Homecoming is a chance to showcase the talent of the student body to donors and alumni who are seeking to take a trip down memory lane, or to watch the activities in which they invest. In addition to the many athletic games, the Music Department also has a full schedule of events throughout the week. Members of music ensembles spent the first six weeks of the semester rehearsing for concerts, ceremonies and banquets in order to provide an enjoyable atmosphere for the various events. The Orchestra played for the Christy Suites dedication that took place on Friday afternoon for those who wanted to see the building after its completion. Later that day, the “Just Jazz” combo provided background music for the donor banquet in order to thank the donors for their generous contributions to the school. And as usual, the athletic band played for Saturday’s “Morning on the Green” and homecoming football game. However, the main event of the weekend was the Fall Showcase concert on Saturday night. This is an annual tradition where every music ensemble plays a few songs that highlight their abilities. Instead of the typical concert style where one group is featured, the showcase concert offers a sample of every music ensemble, so that visiting alumni or parents can hear a little bit of everything.
Included in the concert’s programming was the Orchestra, Women’s Choir, A Cappella Choir, Heritage Singers and Symphonic Band. Each group played two to four songs spanning a variety of genres and styles, showcasing their versatility and giving a sample of what their upcoming concerts may entail. One of the benefits of a concert in this style is that students in attendance can get a sense of what type of music they enjoy the most, and then attend the full concert later in the semester. A notable absence in the concert was the NW Jazz Band, which is currently not rehearsing this semester, due to their rotating schedule of performing every three of four semesters. Rest assured, this dynamic group will return next semester for their usual spring concert.
Amongst the full music ensembles, a few individuals were also featured in the concert. NW pipe organ instructor Mary Lou Wielenga played an intricate organ prelude and audience hymn before the concert and as the ensembles were entering and exiting the stage in order to keep the flow of the concert. Another professor that performed a solo act was voice instructor and Northwestern’s women’s choir director Cindy Moeller who, accompanied by Janelle Phinney, sang a dazzling operatic piece called “Così fan tutte.” Furthermore, winners of the audition-based scholarship awards played a piece that highlighted their abilities and hard work. Morgan Huls, a sophomore music major, won the 2024 Cyndy Rowenhurst competition and performed a stunning vocal solo called “Es Lebt’ eine Vilja,” accompanied by Janelle Phinney on piano. Benjamin Geary, winner of the Herman and Elizabeth Ritsema competition, performed a vibrant rendition of “Radiant Blues,” by Charles Booker, accompanied by the Symphonic band. Both individuals showed the fruits of their work ethic and talent on their respective instruments.
Students who participate in the music program also enjoy the nature of the showcase concert. It gives students the opportunity to support one another and be audience members of the concert when it is not their turn on stage. Meredith Sundberg, a junior clarinet player, says that she, “likes that you get a little taste of each ensemble. Since the performers only play in one part of the concert, then we also get to watch the rest as well.” In addition to the crowd of student supporters, many family members and alumni also watch the performance, and the showcase concert is usually one of the most attended of the year’s performances. Music ensemble members hope that the small sample of talent and passion on Saturday night was enough to get the student body interested and invested in the department’s many events throughout the year.
Music students showcase what they have been rehearsing for the past six weeks
