A Christian University & Bible College in Texas (Assemblies of God)

SAGU Music Department Launches Spring 2011 Tour

Waxahachie, TX – April 12, 2011 – Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) Music Department’s Chorale and Jazz Band launched their Spring 2011 Tour March 31 – April 2. The music groups visited James Bowie High School in Simms, TX, and Hot Springs Middle School in Hot Spring, AR.

SAGU Chorale Director Meredith Jones notes, “While the Music Ministry side of our department has been well-represented by the traveling music ministry teams over the years, we saw the need for the performance side of our Music Department to be represented. It was important for us to visit public schools, in particular, because SAGU has yet to tap into that resource.”

Director of Bands Shanon Hensley explained that while James Bowie has music programs, they still lack Chorale and Jazz band. The school assembly allowed both staff and the entire student body (grades 6-12) to attend. Hensley shared, “Students enjoyed the performance tremendously and were talking about it for days afterward. Administration, faculty and staff have communicated their appreciation, as well.”

SAGU Jazz Band Director Tyrone Block’s connection with band directors Hensley and Hot Springs Middle School’s Lauren Russell, through the 106th Arkansas National Guard Jazz Band, allowed SAGU the opportunity to perform at the schools. Block explains, “Many times Christian universities have an unfounded reputation that their music program is not good. Our performance last weekend removed that stigma. The students and faculty of both respected schools were very impressed with the quality of our program.”

The Jazz Band performed “Bari Bari Good” by Andi Clark, “Mira, Mira” by Matt Harris, and “Mueva Los Huesos” by Gordon Goodwin. Chorale sang “Ubi Caritas Et Amor” by Maurice Durufle, “Borgorditse Devo” by Sergi Rachmaninoff, and “Ave Verum Corpus” by William Byrd.

Chris Legan, Senior Jazz Band Trombonist, shares Block’s enthusiasm for the tour. “We were excited to perform different musical styles for these children who had not yet been exposed to Jazz or classical, a capella choral music.” Senior Music Education major and Chorale member Sherry Thomas adds, “We are different majors representing music, but we are really representing the university as a whole. We were able to get the students’ attention with music, and it opened up opportunities to speak with them about what else SAGU offers.”

For more information about the Spring 2011 Music Tour, contact Music Department Chair Linda Robins at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , Meredith Jones at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or Tyrone Block at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) is a private, Christian university located in Waxahachie, Texas. The University was established in 1927, and now offers more than 60 associate, bachelor’s or master’s degrees on campus or online. More information is available at www.sagu.edu or by calling 1-888-YES-SAGU.