Members of the Northwestern Oklahoma State University Wind Ensemble and Jazz Ensemble will present their spring band concert, “Sounds of Nature,” on Saturday, March 5, at 7 p.m. in Herod Hall Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.
Dr. Michael Black, director of bands and assistant professor of music, said the concert will feature compositions by a diverse group of modern composers.
The Wind Ensemble will play “Flourish for Wind Band” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss” by David Holsinger, “Chasing Sunlight” by Cait Nishimura, “Shenandoah” arranged by Omar Thomas, and “Snakes!” by Thomas Duffy.
“We are working on a lot of awesome pieces for this upcoming concert,” said April Schultz, a junior social work major from Cinnaminson, New Jersey. “They are super fun to play, which makes rehearsal go by quick. Dr. Black has done an excellent job of growing the band’s sound and perfecting it. I am super excited for this spring concert because it will be my last one, and I think we will do absolutely amazing.”
The Jazz Ensemble will play “Emancipation Blues” by Oliver Nelson.
“Taking part in the Northwestern Ranger Band has shown me how greatly diverse the group is,” said Caleb Kaiser, a freshman instrumental music education major from Enid. “With that being said, we all come together to produce this beautiful, warm sound of harmony that can move people in ways that nothing else can. I can’t wait to share what beauty we’ve achieved and share it to the world.”
Black noted that the students have been rehearsing for many hours each week to prepare for this performance and are excited to show the community the progress the band has been making.
Before the university students take the stage for their concert, nearly 300 middle and high school students will be performing in the 2022 Red Carpet Honor Band at 1:30 p.m. that also is free and open to the public.
For more information about the band program at Northwestern, contact Black at (580)327–8191 or email mcblack@nwosu.edu. Additional information may be found at www.www.nwosu.edu/school-of-arts-and-sciences/fine-arts/bands-and-instrumental-music.
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