WHAT IS TRUTH?: A Brass and Media Concert
Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Creativity and Innovation District LLC Building

Concept
This program poses the question “What Is Truth?” for the purpose of considering what it means in our time. It does not put forth a particular answer to the question but does present the concept that we live in a “posttruth” culture. As a result, we are pleased to present this concert in hopes that those who attend will consider the question more deeply, and ultimately, that it will contribute towards a positive and productive way to communicate with others. Our goals are: 1) to promote deep thought on the nature of truth; 2) to examine how one’s current beliefs about truth are/are not accurate; and 3) to recognize how current beliefs about truth comport with the reality of the world around us.

About the Performers
Mike Hall teaches trombone/euphonium and brass chamber music at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. He also serves as Literature Reviews Editor for the International Trombone Association Journal. He previously served on the faculties of the University of Kansas and Eastern Michigan University. Dr. Hall has performed as a featured soloist, in chamber groups, bands and orchestras throughout every continent (except Australia and Antarctica!) in a diverse range of genres and styles. He also has an extensive background in commercial music backing entertainers, playing in large and small group jazz settings, and performing in theater and studio recording ensembles. He has released nine solo recordings. Holding the rope at the top of his well are wife, Michelle, and children, Rebekah, James, and Wyatt. They rarely kick stones over the edge and always share the water!

Mark Nixon joined the F. Ludwig Diehn School of Music at Old Dominion University in 2022; he is also a member of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. From Mount Vernon, Ohio, he graduated from Bowling Green State University earning the Bachelor of Music in Music Education and Master of Music degrees. His primary teachers include Carol McCutcheon, Todd Davidson, and Dr. Joel Treybig (Belmont University). Mark retired from the United States Air Force in March 2022 after serving 21 years. He performed as Principal Trumpet of the USAF Heritage of America Band and Brass Quintet, where he was also a frequent soloist, and as Lead Trumpet with the USAF Rhythm and Blue Jazz Band. He can be heard on over 20 recordings with the USAF Heritage of America Band. Mark is based in Williamsburg, Virginia where he maintains a busy performing and teaching schedule.

We are grateful to Main Street Inn and The Inn at Virginia Tech, the hotel sponsors for the Music on Mondays and Visiting Artist Series in the School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech.