"...I Hear a Symphony..."

Several years ago I began to be asked on a regular basis by esteemed executive directors of performing arts centers the following question: "Do you have a symphony show?" Now I can affirmatively answer "I have TWO!"

Many folks may not know that in addition to my combined career as a performing artist, composer/arranger and recording artist, I am also Director of Vocal Studies at University of South Carolina Upstate (I have just completed my first year in this position). This wonderful university has graciously awarded me a grant to develop a touring symphony show which will enable me to meet the needs of concert presenters looking for new, excellent and affordable pops programs while sharing my music with even larger audiences. These concerts will be available for touring as early as December 2013, and are available now for booking 2014-15 and 2015-16 concert seasons.

I have enlisted the help of some wonderful arrangers (and friends of mine) who have earned Grammy awards for their excellence in large ensemble arranging and composition. The first show will highlight a Holiday Pops program, ideal for any international, national or regional symphony organization inclined to indulge in the warmth of Christmas cheer as part of their regular November/December programming. The second show will be comprised of beautiful, energetic arrangements of jazz/Broadway standards in the tradition of Pops programs featuring a female vocalist. My several years spent as a jazz and cabaret performing artist as well as a featured big band vocalist and symphony soloist will allow this transition from an intimate jazz combo setting in 400-600 seat theaters (typical of what I now present regularly throughout the country) to a symphonic setting in 900-2000+ seat halls to be smooth and comfortable.

I am truly blessed to share this opportunity with you and hope that if you are interested in hearing one or both of these concerts in your city, you will contact your local symphony director or performing arts center executive director and make your request known by sharing this information. Thank you so much for reading and for your consistent support of live music! More information about this and other shows is always available on my website.

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