Horn player to present two concerts at local churches

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • December 6, 2011
  • 368
                        
Summary: Looking for something unique to do over the Christmas season? Dundee native and Eastman School of Music graduate, Justin Mason will present two trombone concerts at area churches. The concerts are free and open to the public and will double as a community sing for those that enjoy celebrating Christmas though song. Dundee native, Justin Mason, a recent graduate of the Eastman School of Music at Rochester, NY is bringing his musical talent and uniqueness back home to the community where he was raised. Mason will present two trombone recitals and invites the public to attend. The First Moravian Church at Dover will host Mason’s first recital on Dec.19 at 7 p.m. and a second recital will be performed on Dec. 21 at the First United Church of Christ at Sugarcreek at 7 p.m. The recitals will double as a community sing with the audience being encouraged to sing favorite carols to celebrate the Christmas season. Each recital will feature a different repertoire. “Music, like Christmas, has a way of bringing people together. This is a busy time of year but it is about family, friends, faith and community. These recitals are a gift. I want to give something back to the community where I was raised,” said Mason. Internationally acclaimed pianist, Narae Joo will accompany Mason. A native of Seoul, Korea, Ms. Joo holds a Bachelor of Music from the Seoul National University and a Master of Music from the University of Michigan. Ms. Joo is the recipient of many prestigious awards including the Grand Prix of Moulin, the Bradshaw and Buono international piano competitions. She is currently faculty assistant accompanist at Western Illinois University. “I think a lot of people associate brass instruments with pep bands and marching bands,” said Mason. “There are so many different ways to play the trombone. You can play it full and loud or you can play it soft and delicate. There are many timbres to exploit.” Audiences can expect to hear selections from works by Hindemith, Folke Rabe, Tomasi, Krol, Galliard and others. “We’re going to do a lot of interesting things. In one piece I am going to sing through the trombone and play it much like a didgeridoo,” said Mason. “I realize that this can be a hectic time of the year, but we really felt the need to give individuals of the community an excuse to get together to listen to and participate in some live music making. People should expect dazzling technique and music that challenges and celebrates. The Christmas season is an excellent time for that sort of thing, said Mason” Both concerts are free and open to the public. A free-will donation will take place to defray costs to the musicians. A donation of $7 dollars per person is recommended. “The reason I decided to do a free will donation is because times are hard and some can afford to pay more than others,” said Mason. “It is my hope that two large crowds come out both nights to accept Narae and my Christmas present to the area,” said Mason.


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