New year opens with a collaborative Faculty Artist Series featuring Josh Bynum

The University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music opens the new year with its Faculty Artist Series on Jan. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in Ramsey Hall with associate professor of trombone, Josh Bynum. The concert will feature a program that detours from Bynum’s recent solo SEC recital tour to a program of chamber music.

Bynum wanted to shift gears with this recital to have the opportunity to play with his faculty colleagues in the Georgia Brass Quintet. A variety of settings will give the audience a nice contrast throughout the program, featuring the talents of Brandon Craswell, James Naigus, David Zerkel, and William F. and Pamela P. Prokasy Professor in the Arts Philip Smith.

“Chamber music is such a wonderful part of what we do, and being able to just enjoy making music with inspirational colleagues and friends is one of the very best things about life at the HHSOM,” said Bynum. Wrapping up his tenth year of teaching at the School of Music, Bynum decided to revisit his first Faculty Artist Series program, aptly named "Getting by with a Little Help from my Friends,” which is how he says he still feels about working at UGA.  

“I am honored and feel blessed beyond all measure to share the stage with each of them, along with our world-class collaborative pianist (and dear friend) Anatoly Sheludyakov,” said Bynum. Casterede's “Concertino” is a three-movement tour-de-force that features very intricate rhythmic and melodic interplay between the trumpet, trombone and piano. John Stevens' “Triangles” is scored for a low brass trio, and gives each instrument time in the spotlight, running through a variety of musical styles. Gary Kulesha's “Sonata for Trombone & Piano” is the only piece on the program which doesn't feature multiple brass instruments.

“I really fell in love with the beautifully melodic writing and am planning to include this piece on my next commercial release. The recital gives me a chance to live with this piece for a little while,” Bynum said.  

A highlight for Bynum is to conclude the program with Joseph Turrin's “Fandango” with Phil Smith, for whom the piece was written. “It is a wonderful piece to close a program with as it sends the audience out on an energetic and upbeat note,” he said.

Tickets for the performance are $12 for adults and $3 for students and children, and are available through the Performing Arts Center. They can be purchased online at pac.uga.edu, by calling 706-542-4400 or in person at the Box Office. For those unable to attend, live streaming will be available at music.uga.edu/live-streaming.