Date: Oct 16, 2007

HOFSTRA HOSTS FIFTH ANNUAL MIDDLE SCHOOL HONORS BAND FESTIVAL

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY ... Approximately 370 seventh graders will play alongside 108 members of the Hofstra Symphonic Band at the fifth annual Middle School Honors Band Festival, hosted by Hofstra University. This musical and educational event, scheduled for Thursday and Friday, October 18 and 19, has expanded outside Long Island to include schools from New York City, New Jersey and – for the first time – Pennsylvania.            

Over the course of these two days, the Hofstra Symphonic Band members act as teachers and mentors to their younger counterparts. The mission of the Middle School Honors Band Festival at Hofstra is to inspire college-level musicians to teach and to encourage middle school students to continue their music education. There is no fee for the middle school students to participate.

The first meeting of the 478 musicians will take place on October 18 at the David S. Mack Sports and Exhibition Complex from 6 to 9:15 p.m. where their rehearsal will feature the work of renowned band composer and guest conductor Michael Story. On Friday will be a second rehearsal at the Complex from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with a concert for family, friends and teachers immediately following at 8 p.m.

Peter Loel Boonshaft, is conductor of the Hofstra University Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band, professor of conducting and music education and director of the Graduate Wind Conducting Program. Dr. Boonshaft is the author of "Teaching Music with Passion" and "Teaching Music with Purpose."

Admission to the October 19 concert is free. For more information call Hofstra University’s Dr. Peter Loel Boonshaft, director of bands and director of the festival, at (516) 463-5298 or e-mail MUSPLB@Hofstra.edu.

Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution offering more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, professors teach small classes averaging 23 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.

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