(THE PICKET)- The Shepherd University Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble presented their spring concert in honor of the Friday inauguration of Shepherd’s new president Mary J Hendrix.
The concert presented us with a picture of skill and most importantly a sound that transported. Symphonic and band music is as varied as the instruments present on stage, in the word of conductor Dr. Scott Hippensteel: “A little bit of everything” is truly what we got.
The concert opened with an upbeat fanfare, “A Festive Prelude” composed by Alfred Reed, conducted by Dr. Charles Reader. From the moment the symphonic band began their piece the energy was felt and the audience could not help but smile and follow them through the upbeat prelude.
This was followed by the beautifully emotional, “With Quiet Courage,” a piece written by the composer in memorial of his mother. The band moved the audience through the love and honor felt in the piece with melodic skill.
We were then treated to the skills of graduate conductor Wendy Zepeda as she led the band through the medieval, “Masque, OP. 44.” The evening features continued with a playful circus march, more traditional march music, and moved into more modern written pieces.
The Frank Ticheli composed “Sanctuary,” written in 2005 was a gloriously beautiful moving piece, that left us traveling via the sounds of wood winds and piano to a cathedral in our minds, reminding us to appreciate beauty in the form of composition. “Strange Humors” by John Mackey in 2006 showcased the wind ensemble’s love for their craft and made the audience love the piece with them.
We were then given an unexpected treat as the ensemble opened “Eternal Father, Strong to Save,” the traditional U.S. Naval Hymn with song followed by their continually gorgeous instrumental sounds.
The show closed with the lively “Jazz Schisms” featuring several music department faculty guests in a jazz band capacity. The skill and joy of every student and instructor is evident in the way they play. In this experience the music moves us from places of sadness to places of joy in a matter of moments. The music department and both groups out did themselves and made a welcomed addition to the inauguration festivities.
Wind Ensemble plays “Jazz Schisms” With guests Dr. Kurtis Adams Tenor Sax, Mr. Dave Detwiler Trumpet, Dr. Mark Andrew Cook on Piano , Mr. Dan Dunn on Bass, and Mr. Sawyer Gaydon drums.
Jessica Sharpless can be reached via email at jsharp02@rams.shepherd.edu
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