DETROIT, MI (August 11, 2006) – The Wayne State University Department of Music opens their fall 2006 concert series on Monday, September 4 with the WSU Big Band’s performance with jazz vocalist Diane Schurr at the Detroit International Jazz Festival. The performance is scheduled for 9 p.m. on Hart Plaza’s Ampitheatre Stage. For additional information on the Big Band’s Detroit Jazz Fest performance visit www.detroitjazzfest.com.

The Jazz Studies Division continues their fall season with “America Meets Africa” at 3 p.m. on October 8, a free concert featuring Artist-in-Residence and Detroit native Walter White, along with WSU faculty Chris Collins, Dennis Tini and David Taylor. The month of October also brings to campus guitar virtuoso Ana Vidovic on October 20 for a free 11:45 a.m. recital and 5 p.m. master class. In preparation for their October 28 performance at the Michigan American Choral Directors Association Convention at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, the WSU Concert Chorale, under the direction of Norah Duncan, will perform a concert at St. Judes Church at 7 p.m. on October 20. The church is located at 15865 East 7 Mile Road, Detroit. Admission is $5 for students and seniors and $8 for general. Pianist Robert Conway and DSO Principal Cellist Robert deMaine will close the month with two free performances of Beethoven’s Complete Sonatas and Variations for Piano and Violoncello at 3 p.m. on October 22 and 29.

November will highlight WSU faculty member and violinist Laura Roelofs in a free concert at 3 p.m. on November 19. Wayne State Music will kick-off the holiday season with their 40th Annual Salute Concert to Downtown Detroit at noon on Tuesday, November 21 at Greektown’s Old St. Mary’s Church. The annual “Thanksgiving Concert” is free of charge and will feature performances by WSU choral and chamber ensembles, including the Symphonic Chorus, Concert Chorale, and Orchestra. The Jazz Studies Division will close their fall series with the WSU’s Big Band’s performance of Walter White’s Big Band Music at 7:30 p.m. on November 28. The concert will feature White as guest soloist. Admission is $5 for students and seniors and $8 for general.

The WSU Men’s Glee Club, Women’s Chorale, and Concertante Chamber Ensemble will begin the month of December with a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on December 2 in celebration of the annual Noel Night festivities. Guest artists, the Sphinx Quartet, will perform a free concert at 11:45 a.m. on December 11. WSU Music will close their fall season with a choral showcase at 7:30 p.m. on December 11, featuring the WSU Choral Union, Concert Chorale, Men’s Glee Club, Opera Workshop, and Women’s Chorale. Admission is $5 for students and seniors and $8 for general.

All concerts are held in the Schaver Music Recital Hall, located on campus at 480 W. Hancock, Detroit, unless otherwise noted. Throughout the fall, the WSU Department of Music will present numerous student ensemble performances on campus, as well as throughout the metropolitan Detroit community. For a complete schedule visit www.music.wayne.edu or call (313) 577-1795.