Stephen F. Austin State University

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The SFA Wind Ensemble will welcome back John L. Whitwell to the conductor's podium during its upcoming concert at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 19, in W. M. Turner Auditorium. Whitwell served as director of bands at SFA from 1987 to 1993 and has just retired from his position as director of bands and chair of the conducting area at Michigan State University.

The Wind Ensemble will open the concert with Percy Grainger's "Lincolnshire Posy," directed by Fred J. Allen, SFA director of bands, and Fred Ticheli's "Sanctuary," conducted by graduate assistant Kevin Whitewall.

Under Whitwell's direction, the Wind Ensemble will perform Gustav Holst's "First Suite in E-flat."

"John is an authority on this piece," said Fred J. Allen, SFA director of bands. "He has a knack for inspiring players and audiences alike."

During Whitwell's tenure at SFA, the Wind Ensemble made "a prestigious appearance for the 50th anniversary convention of the College Band Directors National Association in Kansas City as well as the annual convention for Texas Music Educators Association," Allen continued.

His bands have also performed for the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic and the Midwestern Conference on Vocal and Instrumental Music. He is past-president of the Big Ten Band Directors Association, president of the North Central Division of the College Band Directors
National Association and member of the Board of Directors of the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic.

Whitwell has received many honors, including Band Teacher of the Year by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, Citation of Excellence by the National Band Association in 1980 and 1985, the Kappa Kappa Psi Distinguished Service to Music Award, the American School Band Directors Association Edwin Franko Goldman Award and the Michigan State University Distinguished Professor Award.

While on the SFA campus, Whitwell will present guest lectures to three SFA music classes. He will also direct the Lumberjack Marching Band playing The National Anthem during the Lumberjacks' final football game at Homer Bryce Stadium on Thursday, Nov. 16.

Tickets for the concert are $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $2 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.