The Faulkner University Fine Arts and Music Department Introduce:
The Oxford Chamber Trio
March 25 @ 7:30 P.M.
Lester Chapel
THE OXFORD PIANO TRIO, in residence at the University of Mississippi, is composed of Ole Miss faculty members Stacy Rodgers (piano), Robert Riggs (violin), and Susan Gaston (cello). Founded 1988, the Trio has performed over fifty works from the standard classical literature. In addition they have enriched their repertoire by premiering new works and by searching out intriguing compositions with stylistic “crossover” from popular music. Featured on the Mississippi Arts Commission’s Touring Artists Roster, they have been heard by audiences in Germany, Canada, and throughout the Southeastern United States.
STACY RODGERS is Professor of Music and Head of Keyboard Studies and Accompanying at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. A Texas native, he holds degrees from Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas at Austin. Major teachers in performance and pedagogy include Lita Guerra, Jean Barr, Amanda Vick Lethco, Harris Crohn, Louise Bianchi, and David Karp. In addition to his regular teaching duties, Mr. Rodgers is active in pedagogical research, teacher training, and pre-college piano instruction, and heads the University of Mississippi's Community Music School. As a solo pianist, accompanist, and chamber musician, he performs more than 30 concerts annually throughout the South.
ROBERT RIGGS is Associate Professor of Violin and Music History at the University of Mississippi. He earned B.M. and M.M. degrees from the University of New Mexico, and M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from Harvard. He has studied with Kurt Frederick, Leonard Felberg, Dorothy DeLay, and Emanuel Borok. His experience includes fifteen years as a professional orchestral and chamber musician in Boston and Germany. He served on the New England Conservatory
music history faculty, presented papers on Mozart and Beethoven at national conferences, and edited a book on the string quartets of Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven for Harvard University Press. He is currently writing a book on the life and music of American composer Leon Kirchner.
SUSAN GASTON from Charlottesville, Virginia, is currently Adjunct Professor of Violoncello at the University of Mississippi. She holds the B.A. degree from Duke University and the M.M. in Performance from the University of Arizona. For eight years she was Assistant Professor of Music at McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Ms. Gaston has extensive
experience as an orchestral 'cellist, having performed with the Tucson, Lake Charles, Rapides and Beaumont Symphony Orchestras. She also has a distinguished record in chamber music, performing with the Tucson Symphony Quartet, Tucson Chamber Music Co-Op, Catalina Quartet, McNeese Faculty Trio, and the Calcasieu String Quartet. She performs with the Tupelo Symphony and is co-founder of the Sarah Isom Trio.
We hope you will find this page useful as you seek information about the Music Program at Faulkner University. Studies in music at Faulkner University are designed to develop students who are competent musicians and are prepared for music studies on the graduate level or are prepared to enter a career in performance. In addition, studies in music at Faulkner provide guidance for musically talented students so they can contribute to the aesthetic and cultural life of the university, the community, and the Southeast.
Students may obtain a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor Science in Music or they may obtain a Bachelor of Arts or Science degree in Fine Arts with an emphasis in Music.
The University sponsors three musical organizations. The University Chorus and the Faulkner Singers are chosen by audition. Members of the Faulkner Singers are expected to be members of the University Chorus. Each organization performs widely and is active throughout the year. A Jazz Ensemble is also chosen by audition and performs at various events on campus and throughout the community.
Students participating in private instruction are involved in a public recital each semester.
If you would like further information, please e-mail Lester McNatt Assistant Professor of Music.