The West Virginia University Wind Symphony, a select group of the finest wind and percussion performers at the University, will present a concert Tuesday, Nov. 13. It will feature two selections that pay tribute to American heroes in honor of Veteran’s Day.
The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Lyell B. Clay Concert Theatre of the Creative Arts Center.
It will be conducted by John Hendricks III, Christopher J. Nichter, and graduate student Johnny Leonard III.
The Wind Symphony performs at a near-professional level presenting at least four concerts each year comprised of the finest classical and contemporary wind literature.
The program includes:
“Toccata and Fugue in D Minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach, one of the most famous organ works of all time that has been skillfully transcribed for the modern concert band.
“Omniscience,” which was composed in the spring of 2012 by WVU senior music composition student Adam S. Plantz. The piece is dedicated to his high school band, George Washington High School in Charleston, W.Va.
“Eternal Father, Strong to Save” by Claude T. Smith, which was written for and dedicated to the U. S. Navy Band. This work features dramatic fanfares and a fugue lead to a reverent scoring of the Navy Hymn.
“Godspeed!” by Stephen Melillo, an exciting piece that contains many emotions, ranging from youthful exhilaration to hectic confusion and zeal, and from prayerful reverence to a glorious and triumphal finale.
“Symphony for Band” (West Point Symphony) by Morton Gould. This piece is regarded as a cornerstone in the wind band repertoire and was composed for the celebration marking 150 years of progress at the United States Military Academy at West Point. The work pays tribute to generations of Army soldiers.
“The Engulfed Cathedral” by Claude Debussy, which is one of his most popular works. It was originally scored for piano and depicts an old legend from Brittany of a sea-engulfed cathedral that rises from the water each day at sunrise, only to sink slowly back into the ocean at day’s end.
John Hendricks III is the conductor of the WVU Wind Symphony. He serves as director of bands in the WVU School of Music and is also assistant dean in the College of Creative Arts.
Christopher J. Nichter is assistant director of both the WVU Marching Band and the Basketball Pep Band, and works with all the three of concert band ensembles.
Johnny Leonard III is currently a graduate assistant with the WVU Band program and will graduate in May 2013 with a master’s degree in Applied Conducting.
For concert tickets and information, call the WVU Box Office at (304) 293-SHOW.
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cl/11/07/12
CONTACT: Charlene Lattea, College of Creative Arts
304-293-4359, Charlene.Lattea@mail.wvu.edu
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