Symphony
Chornicles FSU
History
Harry Dempsey, associate professor of Humanities, is enjoying a creative sabbatical from his classroom. Dempsey is writing an original composition to celebrate Ferris State University's entry into the new millennium. The work, tentatively titled "Woodbridge Suite" (after founder Woodbridge N. Ferris) will be written for a wind symphony and will chronicle the University's history through different musical styles.
"I'll try to incorporate some concepts that trace various time periods from the inception of the institution to the present day and into the future," said Dempsey. "The piece will begin with a 'logger's dance' to represent the lumberjacks whose children were among the first Ferris students.
"Historic events such as war, the Ferris fire of 1950, and the advance of technology also will be represented. I'm debating whether to add narration of Woodbridge quotes the voiceover technique can be very powerful and effective, as in 'The Lincoln Portrait' or it can be distracting."
"Woodbridge was essentially the first music director at Ferris," said Dempsey. "He believed music was so integral to the learning process that every morning he led the entire student body in song."
This is not Dempsey's first assignment to translate the University's spirit into music. During the University's centennial year (1984), he was commissioned by the alumni band to write a Ferris-themed composition. The resulting piece was titled "Ferris Fantasy" and was included on a centennial album.
A Tradition of Music
Music courses have been listed in Ferris catalogs
since 1904. "Ferris State's Music Industry Management program is a
response to the demand by today's $40 billion music industry to hire and
retain professionals who possess a solid business background combined with
skills in and a passion for music," said Dempsey.
