Nov. 10, 2005 – For the first time the University of the Virgin Islands Concert Band will perform a Christmas Concert on St. Croix. The 18-member band and its director Prof. Austin A. Venzen will present A Crucian Christmas Spirit over the Thanksgiving weekend. The band members and Venzen will hold a free concert for school children and a student recruitment day on Sunday, Nov. 25. A community concert will be held on Saturday, Nov. 26, at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School auditorium. Along with concert band, there will be performances by the Claude O'Markoe Elementary School Chorale, Chantal Harrigan, Chrystalia Mark and Julio Petersen III.
The students from the UVI Concert Band have been raising money to make the trip for the long-awaited concert. "After Thanksgiving Day begins the Christmas season," Venzen explained, "and it is the only time the members of the Concert Band will be able to travel."
UVI Concert Band activities:
Friday, Nov. 25
· 10-11:30 a.m. Free concert for all school age students at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School auditorium. Only students with tickets will be admitted. Ticket information is available from music teachers at the schools.
· 11:30 a.m. UVI Music Area student recruitment session at the Educational Complex for high school juniors and seniors.
Saturday, Nov. 26
· 7:30 p.m. Community concert at the St. Croix Educational Complex High School auditorium. General admission is $5 and tickets are available at Schooner Bay Marketplace, Jewelweed, Urban Threadz and members of the Educational Complex band program.
For more information call Prof. Venzen at 693-1192.