Music

Whether it’s on the field or in a parade, you can hear Will Johnston’s trumpet.

Johnston, who has played trumpet since fifth grade, now plays trumpet for both the Fairmont State University marching band and jazz band. On the field, he is assisted by Nicole Davis, a volunteer who does not receive class credit for her actions.

Born with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone syndrome, Johnston uses a wheelchair.

But this hasn’t caused him to not dream big.

The Fairmont State University Department of Music will present Handel’s “Messiah” at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, in Colebank Hall on the FSU campus. A free pre-concert reception for ticketholders will start at 7 p.m. 

The West Virginia Symphony Orchestra is presenting a new seven-part lecture series in the 2015-2016 season. Attendees can delve deeper into the history, theory and philosophy of specific composers with Maestro Grant Cooper and a different guest speaker for each lecture.

Moving an entire orchestra is not an easy task, but the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra has been accomplishing this task since 2001, when the orchestra first began traveling to Fairmont. Since then, the WVSO has been creating a lasting impact on Fairmont State University’s campus and in the community as a result of a very collaborative partnership.

The Fairmont State University Department of Music is announces its 2015-2016 Music on the Hill concert season, featuring four performances on the Fairmont State campus and at First Presbyterian Church in Fairmont.

Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin announced on Sept. 16 the awarding of $763,044 in grant funds to support and build the arts in community and statewide programs across West Virginia.

The Fairmont State University School of Fine Arts is proud to host the second annual West Fork New Music Festival on the University campus on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26.  Guest composers and performers from West Virginia, Ohio and Virginia will be in attendance.

The Fairmont State University Academy for the Arts will present a Benefit Concert for the Marion County Child Advocacy Center on Sunday, Aug. 2.

The concert will take place at 4 p.m. in Wallman Hall Theatre. All proceeds benefit the Marion County CAC. Admission is $4 per person and will be collected at the door.

For more information, contact Leigh Anne Bolyard, Director of the FSU Academy for the Arts, at (304) 333-3655.

The Fairmont State University School of Fine Arts recognized students for their scholarship at the Academic Awards Ceremony at the end of the spring 2015 semester.

Members of the Fairmont State University Collegiate Singers, Chamber Choir and Community Chorus spent four exciting days in New York City on March 27 through 31.  The group was led by Dr. Sam Spears, Fairmont State’s Director of Choral and Vocal Activities.