Featured News Archive - March 2007
Guest percussionist Brad Dutz performs with UHS Symphonic and Concert Bands
[featured 3/20/07 - 4/4/07]
The Urbana High School 5th Annual Guest Artist Concert will be held on Friday, March 30 at 7 p.m. at the Oscar Adams Gymnasium, Urbana High School. This year’s featured artist is Brad Dutz, percussionist and Decatur, Illinois native. Dutz will be performing with the UHS Symphonic and Concert Bands. He specializes in a wide variety of hand drums, has released 11 solo CDs and has performed on numerous major movie soundtracks.
Ticket prices are $10 per adult and $6 per student. Tickets may be purchased in advance from any band member, by contacting Darren Hicks at Urbana High School (217) 384-3505 or at the door. A reception hosted by the Urbana Band Boosters will be held immediately following the concert.
About the UHS Guest Artist Concert Series
The Urbana High School Annual Guest Artist Concert Series was inaugurated in 2004. Each year a well known professional musician is brought to Urbana to work together with the high school band members as they prepare to present a formal joint concert to the general public. The Guest Artist also offers master classes for area high school and University of Illinois students. This unique opportunity, which allows over 100 of our talented high school musicians to work with a world class performer, provides an inspiring experience and memories for a lifetime.
In the past UHS students have worked with flutist Jim Walker, who performed the very recognizable flute piece on the Titanic soundtrack, as well as trumpeter Alan Vizutti, tuba player Jim Self, and clarinetist and Monticello native John Mula, a member of the U.S. Marine Band “The Presidents Own.”
About Guest Artist Brad Dutz
Brad Dutz grew up in Decatur, where he studied privately throughout high school. He moved on to study at the University of North Texas and Berklee College of Music. Dutz has toured and performed with Maynard Ferguson, Frank Sinatra, Rickie Lee Jones, KISS and others. He has 11 CDs to his credit and 8 instructional videos. Dutz has played on the sound tracks of Prince of Egypt, Incredible Hulk, Hildago, Rugrats Go Wild, Star Trek 5, Ocean's Eleven, Oceans Twelve, Hollywood Homicide, Run Down, Anchorman, All the Pretty Horses, and I Spy.
Every year Dutz travels to colleges and stores to do clinics and concerts on hand percussion and mallets. He is a member of the part-time faculty of Cal State Long Beach and has written 3 instructional books. His “Obliteration” quartet was the subject of a documentary film in 2002. Dutz is a Yamaha performing artist. For more information about Dutz, visit www.braddutz.com and http://www.rhythmweb.com/dutz/bio.htm
Get ready for the ISAT
[featured 2/15/07 - 3/20/07]
During March 5-16, 2007, students in Grades 3-8 will take the Illinois Standards Achievement Test (ISAT).
Parents can play an important role in getting students ready for the test. Learn some helpful tips to help your child prepare for the ISAT.