By Joey McWilliams
DURANT – DHS alum Turner Norman is in Durant and will be performing at a one-night event at the First Presbyterian Church.
He will be playing the bassoon at a recital for friends, family and the public. The one-hour concert is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. and admission is free.
Norman said the event began as a means for those close to him to get to hear him play.
“This started out as a concert for my family and friends because living in Las Vegas and attending school there, they can’t really get out there and come hear me play,” Norman said. “So I decided, you know, why not come back here and host a concert for friends and family and the public.
Norman is studying bassoon performing at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
“The bassoon is a large woodwind instrument, the lowest instrument of the woodwind family.
“Really, I’m studying the bassoon itself. I learn about the history of the bassoon. I’ve learned how to make reeds for the bassoon – the reed is like a piece of cane that you blow on to produce a tone on the instrument. And that also includes playing the bassoon in ensembles and giving recitals.”
He has completed one of the required recitals for school and will perform another at Doc Rando Recital Hall this coming spring.
Norman graduated with the Class of 2015 and was the drum major for the Pride of Durant in 2013-2014 and 2014-2015.
He was an All-State bassoonist for three years and was the principle bassoonist for the All-State Orchestra his junior and senior years.
The First Presbyterian Church is located 501 N. 15th in Durant.