Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble in concert April 17

Dr. Robert Chesebro

The Furman Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will present a concert Friday, April 17, at 8 p.m. in McAlister Auditorium on the Furman University campus.

The concert, “Viva Chesebro!” is open to the public. Tickets for the Sound Quality Concert Series event are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students.

The performance is conducted by Furman Director of Bands Leslie W. Hicken, and honors retiring Furman clarinetist Robert Chesebro who joined the music faculty in 1965. Also guest conducting is Jay Bocook, Furman Director of Athletic Bands.

Chesebro will perform Artie Shaw’s “Concerto for Clarinet” and will take the podium to lead both ensembles in some of his favorite compositions.

Chesebro is the Charles E. Daniel Professor of Music at Furman and a Yamaha Artist/Clinician. Chesebro’s students have won numerous awards and have excelled in their careers. He has helped more than 60 students win first chair in the South Carolina All-State Band and led 33 more to first place in the state level of the Music Teachers National Association Woodwind Competition.

He has completed 25 seasons as musical director and conductor of the Carolina Youth Symphony. He has also conducted the Furman University Symphonic Band, Greenville Symphony Orchestra, Hendersonville Symphony, Greenville Little Theater, Carolina Ballet Theater, and several all-state bands.

As an artist and clinician for the Yamaha Corporation, Chesebro provides woodwind clinics for students with a special “how to practice” routine. Recently, he joined former student Tod Kerstetter to co-author The Everyday Virtuoso, a book featuring a structured approach to developing virtuoso technique for advanced high school and college students.

Chesebro holds doctorate and master’s degrees from Indiana University and a bachelor’s from Wisconsin State University.

For more information about the concert, contact the Furman Band Office at (864) 294-3069.