October 23, 2009
Halloween Pops concert set for Oct. 30
CARBONDALE, Ill. -- There is a new monster expected at Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Shryock Auditorium this Halloween.
This year’s incarnation of the traditional Halloween Pops concert brings a host of ghoulish student ensembles to the stage. And because there is no music like music performed in costume, or listened to in costume, costumes are encouraged, and as in past years, prizes are in store for both children and adults with the best costumes in various categories.
The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 30 at Shryock Auditorium. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $6 for senior citizens and all students. There is no admission for children 5 years old and younger. Tickets are available in advance at the SIUC ticket offices in the SIU Arena or in the Student Center. Tickets are also available beginning an hour before the performance at the Shryock Auditorium box office.
Media Advisory
Photographers, camera crews and reporters are welcome to attend a full rehearsal at Shryock Auditorium. The rehearsal is from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 29.
The Halloween Pops concert of course emphasizes music famous in a Halloween context. This year, concert-goers can expect music from Alfred Hitchcock’s famous movie “Psycho,” from the SIU Civic Orchestra, under the direction of Jennifer Presar and Eric Lenz. The Civic Orchestra is a group of young musicians from around the region.
Also on the roster is the SIUC Wind Ensemble, directed by Christopher Morehouse, performing music from the Harry Potter movies.
The SIUC Concert Choir, under the direction of Susan Davenport, plans music from the macabre musical “Sweeney Todd.”
And what is Halloween without someone banging on a bucket? The SIUC Percussion Ensemble has that part of the festivities covered, offering up an innovative and exciting percussion performance.
Also ready to lend their own twists to the musical Halloween celebration are several ensembles from the Musical Theater program, the Studio Jazz Orchestra, the Marching Salukis, the guitar program and faculty members Jeanine Wagner, vocalist (and the chair of the department), accompanied by new faculty member Aurélien Pétillot on violin.
Reprising her role as emcee for the event is the charming Diane Coloton, also known for the evening as “Cleopatra.”