Magic and music have been considered the same thing over the years, and the Northwestern Symphonic Band will make both possible. On Friday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel the Symphonic Band is teaming up with campus illusionist Jett Skrein to perform a combination of “Magic, Music and Mystery.”
Freshman Allison Sjaarda explained that the concert will be split into two different concerts altogether. The first half will be a traditional band concert with the band performing three songs before intermission. These songs include “Symphony No. 3 “Slavyanskaya” by Boris Kozhevnikov, “Sheltering Sky” by John Mackey and “Aurora Borealis” by Rossano Galante. There is a mix of fast paced songs and slower ones throughout the performance with a variety of themes outside of magic. The band members expressed their love for playing the piece. They are excited to share this song that is fast paced and dynamic with their audience.
The second half of the concert will include performances from Skrein and his team. Skrein will be sharing his talents with misdirection and illusions while the band will be his music. He has performed over 1000 shows since he started performing when he was 10 years old. Director Dr. Amelia Holt came up with the idea and looks forward to the performance. She shared that “This is the first time I have had the opportunity to collaborate with an illusionist, so I am extra excited about this concert!”
For Skrein’s performance there will be four other songs that the band will perform after intermission. Under the direction of Dr. Holt, the band has been “rehearsing all week with him and his team” said sophomore band member, Erin Brouwer. “We are all very excited to present this show to the public.”
One other exciting addition to the concert is a new arrangement of “Amazing Grace” featuring an expert violinist. Senior Jamie Stoscher was originally going to be the featured soloist during this song, but due to other circumstances, he is unable to perform. However, he will be replaced by the first chair of the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra (NISO), Mrs. Frens.
This is a show that all of the band members and people involved with the show are telling people not to miss. Senior music major Katie Struck said that “I’ve been hearing them practicing as I’ve walked through the halls and they sound really good!”
Join the Symphonic Band in Christ Chapel where magic and music with a little mystery intersect for one night and admission is free.
