Northwestern College’s Symphonic Band will perform their annual Fall Concert in Christ Chapel tonight.
An array of wonderful music is featured. Conducted by Dr. Tim McGarvey, the band has been studiously rehearsing, spending many hours in their rehearsal space and many more hours in practice rooms.
Since the onset of the school year and the first few attempts at being a “new” ensemble, the band has grown tremendously in their ability to perform together as a cohesive group.
“Music is a process, not a product,” McGarvey said. “Even though we do multiple concerts, the growth throughout the year is what I’m looking for in our students. That they grow in this communication, in this art of making music.”
Although many new students join the ensemble each year, the diversity of the group is what ultimately brings it together.
“The benefit is that you are in the art and the art only exists with others,” McGarvey said. “That communication, that negotiation to create one piece of art, can only happen in community.”
Along with opportunities to make music, students involved with symphonic band are able to learn how to play in an ensemble with others.
“It’s not very often where you can say that you worked so closely with others as you do when you were in band,” said Britta Wilson, a French horn player. “It really encourages being selfless, too. You’re responsible for how you sound, and you constantly listen and adjust to people.”
At the concert, the audience can expect some memorable pieces.
“In the planning of the program, I’m looking for a collection of pieces that fit well together and that take the audience and the player on a journey,” McGarvey said.
And their program does just that.
From the haunting and impactful Vietnam memorial, “Heroes Lost and Fallen” by David R. Gillingham, to the woodland mystery of the “Forest of Arden” written by George Lloyd, an imaginative musical journey awaits the listener.
“I hope that the audience enjoys the stories that are told, and that they would be whisked away a little bit,” Wilson said.
Although many people hear sounds differently and experience a wide range of emotions through music, the ensemble hopes the audience takes something away from the concert.
“I want people to walk out saying, ‘That was really enjoyable and interesting. I’m better for having experienced that,’” McGarvey said.
The band also hopes that any students with instrumental abilities will come and participate in future concerts.
“I would be delighted to talk to anybody about getting their instrument out and start playing again,” McGarvey said.
New members are always welcome, and it’s time well spent.
“Band has always been a place for me to escape from schoolwork and take a break, but still be filled in a different way,” Wilson said.
The Symphonic Band performs their fall concert tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel.
