The Grove City College Symphonic Concert Band and Wind Ensemble kicks off its spring concert series at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 in Ketler Auditorium of the Pew Fine Arts Center on campus.
The concert – entitled “Gloriam” – features works by Pittsburgh-based composer Sam Hazo, Frank Ticheli, Joseph Wilcox Jenkins, and others. It is free and open to the public. A livestream will be available at www.gcc.edu/livemusic .
The Symphonic Concert Band’s program includes “El Capitan,” one of John Philip Sousa’s most celebrated marches. The work features musical ideas from one of Sousa’s operettas. “While Sousa is widely known as the ‘March King,’ many do not realize he also composed operettas,” said Dr. Andrew Erb, director of bands at Grove City College.
The Wind Ensemble will perform “Grant Them Eternal Rest,” a deeply moving work composed by Andrew Boysen Jr. and commissioned by the St. Ambrose University Concert Band. The piece is dedicated to the victims of the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
“Grant Them Eternal Rest is not only a musical masterwork, but also a powerful reminder of an event that touched all of us as Americans,” Erb said. “Presenting this work with dignity and care has been central to our preparation, and we hope it moves our audience as it has moved us.”
The Symphonic Concert Band is the largest concert band on campus and is made up of music majors and non-music majors. It performs the classic standards of wind band literature as well as pops and new compositions. The Wind Ensemble is the select wind band on campus. It performs literature of the highest caliber in the wind band repertoire.
Grove City College’s Department of Music offers bachelor’s degree programs that prepare students for careers in music business and education, performance, and musical worship. It provides diverse performance and leadership opportunities, high-quality rehearsal facilities and performance venues, a collaborative and encouraging community, and faculty mentors who cultivate holistic musical and personal growth.