On Wednesday, Oct. 5, students of WCU’s School of Music performed their first concert of the semester. The symphonic band, led by Dr. Jack Eaddy, played Ignition by Todd Stalter, Ye Banks and Braes O’ Bonnie Doon by Percy Grainger, Sea Songs by Ralph Vaughan Williams, and Illumination by David Maslanka.
Trevor Bailey and Dr. Jeanne Nichols also conducted pieces of the ensemble, A Simple Song by Leonard Bernstein and Marche Brilliante by William Foster respectively. Dr. Eaddy said, “I am so proud of the students, it was great having them walk off the stage feeling proud of their performance.”
The wind ensemble, directed by Dr. Margaret Underwood, started with The Good Soldier Schweik Suite by Robert Kurka, a small ensemble piece. After that, the full ensemble took the stage and performed Home Away from Home by Catherine Likuta, Lincolnshire Posy by Percy Grainger, and El Torico de la Cuerda by Luis Serrano Alarcón.
In Home Away from Home, the composer makes connections to being away from home and how it’s a new experience filled with excitement, moments of reflection, and determination. Dr. Underwood chose the piece to connect with freshmen both performing and listening in the audience.
The directors are already looking forward to the next concert. Catch the wind ensemble performing in the Bardo Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 15, and the symphonic band at the same time and place, on Nov. 17.
