Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, June 10, 1993 TAG: 9306100124
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: KEVIN KITTREDGE STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG LENGTH: Medium
Lyons - who recently toured with the Broadway play "City of Angels" as part of a jazz quartet, and has performed as a guest vocalist with jazz trumpeter Maynard Ferguson - will take over as director of the show group July 1.
She is expected to put a new face on an ensemble hit by recent budget cuts, emphasizing musicianship over some of the theatrical elements that have characterized the New Virginians in the past, said John Husser, head of Tech's music department.
He said he was very happy with the choice.
"She knows what's been happening in the real world, because she's been out doing it," Husser said. "She's also got a wonderful voice. . . . We couldn't have asked for better."
Lyons, in Blacksburg Wednesday looking for a place to live, said she will work to upgrade the level of musicianship in the group and give students an idea what is available for them professionally in the outside world.
She also said, "I'm not here to change the image of the group. I'm here to enhance the music."
She replaces current New Virginians Director John Howell. Howell, Husser said, removed himself from consideration as director of a revamped group by writing a blistering letter to New Virginians supporters about the proposed changes.
Husser said the letter spoke of a "hostile takeover" of the New Virginians by Tech's music department - which in fact has overseen the group for more than a decade.
"It became quite apparent that he wasn't the one to make this transition," Husser said. He said Howell will move to the classroom.
"Yes, I wrote a letter. I did not say anything in that letter which was not true," Howell responded.
He also said what is happening to the New Virginians is "a real shame."
"I don't have any reason to think that Lisanne won't do an excellent job," Howell said. "The question is, do a good job at what? For 21 years, the group has focused on entertainment. Her thing is not entertainment. It is jazz."
He also said he was "disappointed" the school has chosen to keep the same name for a changed group.
Some fans also have spoken out against changes, writing letters to the Roanoke Times & World-News.
"This group has given Virginia Tech so much positive public relations through the years they must be allowed to continue. Don't stop a family tradition," wrote C.W. Hall of Pearisburg.
Husser said they always meant for the group to continue.
But he also said the New Virginians - which toured with a crew bus and a tractor trailer rig - consumed more than its share of resources in the past. Tech has some 16 other ensembles, he said.
"We had always said what we're doing is, we're just going to change, and we're going to change a lot," Husser said. "We're going to concentrate on the music and less on the choreography, lighting and special effects side of things."
Lyons said she will pare down the number of singers in the group from 20-something to about 16, and replace its show band with a strong rhythm section and maybe a few horns.
She also said the group will no longer need a tractor-trailer rig to travel.
"It's going to be scaled down," Lyons said. "My concern is to try to make the most out of what we have."
Lyons sings jazz, pop, rhythm and blues and classical music, and plays piano, guitar and flute, said a Tech release. She has performed with the Woody Herman Orchestra and toured South America as a backup vocalist with Jose Luis "El Puma" Rodriguez.
She has a bachelor's degree in music from the University of Miami.
by CNB