“Very user friendly” is how Campbell piano professor Betty Wishart explained 20th century music. Wishart is the coordinator and one of the performers in Campbell University’s 20th Century Music Concert, Monday, Oct. 29 at 8 p.m. in Scott Concert Hall of the Rogers Fine Arts Center. Admission is free and open to the public.”People don’t have to come to this concert with the preconceived notion that this music is going to be difficult to listen to,” she said. “The music is a part of our times, novel and composed in familiar genres.” Composers Joe L. Alexander, Ramon Kenan, Rodney Waschka II, Betty Wishart, Dr. Richard McKee and Nick Herrin perform works that range from contemporary Christian to contemporary classical. The program also includes two electronic pieces.Joe L. Alexander has performed throughout the United States, Ecuador and Germany. His “Five Movements for Tuba” was composed while he was an undergraduate student at East Carolina and “Pop Music,” for unaccompanied tuba, explores rhythmic ideas prominent in rock music.Campbell adjunct faculty member Ramon Kenan is currently the producer of a local Christian radio broadcast. A graduate of Oral Roberts University, Kenan has published two solo music albums, is a member of the North Carolina Jazz Repertory Orchestra. Kenan will perform original compositions “Break Away,” “Change Your Mind” and “Like U Do.”Rodney Waschka II is best known for his algorithmic compositions and inter-media pieces as well as music for traditional ensembles. His works often include electronic computer music. Waschka teaches at North Carolina State University. He will perform his “Clementine Variations” and “Still Life with Castanets.”Betty Wishart, professor of piano, is composition/theory chair for the North Carolina Music Teachers Association and immediate past president of the Southeastern Composers League. She will perform “No More!” for voice and piano, a work she dedicated to abused women.Dr. Richard McKee, chairman of the Piano Department at Campbell, will perform two piano solos scheduled to be released on CD this spring, “Remembrance” and “Toccata II.”Nick Herrin, sophomore music major, will perform “Sounds” for organ, a piece combining graphic and traditional music notation. To perform this piece, Nick will not only have to use his hands and feet but also his arms.Other performers in the 20th Century Music concert include senior voice major, Nancy Jo Ezzell, and junior piano major, Brad Gardner.
Music faculty, visiting artists perform 20th Century Music Concert