Southeastern NEWS

                                                       Southeastern Louisiana University
                                           Public Information Office
                                           publicinfo@selu.edu
                                           SLU 880, Hammond, LA 70402
                                           504/549-2341/fax 504-549-2061
    Date: 4/19/99
      Contact:                           Christina Chapple   95

Editors: Photos accompany release
TRUMPETER NAMED TO SOUTHEASTERN MUSIC HALL OF FAME
     HAMMOND -- Trumpeter Joe Messina, who received bachelor's and master's degrees at
Southeastern Louisiana University, has been inducted into the Southeastern Department of Music
and Dramatic Arts' Hall of Fame.
     The Music Hall of Fame recognizes Southeastern graduates "who have distinguished
themselves in their careers and personal lives and who have brought favorable recognition to the
university and the Music Department," said Department Head David Evenson, who recognized 
Messina during the Southeastern Wind Symphony concert on May 1. 
     Messina received his bachelor's degree in music education from Southeastern in 1971
and a master's degree in music four years later. As one of the leading trumpeters in the New
Orleans area for more than 30 years, he has performed with noted musicians, including Doc
Severinsen, Natalie Cole, Sammy Davis Jr., Ray Charles, Bernadette Peters, Jimmy Maxwell,
Harry Connick Jr., Rene Netto and Henry Mancini.
     He was first trumpeter with the Saenger Theatre and Tulane Summer Lyric Opera for
more than 20 years and has performed with the New Orleans Symphony and New Orleans Opera. 
     "In addition to his performance career," Evenson said, "he has remained a dedicated
educator. Recently, he volunteered his time and expertise to rehearsals and performances of the
Southeastern Jazz Ensemble." 
     Messina retired as a middle school band director in 1993. As a trumpet teacher, he taught
privately and was on the faculty of Tulane University.
                             -SLU-
Press release available online at www.selu.edu/NewsEvents/PublicInfoOffice/newsp01.htm