POTSDAM -- A longtime Crane School of Music professor will return to the SUNY Potsdam stage as a guest conductor during two concerts on Wednesday and Thursday, May 2 and 3.

Professor Emerita Dr. Rebekah C. Covell was a member of The Crane School of Music faculty for 25 years. During her tenure at Crane, she served as conductor of the Crane Symphonic Band, and taught conducting, basic musicianship, theory and sight singing. Additionally, she designed and developed the music business program.

Covell will conduct several works during two concerts this week at SUNY Potsdam's Crane School of Music. She will join the Crane Concert Band, directed by Michael Schaff in the Helen M. Hosmer Concert Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 2.

Covell will return the next night for the Crane Symphonic Band concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 3, also held in Hosmer Hall. The symphonic band is directed by Brian Doyle.

The events are free, and the public is invited to attend.

In addition to her work at Crane, Covell regularly served as guest conductor for numerous All-State and area All-State bands throughout the Northeast.

Perhaps one of the more noteworthy events was as conductor of ceremonial bands for the Lake Placid Winter Olympics of 1980, including the final performance for the overflowing crowd present for the Gold Medal Award Ceremony for the U.S. Hockey Team, after their "Miracle on Ice" game. In 1990, she was invited to return with the Crane Symphonic Band for the 10-year anniversary celebration of the Olympics and to perform for the massive audience present for the occasion.

Covell received her Ph.D. and master's degrees from the Florida State University School of Music, and her bachelorʼs degree from the East Carolina University School of Music. Prior to accepting a position at Crane, she taught high school in Virginia and was on the faculty of Midwestern State University in Texas.

In addition, Covell continues to serve as a trustee for the Potsdam College Foundation Board.