Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - Tracy Ward, adjunct music instructor at Stephen F. Austin State University, will present a faculty lecture recital on the music of Fred Rogers at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, in Cole Concert Hall on the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ campus.
Ward, who has done extensive research on Rogers and his music, explained that even though Rogers is best known for his famed 'Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood,' he viewed himself first and foremost as a songwriter.
"In fact, he wrote over 300 songs and operas, and his compositional style employs complex, rich harmonies; unusual settings; and a variety of forms and styles that one would expect from a gifted composer."
Ward's discussion about the songs will include quotes from Rogers' wife and co-workers that she gathered during interviews. All songs featured will be performed live by Ward and various Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ music faculty and students.
The lecture recital, which is a joint presentation of the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ College of Fine Arts and School of Music, is free and open to the public. Cole Concert Hall is located in the Tom and Peggy Wright Music Building, 2210 Alumni Dr. For more information, please call (936) 468-6407.