CONCERT: `SOPRANO, SYNTHESIZERS AND SOUSA!'

The Southeast Symphonic Wind Ensemble will present "Soprano, Synthesizers and Sousa!" a fall concert at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, in Academic Auditorium on the Southeast Missouri State University campus.

The group's opening concert will feature Dr. Elizabeth James-Gallagher as soprano soloist on a new work by American composer Stephen Melillo. The piece, which depicts a familiar Bible story, is programmatic in nature and titled "David."

The piece uses a variety of percussion instruments, some of which have been constructed according to the composer's specifications. In addition, the instrumentation includes four programmed synthesizers.

The wind ensemble will also perform John Philip Sousa's "Stars and Stripes Forever," which premiered in 1897 and has been designated the nation's official march.

Also on the concert will be two works by British composers, "Second Suite in F for Military Band and "Festivo."

The wind ensemble has presented seven world premieres and 10 American premieres of works for contemporary wind band. The ensemble is conducted by Southeast professor of music, Dr. Robert Gifford.

General admission is $5. Tickets for senior citizens and students are $3. University faculty, staff and students will be admitted free with ID.