School of Music offers high notes at Homecoming

An extensive series of concerts, recitals and lectures will be staged at the School of Music during Homecoming Weekend, Sept. 28-30. The popular Alumni Reunion Jazz Ensemble concert, which features Grammy nominee Niel DePonte this year, will be staged Friday, 8 p.m., at Rosch Recital Hall. This annual performance unites members of the 1970s jazz ensemble with the 2012 ensemble to present original compositions and arrangements by members of both contingents. The concert is free and open to the public.

DePonte, principal percussionist of the Oregon Symphony for the last 35 years, earned a Master of Music degree and the performer’s certificate at the Eastman School of Music and a 1974 degree in Music Education from SUNY Fredonia. He has appeared as a marimba and percussion soloist with many orchestras, playing a varied repertoire that includes his own compositions, and was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2003.

Earlier on Friday, Vanderbilt University musicologist James Maiello will present “Plainchant, Politics, and Identity in Medieval Pistoia, Italy.” The 4 p.m. lecture, at Mason 2140 Mason, is sponsored by Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia.

The Fredonia Wind Ensemble, directed by Paula Holcomb, will perform Saturday, 8 p.m., at King Concert Hall. The concert is free and open to the public.

Also on Saturday, Diane Hunger, saxophone, will present a faculty recital featuring works by Ibert, Swerts, Bach, Albright and Decruck at Diers Recital Recital Hall at 1 p.m. She will be joined by pianist Liz Ames. The performance is free and open to the public.

Charles McCracken, principal bassoon with the American Symphony Orchestra, the New York Pops, Musica Sacra and Opera Orchestra of New York, will conduct a master class Saturday, 2 p.m., at 1080 Mason.

A faculty recital featuring Natasha Farny, cello, and friends will be presented Saturday, 4 p.m., at Rosch Recital Hall. She will be joined by the guest artist voice and piano duo of Donald George and Lucy Mauro and the Fredonia Chamber Choir in the performance of songs and choral music of early 20th century composer Margaret Ruthven Lang. Farny is the great-great niece of the Romantic composer. The recital is free and open to the public.

The seventh Double Reed Day, which draws talented oboists and bassoonists from area middle and high schools, will be held Sunday. Activities include master classes with Fredonia faculty, technique workshops, reed-making and chamber music. McCracken will also conduct a master class. Registration is required.