Austin Peay State University to rename the Music-Mass Communication Building concert hall in honor of George Mabry and Sharon Mabry

Clarksville, Tennessee – In 2010, a group of Clarksville residents, led by local attorney Evans Harvill, set out to rename the state-of-the-art concert hall in the Music / Mass Communication Building at Austin State University Peay.

For over 30 years, these people have witnessed world-class musical performances presented by Drs. George and Sharon Mabry, and they thought it was a shame that APSU’s two longtime music teachers didn’t have something that properly honors their service to the community.

“They are the captains of the flagship of the University,” Harvill said at the time. “There are very few people who have the talent of George and Sharon Mabry and use it for the benefit of the University and the community. We have a great music facility, and I’ve been trying to name them for years. “

That fall, Harvill organized the Mabry Legacy Campaign, which aimed to raise $ 500,000 in scholarships to rename the University’s concert hall. This goal was quickly achieved, and at 3:00 p.m. on November 11, the space will be officially renamed the George and Sharon Mabry Concert Hall.

“George and I have been fortunate over the years to have the support of the community and the University for our artistic endeavors,” said Dr. Sharon Mabry. “We deeply appreciate this unique honor bestowed by the University and supported by the generosity of the community and alumni in providing funds for scholarships for arts students as part of the Mabry Legacy.”

To celebrate the occasion, the Clarksville Community Concert Association is hosting a special performance of the Nashville Symphony and Chorus on this day. The christening ceremony will take place during the concert. There are a limited number of tickets left and they can be purchased by visiting www.clarksvillemusic.org or by calling the CCCA at 877.811.0200.

For 33 years, George Mabry was Director of Choral Activities for APSU and Director of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts. He is a published composer and former choir director of the Nashville Symphony, where his performances have received national recognition.

Beginning her career at APSU in 1970, music teacher Sharon Mabry is internationally known as a recitalist, recording artist, writer and master teacher of vocal techniques. She recently published an acclaimed memory and career advice book, “The Performing Life: A Singer’s Guide to Survival”.

Together, the Mabrys have been instrumental in the development of APSU’s music program. They have mentored thousands of talented young musicians, many of whom have established successful careers in the music world.

During George Mabry’s tenure as Director of the Center of Excellence, the University opened the state-of-the-art building for music and mass communication, with its 600-seat concert theater. This space quickly gained the reputation of being one of the best acoustic environments in the South East.

“Performing artists visiting Austin Peay have told me that outside of the major performing arts venues in this country, our concert hall offers the best experience for performers and audiences,” Christopher Burawa, director of the APSU Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, said last year.

In March 2006, The Robb Report Home Entertainment magazine named the venue one of the top 10 “premier concert halls” in the country. The magazine’s article, “Superior Sights & Sounds,” placed the hall among other illustrious venues, such as the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall, the Symphony Hall in Boston, and the famous Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

“Giving the concert hall their name will let them know how much we appreciate everything they’ve done for us,” Harvill said last year.

A reception will take place immediately following the November 11 concert in the main lobby, with the official name unveiling taking place at that time. For more information or questions regarding Mabry’s name, contact the APSU Alumni Relations Office at 931.221.7979 or .