NORMAN — A Benefit Concert featuring performances by University of Oklahoma faculty and students, as well as OU’s New Horizons Band, to raise emergency funding and financial support for OU’s international student community is scheduled for Monday, May 8, 2017, 8 p.m. at OU’s Sharp Concert Hall in the Catlett Music Center. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at OU’s Fine Arts Box Office.
The OU School of Music and the College of International Studies are partnering together to host the evening of music. “Guests can expect a celebration through music,” said Dr. Dan Schwartz, Assistant Professor of Oboe at the University of Oklahoma. The evening will showcase performances from around the world, including a piece featuring the Native American flute and the reveal of a new Guatemalan composer’s work for woodwind octet. “Most importantly, guests will get a clear picture of how their support is truly essential for our international student community on campus, and how the cultural and world experience that international students bring to campus is essential,” said Dr. Schwartz.
The New Horizons Band program involves more than 180 New Horizons Bands internationally. The program is celebrating over twenty years and appeals to a multi-generational cast of musicians and audience, including large band programs as well as jazz band, steel pan, and small ensembles.
As part of this benefit concert, Dr. Schwartz has composed a new work, Sky Dialogues for Oboe and Piano, and is currently in a crowd-funding campaign to raise funds for dedications to be published in the work. A $20 donation will result in the donor’s name, website, or a loved one's name published in the dedications. For a donation of $40 or more, the donor will be sent a digital copy of Dr. Schwartz’s new composition. All money from dedications will be donated to the emergency fund and financial support for OU’s international student community.
The College of International Studies (CIS) was officially created in 2011 from the visionary leadership of OU President David L. Boren and First Lady Molly Shi Boren, reflecting their desire to advance international education opportunities for all students. The CIS mission is to expand the OU international experience and develop compassionate, open minded citizens and leaders by enhancing global engagement and educational opportunities. “We are committed to supporting our international community of students at OU, and we are united more than ever during today’s current events,” said CIS Dean Suzette Grillot. “It is our belief that we can be the change we wish to see in our communities and in the world, and together we can face any hurdles that come our way.”
For more information about the Benefit Concert, to make a donation or for accommodation on the basis of disability, contact Dr. Schwartz at dan.schwartz@ou.edu.
