Distinguished alumnus debuts jazz composition celebrating 30 years of the Brooks Center

In honor of the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts’ 30^th anniversary, composer and distinguished performing arts alumnus, Michael Geib ’07 will perform his original composition “Tigertown Dreams” on Thursday, April 16, in a concert with the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra. The piece, co-commissioned by the Brooks Center and the Department of Performing Arts, celebrates the legacy of fine arts at Clemson University.

“As a student, it was my dream to have a career as a musician. Thanks to the outstanding mentorship and invaluable experiences I had in the performing arts program at Clemson, that dream has become a reality. “Tigertown Dreams” is the musical embodiment of my gratitude,” Geib said.

“Tigertown Dreams” for jazz trio and orchestra will feature Geib on double bass, along with Clemson University Director of Bands Mark Spede on drums and performing arts alumnus Corey Taylor ’08 on piano. The performance will be led by Visiting Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Orchestra Kimberly Souther and will begin with another Brooks Center commissioned piece, “Jambo! Fanfare for a New Hall” by Paul Basler. “Jambo!” premiered at the Brooks Center’s grand opening thirty years ago on April 16, 1994. The program will also include works by Marquez, Tchaikovsky, Gounod and Barber. The latter two works will feature two students, the winners of the Clemson Concerto Competition: Elise Bloom, violin, and Ansley Hollingsworth, soprano.

“It is incredibly special to bring back a distinguished alumni to perform his new composition alongside his former professor, former classmate, and our current students,” said Janice Crews, Executive Director of the Brooks Center. “In my mind, there is no better way to witness and celebrate the shared legacy of the Brooks Center.”

Geib will be in residency at the Brooks Center from April 11-16 to perform and work with Clemson performing arts students. In addition to his performance with the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra, he will perform a solo recital program, “The Dancing Double Bass,” on Friday, April 12 at 5 p.m. in the Samuel J. Cadden Chapel, located beside the Brooks Center. This recital is free and open to the public.

Tickets for the Clemson University Symphony Orchestra concert are $10 for adults and $5 for Clemson students. Tickets can be purchased at clemson.universitytickets.com, by phone at 864-656-7787, at the Brooks Center Box Office, or at the door. The Box Office is open Monday-Friday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

About Michael Geib

Double bassist Michael T. Geib defies musical boundaries. A true musical chameleon, he thrives in every artistic context and aspires to set a new standard of double bass playing in the twenty-first century. Geib balances a vigorous touring and recording schedule with teaching privately through the University of Central Oklahoma and Geib Musik. To read Geib’s full bio and sample his work, please visit his website at michaeltgeib.com.

About the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts

Established in 1994, the Brooks Center has been the hub for the performing arts in Clemson for three decades. This 87,000-square-foot facility serves as a professional roadhouse, hosting world-class professional music, theatre and dance performances throughout the academic year in its spacious, yet intimate, 979-seat proscenium auditorium. In addition to professional productions, the Brooks Center is also home to the Department of Performing Arts, offering a dynamic, hands-on undergraduate experience. A 30th Anniversary exhibition will be on display in the Brooks Center lobby through September. The exhibition includes historical information and artwork featuring the center.