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Symphonic Winds to perform at state conference

Press Release Date: 01-02-2012

DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s Symphonic Winds has been selected to perform at the Oklahoma Music Educators Association (OMEA) for the 2011-2012 academic year.

The Southeastern Symphonic Winds, led by director of bands Dr. Jacob Wallace, will perform Jan. 19 as an Honor Ensemble at the OMEA’s state conference in Tulsa.

Southeastern will perform at 8 p.m. Thursday at the Tulsa Convention Center. The evening begins with Blanchard High School at 7:15 p.m. and the University of Central Oklahoma Wind Symphony will follow Southeastern at 8:45 p.m.

Wallace said, "It’s really a thrill to be invited to perform at the OMEA conference. This is really a milestone for our program. We now have the opportunity to perform for music teachers from across the state and even beyond its borders."

"Many of those teachers – particularly those from further regions of Oklahoma – may not be particularly familiar with how strong the groups are here at Southeastern. We’re hoping to demonstrate just how amazing our students really are."

Southeastern’s Chorale and Jazz Ensemble have received several invitations to play at this prestigious conference. This is the first time that one of Southeastern’s concert bands has been so honored.

The selection process begins more than a year in advance with recorded performances submitted to a panel of professionals who decide which groups will be featured. The recordings must be live and un-edited.

"We have an opportunity to record this way only at our on-campus performances. If it’s not perfect that day, the judges will notice," Wallace said.

Judges listen to each group without identification so they can decide objectively. Only after the decisions have been made do the judges learn which groups will perform.

Only three college bands were selected. This year, Southeastern will join the University of Oklahoma and the University of Central Oklahoma.

Admission is $5 for those not registered for the conference. For more information, visit the Oklahoma Music Educators Association webpage at http://www.okmea.org or contact Wallace at 580-745-2084 or jwallace@SE.edu.