumed Storm Troopers, to underscore the drama of the "Star Wars" music and guest tubist Patrick Sheridan from Phoenix, Ariz., will perform in a bee suit.

Audience members, especially children, are encouraged to wear costumes to the event. The first 300 children through the doors will receive a Halloween treat bag, and all costumed children can participate in the traditional Halloween parade across the stage during the concert.

Started in 2003, the Halloween pops concert has become a niche event for the orchestra.

Gephart said he is excited about the upcoming performance.

"With this event, our orchestra has its own special identity in the community," he said.

Members of the Tau Beta Sigma band fraternity will decorate the Long Center for the event and serve as costumed ushers.

This year's Halloween event is built around the talents of Sheridan, "the first and only tubist to perform strictly as a solo player," Gephart said. This marks the second appearance with a Purdue ensemble for the personable tuba player whose goal is to promote the tuba as a viable solo instrument.

"As a showman, Patrick has a unique way of engaging the audience," Gephart said. "They become mesmerized by his playing ability and his warm personality. He likes to involve the audience in what's going on."

None of the pieces Sheridan will perform were written for tuba. "Czardas," with its uptempo Hungarian gypsy melodies, was originally written for the violin as was "Horastaccato." Sheridan will also perform "Hot Canary," a light-hearted jazz piece, and he will change into his bee suit for the concert encore – "Flight of the Bumblebee."

Writer: Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands public relations director, (765) 496-6785, kcmatter@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Related Web site:
Purdue University Bands

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