Critically acclaimed composer Mark Camphouse to conduct his own music Feb. 25 in JU Wind Ensemble/First Coast Wind Symphony concert

The music of Mark Camphouse conducted by the composer himself is on the program when the JU Performing Arts Series presents the JU Wind Ensemble and the First Coast Wind Symphony in a free partner concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, in Terry Concert Hall.

Camphouse selections include Symphonic Fanfare, Three London Miniatures, Fantasia on “Black is the Color of My True Love’s Hair,” A Dakota Rhapsody, Whatsoever Things and the Air Mobility Command March.

The playlist also includes Panhandle Prelude by Jack Stamp and Andrew Boysen’s Kirkpatrick Fanfare.

American composer Camphouse’s 28 published works for wind band have received widespread critical acclaim and are performed frequently in the U.S. and abroad, in such prestigious venues as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and Royal Albert Hall-London, and conferences of the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles and National Association for Music Education. Principal commissions include those by the William D. Revelli Foundation, The U.S. Army Band and The U.S. Marine Band.
Camphouse has served as guest conductor, lecturer and clinician in 43 states, Canada, Europe and China. He conceived and edited the unique four-volume book series for GIA Publications, Composers on Composing for Band.

In 2006, Professor Camphouse joined the faculty of George Mason University in Fairfax, Va., where he serves as conductor of the wind symphony and teaches courses in composition and conducting. Other principal artistic, teaching and administrative positions have included serving as Music Director and Conductor of the New Mexico Music Festival at Taos Symphony Orchestra, Associate Director and Music Division Head of the Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts, Acting Dean of Music of New World School for the Arts, and Interim Director of the George Mason University School of Music.

Camphouse attained regional finalist status in the prestigious White House Fellowship Competition in 1992. In 2002, he received an Outstanding Faculty Award sponsored by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Commonwealth’s highest honor for faculty at Virginia’s universities for demonstrated excellence in teaching, research, and public service.

The JU Wind Ensemble, consisting of student wind and percussion players, studies and performs traditional and contemporary music from the wind band repertoire. The First Coast Wind Symphony, a 50-member community music organization led by music director Artie Clifton of JU and conductor Paul Weikle, is in its 27th season. The group provides a cultural service by offering free concerts of quality wind music throughout the greater Jacksonville area.

The FCWS has released three albums to wide acclaim: Prevailing Winds, A Christmas Celebration and Symphonic Spirit, and a DVD titled Sounds of the First Coast. The group is a member of the Cultural Council of Jacksonville. More information is available at www.fcwinds.org.

For complimentary admission and more information on the Feb. 25 concert, contact JU Professor Artie Clifton at aclifto@ju.edu, (904) 256-7386.