'Collage' concert at SUNY Oswego to support scholarships

OSWEGO -- The SUNY Oswego music department will offer its annual "Collage" concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, March 3, in Tyler Hall's Waterman Theatre, with all proceeds supporting the Music Department Scholarship Fund.

"Each year, we are thrilled to present the 'Collage' concert, a fast-moving show that celebrates large and small ensembles in the music department, faculty performers, and our most talented students," said Robert Auler, a professor of music who organizes the annual showcase.

The Waterman stage is divided into three performance areas: a spotlight focuses on one performance, and moves seamlessly to the next performance with minimal interruption.  Applause occurs only at the end of each half, Auler said. Special care is taken to provide each half with diverse offerings: jazz performances are juxtaposed with classical; large groups are juxtaposed with small; faculty offerings are juxtaposed with those of the students.

The "Collage" concert has proven to be a great incubator of musical talent, Auler noted. Past music department student performers have gone on to professional musical careers in New York City, commercial work in Nashville and graduate study at prestigious graduate school programs like the Eastman School of Music. 

One former student performer, Tamar Greene, has recently been invited to the national touring company for Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." Wojciech Milewski, a two-time "Collage" participant, recently won an international audition to become conductor of the Sommerville (S.C.) Orchestra. Nate Felty, Max McKee and John Murphy perform nationally in "Dynamo." Elizabeth and Evangeline Canfield -- who are identical twins, recent SUNY Oswego graduates, former "Collage" participants and current teachers in the music department -- will participate this April in the finals of the nationally renowned Ellis Duo Piano Competition.

"We couldn't be more proud of our music students here at SUNY Oswego, and it's an honor and a pleasure to share the stage with them for this great event," Auler said. "We truly hope that the SUNY Oswego community and the Oswego County community come out to support our great students, knowing that the proceeds of their tickets go directly to the students."

Tickets are $10 for general admission ($5 for seniors, youths and Oswego students with ID), and are available at all SUNY Oswego box offices, online at tickets.oswego.edu or by calling 315-312-2141.

Parking is included in the price of a ticket, and is available in the employee and commuter lots across Washington Boulevard from Sheldon Hall. Patrons with disabilities needing accommodations to attend should call 315-312-2141 in advance of the concert.