Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2004
The Westminster College Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. R. Tad Greig, will perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Conference.
"Our Wind Ensemble was offered Friday, April 30, at 1:20 p.m.," Greig said. "It's the most prestigious spot in the conference because it will be followed by an address from the Secretary of Education."
Westminster was one of 25 groups chosen from 150 audition recordings sent last fall.
"This is the first time a large instrumental ensemble from Westminster received such a distinction," Greig said. "Commonly, the college instrumental groups are chosen from larger schools and universities, most of whom have graduate programs, as well as undergraduate programs."
"I'm extremely proud of the Wind Ensemble, the literature that they are able to perform, and the seriousness with which our students approach their performances," Greig continued. "As a representative of Westminster, we want to let our colleagues know that our Music Department and musical opportunities here are current, comprehensive, and extremely competitive with other institutions of higher learning regardless of size."
While at the conference, Greig will deliver a lecture, "Warming up: Training for Future Success," which focuses on the use of the initial time in ensemble rehearsals when ensemble directors prepare their students for the rehearsal class. Greig will use the Westminster College Wind Ensemble to demonstrate various techniques to help engage students, to help warm up the minds of the students, as well as their instruments, and to develop proficiencies that will lead to enhanced learning.
Other instrumental ensembles include the Titan Marching Band, The Symphonic Band, Orchestra, and Jazz Ensemble.
The state music convention regularly draws over 1,000 music educators from Pennsylvania and surrounding states who attend to see the finest ensembles in the state, and to attend various sessions and seminars to help enhance and promote music and music education.
For more information, contact Greig at (724) 946-7279 or e-mail greigrt@westminster.edu.
