of musical events featuring noted jazz pianist Harry Pickens on
Saturday, December 4.
Pickens, a 1981 Davidson alumnus who lives in Louisville, Ky., has
collaborated withmany noted jazz musicians, including Dizzy Gillespie,
Freddie, Hubbard and Milt Jackson. He has issued three CDs in a career
that has included concerts in 17 countries around the world. Pickens
is shown in the photo, seated, with Davidson music professor Bill
Lawing, standing.
There is no charge to attend any of the events, all of which will take
place in Tyler-Tallman Hall of the Sloan Music Center. The day will
begin at 11 a.m.with Pickens leading a master class and conversation
titled "From Stage Fright to Standing Ovation."
At 2 p.m. Pickens will conduct an open rehearsal with the Davidson
College Jazz Ensemble. At 4 p.m. he will lead another master class and
conversation titled "Power Practice: How to Get the Most Out of Every
Minute of Your Practice Time."
The residency will conclude with a 7:30 p.m. formal concert with
Pickens and the Davidson College Jazz Ensemble during which hewill
perform some of his original compositions. His work reflects his study
of diverse musical backgrounds, which include classical, jazz,
popular, and world music genres. Pickens is also noted for directing
his musical talent into works that increase awareness of social issues
and into works that help listeners connect with the divine.
He has served as worship leader and musical director for many national
and regional spiritual conferences and gatherings, and has composed
theme songs for the Presbyterian Peacemaking Conference, Kentucky
Developmental Education Association, and the Center For Interfaith
Relations. He has also created and staged community-wide celebrations
that tap the power of the arts to inspire positive social change.
Pickens is the composer of more than 40 songs that will be included in
the "Sing The World To Peace"™ songbook, scheduled for publication
soon. He has produced three CDs of his music.
For more information about the concert at Davidson, call the music
department at 704-894-2848.
