Wind Ensemble to present free ‘Americana’ concert

Feb. 15, 2017 | Music |

The Harding University Wind Ensemble will perform “Americana” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Administration Auditorium. Admission is free.

The wind instrument ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Mike Chance, is made up of more than 50 musicians performing on instruments such as flutes/piccolos, clarinets, bass clarinets, oboes, bassoons, saxophones, trumpets, horns, trombones, euphoniums, tubas, harp, piano and percussion.

"I am excited about this presentation of authentic American music, tailored for the modern wind band,” said Chance. “It is the same music one would hear by a fine military or professional band in larger concert venues.”

The concert of unique American music features guest baritone soloist Benjamin Rorabaugh who will sing a selection of five songs from the Old American Songs collection arranged by composer Aaron Copland. The highlight of the concert is the iconic “New England Triptcyh” by William Schumann, which consists of three Revolutionary War era folks tunes by William Billings: “Be Glad Then America,” “When Jesus Wept” and “Chester” (the unofficial national anthem of the colonies) arranged and set for wind band by Schumann. Other music included is “Marching Song of Democracy” by Percy Grainger, “American Overture” for Band by Joseph Wilcox Jenkins, and “National Emblem” March by E.E. Bagley.

For more information about upcoming events in the music department, visit www.harding.edu/music or call 501-279-4343 . To learn more about special events and other free and low cost services offered by the University, visit www.harding.edu/community .