The Shepherd University Wind Symphony will present a variety of wind band literature as interpreted by a new generation of conductors and Shepherd University Director of Instrumental Music, Dr. Scott Hippensteel, on Thursday, November 19th, at 8:00 p.m. in the Frank Center Theater.
Program selections include a classic march by John Philip Sousa, “New York Hippodrome”; a celebration of Middle Eastern memories by Samuel Hazo, “Arabesque”; “Mock Morris,” a morris dance by Percy Grainger; a classic English march from Gustav Holst entitled “Moorside March”; an interesting new work based on three Edgar Allan Poe poems by Mark Lortz called “Heart of Madness”; a set of variations on Scarborough Fair by Calvin Custer; “Toccata for Band” by Frank Erickson; the classic “Chaconne” from First Suite in E-flat by Gustav Holst; a solemn and beautiful ballad set by Sam Hazo, “Perthshire Majesty”; an intensely rhythmic piece by John Mackey entitled “Foundry”; a love story set to music “Fantasy on a Japanese Folksong” by Samuel Hazo; and a charismatic piece by Charles Ives based on My Country ‘Tis Of Thee. “Variations on AMERICA” takes the listener on a musical journey through several styles using characteristic Ivesian compositional techniques such as poytonality, modal mixture, witty effects, and creative tonal colors.
Student conductors for this performance are music major seniors Sawyer Gaydon (Martinsburg, WV), Sarah Kunemund (Centreville, VA), Will Lopez (Frederick, MD), Ryan McClure (Chambersburg, PA), Melissa Mckay (Monrovia, MD), Adrielle Mills (Martinsburg, WV), Alvaro Silva (Silver Spring, MD), and Ashley Walizer (Edgewood, MD), and juniors Sarah Gilbert (Charles Town, WV) and Anthony Makusky (Frederick, MD). After completing two semesters of conducting, these student conductors have carefully selected music, studied their scores, written program notes, developed rehearsal strategies, and rehearsed the ensemble.
Building upon a tradition of musical excellence at Shepherd University, each instrumental student is provided with relevant musical experiences in the exciting journey and valuable lesson through the process of realizing a score and bringing the performance to life. Shepherd University’s Department of Music has an astounding 100% placement rate for its music education majors, and programs such as this helps give invaluable experience to these future teachers.
The Wind Symphony concert is $10 for general admission; $5 for faculty, staff, seniors, alumni, and age 18 and under, and free to Shepherd students with Rambler ID. Admission and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis and reservations are not taken. The box office opens one hour prior to the performance. For more information call 304-876-5555.