EAC welcomes Dr. Richard Crosby to perform in piano recital

Contributed Photo/Courtesy EAC: Dr. Richard A. Crosby will perform a free guest piano recital at EAC on Feb. 22 at 7:30 p.m.

By Sarah Savannah Griffin

THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College’s music department is proud to invite Dr. Richard A. Crosby from Eastern Kentucky University to perform in a guest piano recital, Feb. 22, in the EAC Activities Center – Lee Little Theater, at 7:30 p.m.

Crosby was born in Ashland, Ohio, and raised in Largo, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education, a Master of Music degree in Piano Performance and Wind Conducting, and a Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance, all from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music.

He has been at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) since 1986, where he teaches piano and music history. He also serves as an EKU foundation professor and a three-time past national president of music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia. He has released a CD through Capstone Records entitled “An American Portrait,” containing works by Charles Griffes, Amy Beach, William Grant Still, Lee Hoiby, Louis Moreau Gottschalk, David Guion, and George Gershwin.

Crosby has also distinguished himself as a successful composer. His works include sonatas for trombone, viola, cello, and piano, a set of variations for piano, a trumpet concerto, “A Walt Whitman Portrait” for mixed chorus, and symphonic band, Appalachian Variations for symphonic band, Four Latin Dances for Oboe and Piano, and Ricercare and a Canzona for Trombone ensemble.

“It is always a pleasure to have artists travel to our campus to perform and work with our students, but Dr. Crosby’s visit is something really special,” said EAC associate professor of music and director of musical theatre, Chase Moore. “As my mentor and piano instructor, I am so excited for our students here at EAC to get a chance to work with him. Not only will he be teaching private piano while he is here, but also guest lecturing at our World of Music courses and guest conducting with the Symphonic Band.”

Admission to the recital is free to students and guests. Tickets are available at the EAC Ticket Office at (928) 428-8228 and at the door. For more information contact Moore at chase.moore@eac.edu.