From a song inspired by Columbus’ exploration of the New World to a song honoring Paris, the capital of France, the Symphonic Band’s repertoire will represent a variety of styles and composers at its concert on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel.
Director Timothy McGarvey, professor of music, said, “I am looking forward to this concert because it is a wonderful collection of pieces that takes the listener on a spectacular journey.”
The 57-member band will open its performance with “Variations on a Shaker Theme” from Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”
Next will be “Concertino for Flute and Wind Ensemble” by Keith Gates, which features soloist Katie Hielkema, a junior music major, on the flute. Hielkema received the Ritsema scholarship, an award open to any wind instrumentalist or percussionist. Winners of the scholarship are required to perform a solo through a competitive audition.
“I am really excited to be soloing with the band,” Hielkema said. “It comes with its own unique challenges, but it has been a great learning experience for both my fellow band members and me. At first it was a little nerve-wracking to play with the whole band accompanying me, but as the parts have been put together, it has become a very enjoyable experience.”
The concert will continue with Dana Wilson’s “Dance of the New World,” which was written in celebration of the 500th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage and captures the spirit of the awakening of the New World. They will also perform Martin Ellerby’s “Paris Sketches,” a four-movement piece that pays homage to different parts of the French capital. The band will close with “Wedding Dance” by Jacques Press, a high-energy piece that has a Jewish feel to it.