The Orchestra and Choral performing these pieces will be an assembly of undergraduates, graduates, faculty, staff, and community members. Kirk Smith conducts the orchestra and the wind ensemble at UAlbany. Smith's connection to Albany goes beyond his position at the University. Smith said he became interested in Still's music while attending college and noticed that there was very little mention of Still in music history books. He hopes that the audience will walk away with a good feeling about Still's music.
Live music brings something that nothing else can.
After this performance, they will get a very pleasant feeling knowing that once they hear his music, they will have heard of him. Many people who are music fans will realize they have heard Still's music before. Prior to his current position, Smith served as associate professor of music and director of orchestra activities at Iowa State University. A native of Baltimore, he earned his MA degree in conducting from the Lamont School of Music at the University of Denver. David Griggs-Janower, director of choral music, describes the May 6 concert as a way of introducing and celebrating the music of Still.