Main MenuNEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West (west@alpha.nsula.edu
)
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
2/23/2001
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - V. J. Russell decided several years ago he would be stand a better chance making a living with a horn rather than with a glove. The senior music performance major at Northwestern State University will show his prowess when he performs with the Natchitoches Northwestern Symphony Orchestra Friday, March 2 at 7 p.m. in Magale Recital Hall. Scott York will conduct the orchestra.
Russell, who plays French horn, will be featured on Tchaikovsky's "Symphony #5 in E Minor." The program will also include the "Overture" from "Kismet" by Wright and Forrest, Mozart's Concerto No. 4 in D major, movement #1 which will feature violinist Manshan Yang, the winner of the NSU Concerto Competition.
Russell, who is from Marrero, recently won the regional competition of the International Horn Society at the group's regional competition. This will mark the second time he has soloed on the Tchaikovsky symphony. He was featured when the orchestra performed the piece three years ago.
"It is a very romantic piece," said Russell. "I think it will be easier to perform since I have done it before. Every time I play it I learn something new. I've learned a lot the last three years which is a credit to my teacher.
"I'm really glad to have an opportunity to play with the orchestra. Many don't get that type of opportunity."
Russell is taught by Associate Professor of Music Dr. Kristine Coreil.
The March 2 program is musically challenging for the orchestra, something Russell believes they are better equipped to handle.
"The orchestra has improved each year. We continue to get better students each year and that makes the orchestra better," said Russell. "It's a reflection of what Mr. (Bill) Brent (head of the Mrs. H.D. Dear Sr. and Alice E. Dear Department of Creative and Performing Arts) has done. Scott York is also a big reason for our improvement. He has some new approaches and brings new things to the table."
Russell played baseball in high school, but soon realized he wouldn't be making a living in the major leagues.
"I figured I couldn't do that forever, but music was something I could always do," he said.
Russell had played trumpet but switched to French horn soon after concentrating solely on music.
"The trumpet is a versatile instrument that can be played in a jazz band, rock band or orchestra, but the French horn is an orchestral instrument. And I want to play in an orchestra," said Russell. "The horns are there in the back with the rest of the brass. I think it would be great being able to make a living playing solo.
"There are more compositions being written for the French horn and it is finally becoming more of a solo instrument with more recordings being made."
Admission for the concert is $5. Northwestern students are admitted free with I.D. Members of the Natchitoches Northwestern Symphony Association are admitted free with their season ticket.