Frank Ticheli, renowned composer and conductor, will serve as guest conductor for the 2^nd annual Tarleton State University Invitational Band Festival, March 29-30, in the Clyde H. Wells Fine Arts Center.

Ticheli’s music has been described as being “optimistic and thoughtful” (Los Angeles Times), “lean and muscular” (New York Times), “brilliantly effective” (Miami Herald) and “powerful, deeply felt, crafted with impressive flair and an ear for striking instrumental colors” (South Florida Sun-Sentinel). He joined the faculty of the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music in 1991, where he currently is professor of composition.

Ticheli is well known for his works for concert band, many of which have become standards in the repertoire. In addition to composing, he has appeared as guest conductor of his music at Carnegie Hall, at many American universities and music festivals, and throughout the world.

Ticheli is a national honorary member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and he was named by the American School Band Directors Association as the 2009 recipient of the A. Austin Harding Award, bestowed to individuals “who have made exceptional contributions to the school band movement in America.”

“Having Frank Ticheli for the Invitational Band Festival is the equivalent to having Leonard Bernstein and Beethoven at the same time,” said Dr. Anthony Pursell, director of bands at Tarleton. “The invitational sold out of spots for performers not even two weeks after we made the announcement. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students to work with someone of his stature in the music world.”

The Tarleton Invitational Band Festival offers a first-class performance and music education experience for outstanding middle school, high school and college bands. The invitational is a select festival that honors excellence in music performance. The festival offers each invited band the opportunity to perform in the Clyde H. Wells Concert Auditorium with Ticheli in attendance. After each concert presentation, the composer will give a public clinic on stage.

This year, the invitational will serve 11 invited concert ensembles. These concerts are free and open to the public:

Thursday, March 29:

Stephenville Henderson Junior High School, 10 a.m.

Archer City High School, 11 a.m.

Wakeland High School, 1 p.m.

Decatur High School, 2 p.m.

Hico High School, 3 p.m.

Stephenville High School, 4 p.m.

Friday, March 30:

Gatesville High School, 10 a.m.

Tarleton State Symphonic Band, 11 a.m.

Maypearl High School, noon

Granbury High School, 2 p.m.

Angelo State University Wind Ensemble, 6 p.m.

The above schedule is subject to change. Please visit the Current News section of the Department of Music’s website for an up-to-date schedule at www.tarleton.edu/band.

The Invitational Band Festival will conclude with Ticheli leading the Tarleton Wind Ensemble at 7:30 p.m. in the Clyde H. Wells Concert Auditorium. Tickets for the Tarleton State Wind Ensemble are $5. Faculty, staff and students are admitted free with a Tarleton ID.

For more information regarding tickets for the Tarleton Wind Ensemble performance please call 254-968-9291.