On November 7th, 2025, the Northwestern College chapel was lit and filled with students, family, and friends all over the community to witness the Symphonic Band’s final concert of the semester. For years, this band has been bringing joy to both those who play, those who listen, and also to the one who conducts – Dr. Angela Carlson. Freshman this year got to play in their first ever themed concert. In years past, this ensemble has covered many different themes including last year’s “Colors” concert. This year, we played music that featured many songs commemorating heroes in our lives, those who have lived self-sacrificially.
The first song played at this concert was called “Everyday Heroes”, composed by Nathan Hervey, and was actually the debut of his piece. He dedicated this song to first responders including policemen, firemen, military, medical, and other professionals who daily give themselves for the service of others. “Everyday Heroes” is a very cinematic piece, featuring the kind of sound one would expect in a Marvel or DC movie, and is orchestrated beautifully. It starts with a quick pace, including lots of chimes, trumpets, drums, and trilling flutes, intended to portray front-line workers as superheroes. The middle section grows more solemn and slow, featuring more of the french horns, muted trumpets, and clarinets. This possibly serves to commemorate the brotherhood and sisterhood of such workers, and of course those who have made the ultimate sacrifice while on the line of duty. The final section of the song was just like the first, with a high tempo, volume, and energy. It ended with a swooping triumph and applause. After this song, the Orange City Fire Chief, Dan Roghair, went on stage and addressed the audience, giving glory to God.
The second song the band played was entitled, “A Movement for Rosa”, that is Rosa Parks. This piece started off with a peaceful, yet almost foreboding flute solo. The melody then spread to a somewhat dissonant bassoon duet which included a baritone, possibly symbolizing the tense atmosphere during the Jim Crow period. The music shifted into the full ensemble, where the tension unfolded into a heroic melody. In the middle of the piece there was suddenly a violent theme that was revealed, including a threatening snare drum, assertive trombones and trumpets, and irregular rhythms. It sounded quite like a protest, accurately portraying the chaos that exploded over Rosa Parks’ deed. The chaotic theme represented the oppressors relentlessly threatening the uprisings. But a melody, played by the entire ensemble leading up to the climax of the piece, symbolized the African American’s refusal to submit to any more oppression, until finally a breakthrough occurred in the song, transporting the audience to a hopeful and certain dream of the future, where oppression was finally overcome through steadfast endurance and faithfulness. The last part of the song featured long chords and still some dissonance, symbolizing the cry for social justice that the oppressed face even today. Yet, toward the end, the higher instruments floated over the musical tension, playing “We Shall Overcome”, a popular civil rights song, and a reminder of certain future justice. The last note of the song did not resolve, as it waits until the day where everything is put back into order.
The next song played was “Pageant”, a lighthearted and whimsical march. Then was “American Salute”, which commemorated those in the military who have risked and sacrificed their lives to protect this country. It was fast paced and featured a steady snare drum, and included virtuosic flutes, bassoons, and saxophones. After this song was “American Elegy”, a song dedicated to the victims of the Columbine School shooting in 1999. It had a slow tempo and grieving sound, which also at some points increased into a hopeful melody, giving honor to those who lost their lives. In the middle of the song was a trumpet solo, played by Emily Theis, who stood on the balcony of Christ Chapel, creating an immersive experience for the audience. Finally, the concert ended with “Alleluia! Laudamus Te”, a triumphant and expressive hymn with the intention of giving all glory and honor to God, reminding us who our Lord and Savior is forever, and who paid the ultimate price for all humanity.
The Northwestern College Symphonic Band put on a spectacular performance on November 7, and is excited to start a new repertoire for the spring semester. In the meantime, the Music Department is putting on the annual vespers Christmas show on December 3. It will be an unmissable show.
Symphonic Band “Heroes” concert at Northwestern College.
