BROWNWOOD – April 9, 2015 – Many of Howard Payne University’s finest musicians will take the stage at the Brauntex Performing Arts Theater in New Braunfels on Monday, April 13, as the university presents its “A Joyful Heart” concert. This special evening of music will cover a wide range of musical styles, from jazz to opera and beyond.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.hputx.edu/newbraunfelsconcert. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m.
HPU has maintained a presence in New Braunfels since 2012, offering degrees for undergraduate and graduate students as well as coursework for dual-credit students. The university, with its flagship campus located in Brownwood, is planning a permanent campus in New Braunfels as part of the Veramendi development project. Faculty and staff at both locations are excited for this opportunity to present an entertaining evening of music for the community.
Dr. Dale Meinecke, assistant vice president for external affairs, and his wife, Christy Meinecke, HPU admission counselor and office assistant, moved their family to New Braunfels in 2012 to lead HPU’s entrance into the community. They have developed many close relationships in the area as the New Braunfels Center has grown and word of HPU’s commitment to Christ-centered higher education has spread.
“We’re very excited that students and faculty from HPU’s Brownwood campus will be here to share their talents with our friends in the New Braunfels community,” said Dr. Meinecke.
The artists scheduled for the evening include the HPU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Stephen Goacher, professor of music; the Symphonic Band under the direction of Corey Ash, associate professor of music and director of bands; and the Heritage Singers under the direction of Dr. Monte Garrett, professor of music and director of choral activities. Additional performers include Dr. Celeste Church, associate professor of music; Dr. Greg Church, associate professor of music; Dr. Diana Ellis, HPU’s first lady; Dr. Elizabeth Wallace, professor of music; and Hannah Strebeck, senior music education major and recipient of the prestigious Clara Freshour Nelson Scholarship.
“HPU’s Department of Music is blessed with an amazing array of talented students served by a faculty of dedicated teachers,” said Stephen Goacher, who will perform a solo in addition to directing the Jazz Ensemble. “The program in New Braunfels will give our entire university the opportunity to show that what we learn in the classrooms, rehearsal halls and studios at HPU is world-class on any stage.”
Dr. Diana Ellis, wife of Dr. Bill Ellis, university president, will perform numbers such as the aria “Habanera” from Bizet’s popular opera Carmen. She will also sing a duet with Dr. Celeste Church.
“I’ve had the pleasure of performing with musicians and singers from HPU’s Department of Music many times, both on campus and in international settings such as Salzburg College in Austria,” she said. “We’re thrilled to be able to perform in New Braunfels and believe the show will offer something for everyone.”
The Brauntex Performing Arts Theatre is located at 290 W. San Antonio Street in New Braunfels. For more information, call the HPU New Braunfels Center at 830-629-2366 or e-mail newbraunfels@hputx.edu.