Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band to perform Feb. 26

Northwest Missouri State University’s Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will perform pieces from a variety of eras at their first concert of the spring semester this month.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26, in the Mary Linn Auditorium at the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. It is free and open to the public.

The Wind Symphony program will include “Second Suite in F” by Gustav Holst, a well-known piece of concert band music; “Them Basses” by G.H. Huffine, a 1924 march that features bass instruments; “Capriccio” by Rodney Newton, featuring Northwest faculty member Dr. Max Gerhart; and “Soundscape,” a techno-sounding composition by Alex Shaprio.

The Wind Symphony is the University’s premier wind ensemble and performs the best selections from all styles and periods, in addition to recent repertoire for wind bands. Last fall, the Wind Symphony was selected to perform at the annual Nebraska Music Education Association Conference and In-Service Clinic.

“We have all kinds of groups for so many different types of musicians and it not only gives students a musical outlet and opportunity to grow as a musician, but also we have a fantastic culture in these ensembles,” said Dr. Katy Strickland, a professor of music who conducts the Wind Symphony. “Our students are hard-working, kind and celebrate each other, often making students who join want to keep playing semester to semester.”

Additionally, the concert will feature Northwest’s Symphonic Band, conducted by Gerhart, a lecturer of music at the University. The instrumental ensemble will perform four works – three of which were originally composed for wind ensembles. The other is an adaptation of a piece for orchestra, “Symphonie Fantastique” by Hector Berlioz.

The Symphonic Band is active during the spring semester and performs a broad range of music literature, including modern wind compositions and light pop selections. The band is open to all Northwest students and presents two concerts during the spring semester.

“It is exciting to be able to expose people to great music of the past through the medium of the Symphonic Band,” Gerhart said.

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