'A Classical Celebration' scheduled for Thursday, March 11, in Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. -- The Southern Symphony Orchestra, under direction of Dr. Kexi Liu, music, will perform its spring semester concert, "A Classical Celebration," on Thursday, March 11. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in Taylor Performing Art Center. It is free and open to the public.

Classical master composer Beethoven was born 240 years ago. Southern Symphony Orchestra will perform his works to celebrate classical music. The program includes Beethoven's Coriolan Overture, Haydn's Trumpet Concerto, and Beethoven's Symphony No. 1. The featured trumpet soloist is Aaron Scriven.

Aaron Scriven is currently the Director of Bands for the Mt. Vernon R-5 School District in Mt. Vernon, Mo. He has been in that position for the past two years, and served as the Assistant Director of Bands for the two years prior. He is a 2006 graduate of Missouri Southern, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education.

While at MSSU, Scriven was an active member of the trumpet studio, studying under Rusty Raymond of the MSSU Music Department faculty. With Mr. Raymond's assistance, in 2002, Aaron was selected to be a member of the DCI Division I Drum and Bugle Corps, the Colts.

Additionally, in 2006, Aaron was selected to the Missouri All-Collegiate Band, directed by Frank Ticheli. At MSSU, he performed in the Symphony Orchestra, Symphonic Band, Southern Jazz Orchestra, Lion Pride Marching Band and the Pep Band.

Scriven is an active trumpet teacher for students in several area school districts. He has taught multiple Missouri All-State students over the past few years since graduating from MSSU. He and his wife Jeanne reside in Oronogo, Mo.

For further information, please contact Dr. Liu at (417) 625-9681, or e-mail liu-k@mssu.edu.