Evangel University - Lancer Yearbook (Springfield, MO)

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A Courtesy William Harness Sacred Concerts Tenor William Harness, who appeared in the artist series on December 8, won his first professional role in the Met's California series. loyce Kostka plays SONATA FOR TWO PIANOS 'AND PER- CUSSION composed by Bela Bartok with the University of Missouri-Kansas City Percus- sion Ensemble. 2 6 C oncerts William Harness Opera and gospel tenor William Harness presented a Classical recital in the Fine Arts Auditorium on Monday even- ing, December 8. He and his accompanist, Betty Jo Mac- Phee, also performed a selec- tion of gospel songs during Monday's chapels. Harness has been a Church soloist, gospel quartet mem- ber, and professional opera singer. He sang the selection of arias and solo compositions with professional quality. Pieces composed by Handel, Massenet, Puccini, Listz, Rom- berg, Malotte, and others were sung with the expression and dynamics of an experienced and expert singer. Short explanations pre- ceeded many of the songs as Harness set the scene for the songs. From Faust to Mo- ses, he simply, but deeply, expressed the talent he possesses. Tom Key Unseen banjos, playing their renditions of old gospel songs, entertained the au- dience prior to the presenta- tion of Dr. Clarence Jordan's The Cotton Patch Gospel of Matthew by actor Tom Key. The Chapel filled with almost 1000 people for the November 13 one-man dramatization. Key held the attention of the crowd from the moment he sat in the chair and propped his feet on the desk in front of him. He led the crowd through Jesus' temptation, Sermon on the Mount, encounters with the religious leaders, crucifix- ion, and resurrection. He portrayed many differ- ent characters from the book of Matthew through action and various foreign accents. His vivid dramatization of the humanness of Christ through a Georgian lifestyle brought people to their feet in recogni- tion of the excellent performance. Contemporary, classic: from tenor t0 timpani University Percussion Ensemble The University of Mis- souri-Kansas City Percussion Ensemble presented two pieces before a crowd of almost 200 people January 23 in the Activities Building. The first piece by Bartok was a sonata for two pianos, timpani, and other percussion instruments. The second piece, ' Ballet Mechanique by Anth- eil, featured four pianos and 12 percussion instruments from a glockenspiel to doorbells. Charmaine Asher Wiley, director, introduced the ballet, explaining the essence of a professional musician e to grow with a piece as one practices and performs it. b Charmaine Asher Wiley, director of the University of Missouri-Kansas Cit Percussion Ensemble, performs wit her musicians. She has toured exten- sively as a marimba soloist. Photo by Tom Quick.

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Contemporary, classics: from Narnia to Nashville 2nd Chapter of Acts Young people gathered in front of Calvary Temple As- sembly of God Church, some as early as four hours before the 2nd Chapter of Acts concert. When the doors final- ly opened, eager fans pressed their way in and scrambled for the best seats. A contagious air of exci- tement and expectancy per- meated the room. The lights were dimmed as Buck Herring, producer and manager of the group, walked on stage and led the audience in worship and praise for the next 20 minutes. Fans of the popular group were not disappointed as they heard some of their favorite songs, as well as some from the group's newest album, The Chronicles of Narnia, and from Matthew Ward's solo album. it The lmperials A different place, a differ- ent performance, but the same group. The lmperials, one of the most popular gospel groups on tour, sang to ap- proximately 5000 people in Hammons Center on the cam- pus of Southwest Missouri State University. The September 19 con- cert, sponsored by Sonshine Concerts of Tulsa and KLFJ, a local radio station, did not disappoint the Springfield fans. From One More Song For You to Old Buddha, the three-time Grammy Award winners demonstrated their talent and testimony as a successful musical group. Jimmy Swaggart Finding himself at home in the Ozarks, evangelist Jimmy Swaggart sang and preached before 7000-10,000 people in Hammons Center. His unique down-home style of playing the piano and singing hymns and gospel songs, as well as his evangelistic preaching, brought students, church congregations, and supporters together for three services. Area Assembly of God churches sponsored the Together '80 event, avthree- year old tradition, held November 7-9. The purpose for the annual program is for outreach and ministry to the Springfield community. People gathered at the doors nearly two hours before the service began. Front seats ' filled quickly as devoted radio- Iisteners and television-viewers hoped to get as close as possible. The services lasted 3-4 hours, but no one seemed to mind as they applauded with approval the truths that were sung and spoken by the evan- gelist. ' h Annie Herring praises God during a solo. Her husband, Buck Herring, produces and manages The 2nd Chapter of Acts. Imperial bass guitarist and Russ Taft, lead singer, begin the introduction to ' a one of their latest hits. The lmperials iwere in concert at Hammons Center. Concerts 25

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npanl iversity on Ensemble ersin of Mis- ity Percussion presented two .re a crowd of people January 23 ities Building. wt piece by Bartok a for two pianos, I other percussion The second piece, hanique by Anth- four pianos and 12 nstruments from a I to doorbells. ine Asher Wiley, roduced the ballet, the essence of a musician - to a piece as one d performs it. b her Wiley, director of of Missouri-Kansas Cit emble, performs wit She has toured exten- imba soloist. Photo by Tom Quick Richard Cass also performs Bartok's SONATA, which fea- tures the piano as a percussion instrument. Bartok was the first modern composer to treat the percussion group in a purely musical sense. During his one-man show, Tom Key portrays one of the many characters from The Cotton Patch Gospel of Matth- ew. The show hypothesized that Jesus was a man born in Georgia who spoke with a colloquial Southern accent. vxp; .s-jw-ayw u . CII'II' Spence, C oncerts 27