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UNO to Honor Band Director Jim Saker with Concert

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Omaha – A concert celebrating the career of one of the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s (UNO) longest-serving employees will serve as the culmination of weekend-long celebration of Dr. Jim Saker’s 36 years of service to UNO’s Department of Music.

Serving as UNO’s director of bands since 1978, Saker’s UNO career will be celebrated from Friday, April 11, through Sunday, April 13, with a 3 p.m. concert in his honor at the Strauss Performing Arts Center.

Performing in Saker’s honor will be the 2014 Symphonic Wind Ensemble and UNO’s Alumni Concert Band, which will be made up of alumni throughout his decades-long career.

Prior to the concert, Saker will be celebrated with a cookout in Elmwood Park and partake in the alumni band’s initial rehearsal on Friday, April 11.

On Saturday, April 12, Saker will be the focus on a special retirement banquet, which will feature a performance from Grammy-award nominated artist and UNO alumna Karrin Allyson.

Saturday’s banquet is open to the public, but requires the purchase of a dinner ticket. Tickets can be purchased for $25 at www.unobands.com.

Saker is a graduate of Bowling Green State University, Youngstown State University and the University of Iowa. He is the founder of UNO’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble, which has performed across the world since its inception.

During his time at UNO, Saker has received the UNO’s Great Teacher Award and Chancellor’s Medal, as well as the Nebraska Board of Regents’ Commendation.

Saker also is the first member of the University of Nebraska at Omaha to be inducted into the Nebraska Music Educator’s Association Hall of Fame. He was inducted in 2010.

For questions or media requests, please contact Charley Reed, UNO media relations coordinator, at unonews@unomaha.edu or by phone at 402.554.2129.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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