Meridian Symphony Orchestra tunes up for concert

By By Penny Randall / staff writer
Jan. 26, 2003
The Meridian Symphony Orchestra takes to the stage Saturday at Meridian Community College's McCain Theater for its next concert: "Carey Smith: A Musical Kaleidoscope."
Carey Smith has been director of bands at Meridian Community College since 1980. His degrees are in music education and composition from Appalachian State University.
His performance credits include concerts with Rosemary Clooney, Bob Hope, Gladys Knight, the Temptations and the Four Tops. He said a singular inspiration for his work would be hard to trace.
Unusual percussion
As early as 1977, Smith said unusual percussion instruments found their way into his scores. Some include a wind machine, a thunder sheet and finger cymbals.
Smith said he continues to search for new sounds.
One piece in the concert calls for American Indian rainsticks, which will be made by Lauderdale County fourth-grade students for the children's concert. Another piece calls for shakers and scratchers.
Special guest
The MSO concert will feature a special guest pianist, Theresa Sanchez who has enjoyed a varied performing career as a soloist and collaborative musician.
Sanchez has presented recitals in the United States, Canada and Europe, as soloist and in combination with singers and instrumentalists.
Recent highlights include performances of Grieg's "Concerto in A Minor" with the Mississippi Symphony and Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with the University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble.
Sanchez is the founding artistic administrator for the Vicksburg International Chamber Music Festival. She has performed in several concerts in both the 2001 and 2002 seasons.
Mississippi Educational Television's production of "Rampal in Mississippi" featured her as a masterclass pianist.
Sanchez is a faculty member at Jones Junior College in Ellisville and a past president of the Mississippi Music Teachers Association.
MERIDIAN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
What: MSO presents "Carey Smith: A Musical Kaleidoscope"
When: 8 p.m. Saturday.
Where: McCain Theater in Ivy Hall on the Meridian Community College campus.
Pre-concert lecture: Conductor Claire Fox Hillard, Carey Smith and guest pianist Theresa Sanchez will talk about the concert at 7 p.m. in MCC's Hardin Hall, room 122.
Tickets: Admission is $20 for adults, $15 for military and senior citizens; and $18 for students under 18.
For information: Call (601) 693-2224