The University of Arkansas Wind Ensemble will close its spring concert season with a performance at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 25, at the Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center. 

The concert will be the final event of a two-day residency of alumnus Timothy Rhea. Rhea is the director of bands and musical activities at Texas A&M University.

"We are excited to welcome Dr. Rhea back to the Hill to share his knowledge and expertise with our students," said Chris Knighten, director of university bands.

Rhea earned a Bachelor of Music Education with honors from the U of A, where he was a private conducting student of Eldon A. Janzen, director of bands emeritus in the Department of Music at the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. As director of bands and head of music activities, Rhea oversees more than 1,000 students, including the nationally famous Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.

Rhea will guest conduct on the Wind Ensemble concert as well as give seminars for undergraduate music education students and graduate instrumental conducting students.

Schola Cantorum, the university's premier vocal ensemble, will also join the Wind Ensemble for a performance of Igor Stravinsky's Mass.  Schola Cantorum is under the direction of Stephen Caldwell, director of choral activities.

Richard Rulli, associate professor of music, will be featured as a guest artist on James Stephenson's Concerto for Piccolo Trumpet and Wind Ensemble.

"This concert allows us to showcase the talented and dedicated work of Schola Cantorum, Dr. Caldwell, and Dr. Rulli," Knighten said. "We are excited to end the concert season with vibrant collaborations from across the Department of Music."

The concert can be viewed live from the program's website. Tickets can be purchased through the Faulkner Performing Arts Center.

About the University of Arkansas Bands: The University of Arkansas Bands Program, inside the Department of Music in the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences, began in 1874 and is one of the oldest band programs in the country. The program has six ensembles including the Razorback Marching Band, Hogwild Band, and four concert bands with over 400 student members representing every college at the university.