Annual American Composers Update

SAI National Arts Associate W. Francis McBeth holds the position of Trustee's Distinguished University Professor at Ouachita University, in Arkadelphia, AR. In July 1997 the Arkansas Bandmasters Association elected him an Honorary Life Member. At Mid-West in Chicago, Dec. 1997, he was named Phi Beta Mu's 1997-98 International Outstanding Bandmaster.

The 24th Lancers Afoot was premiered by the Houston Symphonic Band, July 26, 1997 in Houston, with Robert McElroy conducting.

Led by Cmdr. John Pastin, the U. S. Navy Band, of Washington, DC, toured with The Sea Treaders, spring 1997. The U. S. Coast Guard Band played Of Sailors and Whales on their 1997 spring tour, conducted by Cdr. Lewis J. Buckley. The Houston Symphonic Band performed Lauds and Tropes and Of Sailors and Whales in concert, July 26, 1997. Conducted by the composer, the Florida Atlantic University Symphonic Band, George Sparks, director, presented Through Countless Halls of Air, The Sea Treaders, Daniel in the Lion's Den and Beowulf, spring 1997, in Fort Lauderdale. The Horseheads (NY) High School Bands, directed by Art Carichner and Gordon Gillette, gave a performance of Of Sailors and Whales, The Dream Catcher, and Chant and Jubilo, led by McBeth, May 1997.

Lauds and Tropes; Southern Music Co.

The Sea Treaders; U. S. Navy Band, Washington DC, on their Commemoration CD.

For more complete information, see W. Francis McBeth's entry in our Composers Bureau Online.