On Friday, May 10, the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) Wind Symphony performed their final concert of the year at Robinson Theatre. The concert featured six pieces in a variety of genres.
Damian Johann, a senior clarinet player, said the group has been working on the concert for many months and that the performance has a distinct level of involvement.
“Wind Symphony has been preparing for this concert since we got back from spring break,” Johann said. “This concert is unique because we have several student conductors who each will be conducting a movement of a piece.”
While the performance was conducted by Calvin Hofer, the concert also featured student conductors Noah Graf, Brittani Kissner, Amanda Jones, Brian Peterson, Tori Welch and Adrianna Garcia.
The wind symphony’s repertoire included a wide variety of composers and styles. The program consisted of “Shortcut Home” by Dana Wilson, “Pacem — a Hymn for Peace” by Robert Spittal, “First Suite in E flat” in three movements by Gustav Holst, “Suite on Celtic Folk Songs” in three movements by Tomohiro Tatebe, “The Hope Within” by Benjamin Taylor and “Arabesque” by Samuel Hazo. Prior to each piece, a member of the ensemble would describe the background and meaning of the music.
The performance was Johann’s last with the wind symphony, and he said that being in the ensemble has helped him academically and socially.
“This ensemble has been immensely helpful in preparing me as a future music educator,” Johann said. “It has taught me so much about being a musician and being able to transfer that into my future teaching. It has also been a way for me to connect with my colleagues and people around campus through performance.”
The concert audience was filled with CMU students, faculty and community members, all coming together to partake in the musical experience.
“It is a way for us to connect with them,” Johann said. “Music is a way for us to connect with them in ways we otherwise cannot.”
While the music performance season at CMU is wrapping up for the year, musicians will continue to work and practice for upcoming seasons. Audition processes and repertoire selections will begin and more performances by the Wind Symphony and other ensembles will soon follow.
