RICHARDSON, Texas (Sept. 10, 2003) - The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) and the City of Richardson will co-sponsor the eighth annual Sounds of Class concert and family festival Saturday, Sept. 27, on the UTD campus. "Ani-Motion, An Animal Inspired Carnival and Concert" is the theme for this year's free event.

Sounds of Class will kick off at 5 p.m. with a children's carnival put on by UTD student organizations. At 6:30 p.m., Eddie Coker, a family friendly singer and entertainer, will take the stage, followed by a pops concert at 8 p.m. featuring the Richardson Symphony under the direction of Anshel Brusilow, music director/conductor. The evening will conclude at approximately 9:15 p.m. with a fireworks finale choreographed to the last musical number.

Songs played at this year's event are expected to include: "Carnival of the Animals," "The Flight of the Bumble Bee," "The Donkey Serenade," "The Pink Panther" and music from "The Lion King," among others.

New at this year's event, courtesy of the City of Richardson's Animal Services office, there will be a petting zoo featuring goats, chickens, rabbits, dogs and other animals.

Hotdogs, snacks and beverages will be available for purchase from 5 to 9 p.m., but attendees also are invited to bring their own non-alcoholic refreshments. Seating will be on the lawn adjacent to UTD's McDermott Library. Participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and/or blankets. Ample free parking will be available. No pets are allowed at the event.

The event also is sponsored in part by Ebby Halliday Realtors and WorldCom. In case of rain, musical performances will be held in the UTD Activity Center. Visit www.soundsofclass.org, or call (972) 883-6259 for additional information.

About UTD
The University of Texas at Dallas, located at the convergence of Richardson, Plano and Dallas in the heart of the complex of major multinational technology corporations known as the Telecom Corridor, enrolls about 14,000 students. The school's freshman class traditionally stands at the forefront of Texas state universities in terms of average SAT scores. The university offers a broad assortment of bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs. For additional information about UTD, please visit the university's web site at www.utdallas.edu.