Henderson, Tennessee – (Jan. 19, 2024) – The Freed-Hardeman University Department of Creative and Communication Arts will host Jackson Symphony members Dr. Doug Owens, on woodwinds; Joey Moore, on trumpet; and Dr. Keith Herris, on piano, for a special Guest Artist Recital Monday, Jan. 22. The concert is free and open to the public and will take place at 7 p.m. in the Draughon Center for the Musical Arts.
“I am excited to hear the upcoming concert by Jackson Symphony members because it features a variety of instruments such as the saxophone, oboe and trumpet, which have not recently been heard in Guest Artist concerts at Freed-Hardeman University,” said Adam Booher, assistant professor of music at FHU. “Additionally, the FHU Music Program is proud that the recital will feature a composition by one of our own music faculty members, Dr. Alan Kinningham.”
Kinningham, FHU Music Program Coordinator, also hopes to highlight the dedication that goes into offering musical opportunities such as this. “We are deeply appreciative to Professor Booher for establishing and seeking funding for our Guest Artist Series. It has been met with nothing but positive results.”
Of the visiting ensemble members, Owens is a professor of music at the University of Tennessee at Martin, where he teaches applied double reeds and saxophone, and he is also an adjunct instructor of double reeds at Union University. He is an active orchestral and chamber musician, performing regularly with the Paducah Symphony Orchestra, The Jackson Symphony and alongside UTM faculty members Liz Aleksander and Charles Lewis in the LCD Woodwind Trio. Owens serves as conductor of the Martin Community Orchestra and The Jackson Symphony Youth Orchestra.
Moore is a trumpet player, teacher and freelance musician based in Jackson, Tennessee. In addition to maintaining an active private studio, he serves as adjunct trumpet professor and professor of brass methods at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. He also serves on the adjunct faculty of Union University in Jackson, where he teaches freshman aural skills and brass chamber music. As an orchestral musician, he has performed with orchestras in North America and Europe, including The Jackson Symphony, South Florida Symphony, Palm Beach Opera, Musicians’ Philharmonic of Montreal, the Balmoral Chamber Orchestra, the Taneycomo Festival Orchestra in Branson, Missouri, and the Crescendo Summer Institute Opera Orchestra in Sarastopak, Hungary. In July 2022, he won a first prize at the Golden Classical Music Awards International Solo Competition in New York City, and he made his debut as a soloist at Carnegie Hall in December 2022.
Herris is a native of Canton, Ohio, and is currently Chair of the Division of Music and Religion as well as professor of music at Bethel University in McKenzie, Tennessee. He is an active soloist, collaborative artist and chamber musician. Herris serves as principal pianist for The Jackson Symphony orchestra and is the Music Director at McKenzie First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. As a member of MTNA, TMTA and Martin Area MTA, Herris has served as an adjudicator for auditions and competitions throughout West Tennessee as well as a presenter for local music teachers.
“The FHU Guest Artist Recital Series enhances the cultural and musical life at Freed-Hardeman University in that world-class performers share their inspiring music with FHU students and faculty, as well as residents from Chester County and the larger West Tennessee region,” Booher said. “We hope that these concerts bring joy and a sense of community to all who attend.”
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees. More information is available at fhu.edu.