ATHENS, W.Va. (Hinton News) – Spark Brass will perform at Concord University on Thursday, February 29 at 7 PM in the Wilkes Family Chapel in University Point for the Carl S. Azzara Music Colloquium. Admission to the concert is free and open to the public.
Spark Brass is comprised of professional musicians and educators from across the United States (including Concord’s Associate Professor of Music, David Ball), who have experienced the profound positive impact of music in their own lives and the lives of their students. These experiences shaped them into passionate advocates for the value of music education. The group presents their life’s work and personal journeys with audiences of all ages so that they too can discover the intrinsic value of music education and the thrill of a dynamic live performance. Spark Brass is also passionate about contributing to the genre of brass quintet and percussion by commissioning new works. Some of these arrangements and commissions are included in the group’s album Carnaval to the Music Hall, released in 2015. With diverse careers across North America, the ensemble has toured extensively through Pennsylvania, Georgia, West Virginia and more. In addition to performing, Spark Brass assists fellow music educators in building stronger, more confident band programs and better musicians through the implementation of chamber music in the curriculum. The group explores the benefits of chamber music, using brass quintet as a medium to talk about independence, self-reliance, communication and listening skills.
The Carl S. Azzara Music Colloquium Endowment is dedicated to the memory of Carl Azzara, a 1954 graduate of Concord, for his lifelong passion and dedication to being a pianist, musician and teacher. Dr. Christopher Azzara and his brother, Dr. Daniel Azzara, along with other family members and friends, established the fund in honor of their father, Carl Azzara, and to acknowledge his devotion to Concord and the role it played in his life.
The intention of the fund is to provide educational opportunities in music for Concord students, faculty, staff and the community through professional presentations. Dr. Christopher Azzara, who is a pianist, arranger, author and educator, offered the first program for the Colloquium in 2018.
For additional information about the upcoming performance by Spark Brass, please contact Dr. Jacob Womack at jwomack@concord.edu or 304-384-5306.
