WCU partners with Asheville Symphony 

Western Carolina University’s School of Music has initiated a new artist-in-residence program this semester, formalizing a partnership with the Asheville Symphony Orchestra to bring professional string musicians to campus for performances with WCU’s woodwind, brass and percussion students and choral ensembles.

The artist-in-residence program is an outgrowth of a smaller effort launched in the 1990s to try to provide students with experience performing in an orchestral setting.

Through the program, Asheville Symphony string players will be performing with WCU faculty and students for recitals of a variety of musical types, including chamber, choral and opera performances. In addition to providing talent for public performances, the partnership also provides learning opportunities for WCU students.

828.227.7242 or www.music.wcu.edu.

Jazz musicians to perform free concerts

Music students from Western Carolina University will perform jazz concerts at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 26, and Thursday, Nov. 29, in the recital hall of the Coulter Building. 

The Nov. 26 concert will feature two student jazz combos, each with 30 minutes of repertoire. They plan to perform jazz standards in various styles including blues, swing, ballad, waltz, funk and bossa nova.

The Nov. 29 concert will feature the Jazz Ensemble with guest artist saxophonist Jacob Duncan. The Jazz Ensemble comprises five saxophones, four trombones, four trumpets and full rhythm section (piano, guitar, bass and drums). The performers develop knowledge of various jazz big band styles, including the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, Herbie Hancock and Bob Mintzer, as well as music of modern jazz arrangers of the 1990s.

Admission is free and the concerts are open to the public. 

828.227.7242 or www.music.wcu.edu.

Want to learn to play the dulcimer?

Western Carolina University’s Office of Continuing and Professional Education will offer an introductory class in playing the mountain dulcimer from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at Biltmore Park Town Square.

The class will be led by Anne Lough, a traditional musician who earned her master’s degree in music education at WCU and has performed and taught for 35 years. Participants will learn how to strum the dulcimer and play basic melodies, including a few holiday tunes. No musical experience is necessary for participation. Loaner instruments will be available. WCU’s new facility is located at 28 Schenck Parkway in Biltmore Park Town Square, just off Interstate 26 at Exit 37. The cost is $39.

828.227.7397 or visit www.learn.wcu.edu.