Concert Band, Concert Choir to perform spring concert April 15

The Concert Choir, pictured during a performance last fall, will perform a spring concert with the Concert Band on (Photo by Chloe Timmons/Northwest Missouri State University)

Northwest Missouri State University’s Concert Band, joined by the Concert Choir, will present their spring performance on Tuesday, April 15.

The concert, which is free and open to the public, will begin at 7 p.m. in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building.

“Northwest boasts a vibrant and inclusive music community that fosters connections across campus and throughout the surrounding area,” Dr. William Sutton, assistant professor of music, said. “Supporting this community further advances our mission of providing enriching experiences for students while preparing future music educators.”

To open the performance, the Concert Choir, led by Dr. Adam Zrust, assistant professor of choral music education, will present a variety of pieces, including Emma Lou Diemer’s “Three Madrigals,” Joseph Martin’s “Come to the Music,” John Clement’s “Flower of Beauty,” William Dawson’s “Soon-ah-will be Done” and Brian Tate’s “Mojuba.”

The Concert Band, under the direction of Sutton, will perform works, including Adrian Sims’ “A Place Like Home,” David Bobrowitz’s “Caves of Sacromonte,” Jerry Bilik’s “Block M” and Jesse Browning’s “In Ali’s Abyssi (World Premiere).”

To conclude the performance, both ensembles will present Johan de Meji’s “African Harmony.”

“This performance features many student conductors in both Concert Choir and Concert Band – a wonderful opportunity for our Northwest students,” Zrust said.

Founded in 2021, the Concert Band, under the direction of Sutton, features brass instruments, woodwinds, percussion and string bass. It performs music from a variety of time periods and styles, from historically significant works to new band compositions and premieres. There are no auditions to join the ensemble, which is open to all Northwest students and employees as well as residents of the community. The ensemble presents two concerts during both the fall and spring semesters.

Formed in 2024, the Concert Choir, led by Zrust, is the newest choral ensemble at Northwest. Conducted by faculty and students, the intergenerational group allows pre-service music teachers to gain hands-on teaching experience prior to their student teaching experience. It is open to all Northwest students and residents of surrounding communities with no auditions necessary.

To learn more about Northwest musical ensembles and upcoming performances, visit www.nwmissouri.edu/finearts/music/ensembles/.