Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band to present spring concert

The Westminster College Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will present their joint spring concert “Young Voices” at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 5, in Orr Auditorium on Westminster’s campus. 

The concert pays tribute to Westminster’s graduating seniors and features culturally relevant music. 

The Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. R. Tad Greig, professor of music and director of bands, will perform the piece “Young Voices.” Composed by Harrison J. Collins, “Young Voices” is a reaction to the social and political turmoil over the past decade, as well as a reaction of positivity by the young people of the country. 

The Wind Ensemble will also perform “Unidad en Ritmo” by Latin jazz composer Michelle Fernandez. The Afro-Cuban/Afro-Latin composition celebrates the influences of Latin and African music, but also the cultures from which the music grew. This will be only the second performance of this piece. 

“Urban Light” by composer James M. David will also be performed by the Wind Ensemble. The piece was inspired by the iconic Los Angeles sculpture of the same name.

The Symphonic Band, also under the direction of Greig, will perform “Dancing in Air” by Japanese composer Yo Goto. The piece represents traditional Japanese sensibilities of dark and light and is a model of Japanese-influences wind ensemble writing. 

The Westminster College Wind Ensemble is a student ensemble that performs a wide variety of the most challenging established and new works. The Symphonic Band performs an electric mix of new and classic symphonic band repertoire. 

This concert is free and open to the public. 

For more information about the Wind Ensemble or the Symphonic Band, contact Greig at greigrt@westminster.edu or 724-946-7279. For more information about the School of Music, visit www.westminster.edu/music.  

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