Saxophone recital by alumnus Oct. 12
Saxophonist Marc Ballard will present a recital at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 12 in Henderson State University’s Russell Fine Arts recital hall.
Ballard’s performance is part of Henderson’s 125th Anniversary Alumni Recital Series. He is a 2002 Henderson graduate. Ballard will be accompanied by Dr. Hee-Kyuung Juhn on piano. The recital is free and open to the public.
Ballard was a member of the Showband of Arkansas, Symphonic Band and NuFusion while attending Henderson and studied under D. Ray McClellan, Deborah Bish, and Steve Becraft. He completed his Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees at the University of Southern Mississippi under the instruction of world-renowned saxophonist Lawrence Gwozdz.
He is currently assistant professor of woodwinds and music history at Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. He also performs and records regularly with several bands in the New Orleans area, including frequent performances in the city’s popular Frenchmen Street venues.
Ballard has a diverse musical background, having studied both classical and jazz. He has performed with a variety of artists and orchestras ranging from Ellis Marsalis to the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.
In 2010, Ballard and flutist Misty Theisen formed Duo Fujin and has traveled the country performing at universities, conferences and festivals. Their work has resulted in almost a dozen new works being composed for flute and saxophone.
Henderson is celebrating its 125th anniversary by presenting a performance series showcasing some of the university’s best alumni musical talent. Other concerts include: Trombonist Nick Keelan, Oct. 27; flutist Brian Luce, Jan. 25; organist Kay McAfee & Friends, March 4; pianist Andre Duvall, March 31; and trumpeter Tom Strait, March 31.
Other events include an alumni art show in November, a commissioned performance by Henderson’s choir and band during homecoming, a special theatre performance, and a performance by Ballet Arkansas.
For more information about Henderson’s 125th anniversary and special events, go to hsu.edu/125.