The Flint School of Performing Arts' Final Faculty Concert Features Stunning Oboe And Organ Duo

The Flint School of Performing Arts' Faculty Concert Series comes to a close on April 12 with Music from the Jongleurs to Jimi, featuring Liz Spector Callahan, oboe, and Dr. Quincy Dobbs, organ. This concert will span many eras of music, from Baroque to 20th Century, leaving a little something for everyone to enjoy. For more information about the Flint School of Performing Arts Faculty concerts, click here.

Although one may not think of organ and oboe as instruments which often play together, they have a rich history going all the back to the Baroque period. This concert will feature a Partita, a suite common in the 18th century (Baroque), which features a series of variations on a common theme. The combination of organ and oboe showcases the oboe's lyrical, singing quality with the organ's varied tonal possibilities.

Other pieces being performed feature a Fantasia from the Classical period, a Rhapsodie from the Romantic period, a 20th Century Toccata, and a jazz piece, among others. Oboe and organ are not necessarily the logical first choice for these types of pieces, so the arrangements will be unique and intriguing for audience members. The timbres (tone quality) between the two instruments are beautiful and the listener may have never heard such an aurally interesting combination.

Dr. Quincy Dobbs is Keyboard Department Chair at the Flint School of Performing Arts and has been on faculty for 16 years. He holds a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Arizona State University, a Master of Music from the University of Cincinnati, and a Bachelor of Music degree from Valdosta State College all of his degrees are in Organ Performance.

Liz Spector, Oboe Professor at the Flint School of Performing Arts, is the English horn and associate principal oboe of the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. She holds a degree and Performer's Certificate from the Eastman School of Music where she studied with Richard Killmer.

For more information about the Flint School of Performing Arts Faculty concerts, click here.

The Flint School of Performing Arts (FSPA) is Michigan's largest community school of the arts and among the largest in the United States. More than 3,500 students from 21 counties across mid-Michigan discover an amazing world of music and dance in our state-of-the-art facility. The FSPA teaching philosophy was developed by faculty and staff through extensive research in student achievement. This innovative approach, Beyond Boundaries, utilizes non-judgmental teaching techniques designed to encourage and support the individual goals and learning styles of students. Esteemed artists in their own disciplines, FSPA teachers provide world-class instruction in a fun, supportive atmosphere. Additionally, students have the option to participate in performance ensembles and community partnership programs. Flint Institute of Music Dedicated to changing lives through a lifelong continuum of music, dance and theatre, the Flint Institute of Music includes the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint School of Performing Arts and Flint Repertory Theatre. A professional orchestra led by world-renowned music director Enrique Diemecke, the FSO enjoys a more than 100-year history. The FSPA is the eighth largest community arts school in the U.S. and provides outstanding music and dance opportunities for all ages and abilities, and offers tuition assistance. Flint Rep is a nationally-acclaimed, award-winning resident theatre company and drama school, providing inter-generational, live theatre arts since 1957. A nonprofit organization, the FIM receives support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.