Texas Tech University

School of Music Invites Public to 'Get Spooky' at University Symphony Orchestra's Hauntcert

Anna Hedges

October 24, 2019

orchestra dressed in costumes in a concert hall decorate for halloween

The annual family-friendly Halloween event includes a costume contest and an instrument "petting zoo."

The Texas Tech University School of Music, housed within the J.T. & Margaret Talkington College of Visual & Performing Arts, will host the Hauntcert, an annual Halloween event which includes a costume contest and an instrument “petting zoo.” The Hauntcert takes place on Sunday (Oct. 27), with festivities beginning at 2 p.m. and a University Symphony Orchestra performance at 4 p.m.

“What could be more fun than to dress up and experience the extraordinary power of music with a full symphony orchestra in this beloved Halloween tradition?” said Philip Mann, director of orchestral studies. “It is a perfect opportunity to experience familiar, fun and spooky music firsthand, and it's a wonderful family outing. Join us early for a musical instrument “petting zoo” for an opportunity to try out instruments, meet some talented young artists and march in a costume parade!”

orchestra director and performer in costume
The musicians and conductors dress up for the Hauntcert

The festivities will take place in the School of Music building and include the following:

  • Instrument petting zoo, 2 p.m., Band Hall
  • Costume contest, 2:30 p.m., Hemmle Recital Hall Foyer
  • String Project performance, 3:15 p.m., Hemmle Recital Hall
  • University Symphony Orchestra performance, 4 p.m., Hemmle Recital Hall
     

The University Symphony Orchestra performance will be directed by Philip Mann and graduate students Theo Vinden and Elisa Montoya.

The performance will include selections from “Batman: The Dark Knight Rises,” “Wicked,” “Spider-Man,” “A Haunted Landscape” by George Crumb, “Ride of the Valkyries” by Richard Wagner and “Overture to Orpheus in the Underworld” by Jacques Offenbach. The Texas Tech University Flute Choir will contribute to the performance. Lisa Garner Santa, professor of flute and associate director of learning and teaching, will direct the Texas Tech Flute Choir, and Blair Williams, assistant professor of music education and director of the Texas Tech University String Project, will direct the String Project Performance.

The Hauntcert is free and open to the public.

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