CWU to Host "A Celebration of A. Bert Christianson: Life and Music"

November 12, 2004

Contact: Peter Gries (509-963-1216/fax 509-963-1239/e-mail:griesp@cwu.edu)

ELLENSBURG, Wash. - In remembrance of the long-time university music professor and director of bands, Central Washington University will host a "A Celebration of A. Bert Christianson: Life and Music" Saturday, Nov, 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. in the university's music education building concert hall.

Christianson, died at his home in Cashmere, Wash., on June 10.

CWU professors emeritus Robert Panerio and John Moawad will serve as masters of ceremony for the event, which will include performances by the CWU wind ensemble, under the direction of professor Larry Gookin, featuring selections treasured by Christianson and played by band members throughout his teaching career.

In addition, Robert Panerio, Sr. will conduct his award-winning piece "Jubiloso." Former students will be invited to join the CWU wind ensemble to play "Salvation is Created." Moawad will also lead some jazz ensemble arrangements that were Christianson favorites.

A short reception will follow at the new CWU Music Education building after the Celebration event.

For more information about the event, of for persons of disability to arrange for reasonable accommodation, call (509) 963-1216, or (for the hearing impaired) TDD (509) 963-2143.

A native of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Christianson graduated from the University of North Dakota with a bachelor's degree in music in 1937, followed by a master of music degree from the University of Idaho in 1947.

His Central career began fall quarter of 1947 when he joined the university faculty as director of bands and associate professor of music at the then Central Washington College of Education, positions he held until his retirement in 1978.

At Central, he taught woodwinds, conducting, music education courses, band, wind ensemble, led the R.O.T.C. Band and the dance/stage band "The Sweecyians." During Sunday's event, several early Sweecyians stage band members are scheduled to perform.

Christianson also served as a music adjudicator at a variety of Northwest band, solo and ensemble, and jazz music contests and served as president of the Washington Music Educators Association and the Northwest division of the Music Educators National Conference (MENC). In addition, he was a member of the American Bandmasters Association. His awards included the Distinguished Music Educator Award from the Northwest Band Masters Association, Distinguished Service Award from the Northwest division of MENC and induction into the Washington Music Educators Association Hall of Fame.

Following Saturday's reception, a buffet dinner and "Evening of Jazz Music" at 7 p.m. at The Ellensburg Inn. To register to attend visit http://www.abertchristiansonmemorial.com or call (615) 833-3107.

The Christianson family is also now establishing the A. Bert Christianson Woodwind Scholarship Fund. Memorials to the fund may be made by contacting Jen Gray, director of gift and estate planning, in the CWU Office of University Relations.