Music professor Ben Hawkins conducts his last concert at Transylvania University tonight before retiring after almost four decades.
The public is invited to the free Spring Concert beginning at 7 in Haggin Auditorium. The program includes J.J. Richards’ “Emblem of Unity” march, which was played at the first performance Hawkins led at the school in 1985.
To include a range of student musicians in his final concert as a Transylvania professor, both the band and orchestra are featured tonight, with a combined piece at the end, Hawkins said.
In addition to leading these and other groups — including instrumental ensembles — Hawkins has taught courses like music theory, conducting and music education.
He also conducts shows like the annual Gift of Holiday Music concert, which brings in donations for God’s Pantry Food Bank, and he leads the Central Kentucky Concert Band.
Before coming to Transylvania, Hawkins taught middle through high school in Virginia and Texas.
Read more about the professor in this recent Q&A in Transylvania’s Third & Broadway Magazine.