University Band Spring Concert Provides Variety of Musical Genres

Clarinet, Extra Curricular, Jazz, and Percussion Ensembles Also Performed

 

MEDIA CONTACT: David Thompson, dlthompson@bowiestate.edu, 301-860-4311

(BOWIE, Md.) – Music lovers got a rare treat listening to compositions written by some of the music world’s most renowned composers at the University Band’s Spring Symphonic Concert,  highlighted by feature performances from several ensembles in the Recital Hall of the Bowie State University Fine and Performing Arts Center on Thursday, April 21.

The percussion ensemble began the evening with their rendition of “Tomfoolery” by Wes Stephens followed by the clarinet ensemble’s interpretation of “Menuet in G” by Johann Sebastian Bach which received a rousing applause from the nearly full-house audience. Dan Forest’s “Good Night, Dear Heart” was performed by the Extra-Curricular Ensemble.

The full Concert Band took the stage following the ensembles, which is usually not the norm. University Band Director Billy R. Bennett says he wanted to do something different after being unable to have students perform on stage for two years due to COVID.

“I wanted to come out of our comfort zone and change things up,” said Bennett. “Marching band is totally different from concert band. Our students look forward to performing on the stage because it demonstrates their ability to play a variety of music genres. That’s why I decided to highlight the various sections and soloists and began the concert with our small ensembles,” he said.

Those waiting for the entire university symphonic band to perform were not disappointed as they played “A Quiet Journey Home” and “In His Grace” by Ayatey Shabazz, a young composer based in Biloxi, Mississippi. But you can’t have a concert without recognizing and performing songs composed by the great Duke Ellington, known for his orchestral big band jazz arrangements. The Concert Band played the Ellington classic “Come Sunday” and the Jazz Ensemble performed “Heaven.”

The Jazz Ensemble closed-out the evening with “Freedom Dance” by the late saxophonist Eddie Harris, “Public Eye” by trumpeter Roy Hargrove, and “Spanish Go Round” by saxophonist Kenny Garrett.

“Our students, particularly the seniors who have been with us for four years, left the Recital Hall feeling good about their performance,” said Bennett. “The big plus is that some of our returning underclassmen are already talking about next year’s concert and how to make it better.”

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