A weekend of great music from the Westminster College Instrumental Ensembles
It has again come to that time of the year when our seniors will be performing in their final concert.  The time is always bittersweet for me.  Knowing that these outstanding individuals will soon be making their mark on the world is something that I am truly proud to see.  On the other hand, I say goodbye to young people who, over the past four years, have made a deep and lasting impression on me and on Westminster.  I hope that you will be able to join us for an outstanding weekend of concerts.
Friday, April 29, 7:30 p.m. in Will W. Orr Auditorium , The Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band Combined "Celebrate the Seniors" Concert will be held.  This concert will feature a wide variety of outstanding literature for both groups.  We will also feature Dr. Nancy Zipay-DeSalvo on a wonderful work for 24 winds and piano entitled "Introduction and Capriccio" from the pen of John Barnes Chance.  Additionally we have a premiere.  I contracted composer Cormac Cannon to take the Westminster Hymn (our Alma Mater) and re-arrange it more fully for ensemble.  He has done a wonderful job, and the newly arranged "Westminster Hymn" will be performed by a combined band at the conclusion of the concert for the first time.
The Wind Ensemble will be performing a very interesting contemporary work by Michael Torke entitled "Grand Central Station".  A very pointelistic structure based upon only a three-note rhythmic motif takes the ensemble through a very rhythmically challenging composition.  Contrast this with the "Folksongs Set #3" by David Stanhope.  Much like the compositions of Percy Grainger, this work was composed from the folk singer perspective which makes interpretation a great challenge. 
The Wind Ensemble then performs a beautiful ballad from Eric Whitacre entitled "Sleep".  This hauntingly beautiful work is a true communicative effort between conductor and musician.  Slightly different each time it is performed, it is a wonderful teaching piece and, even more, a beautiful piece to listen to.  The Wind Ensemble will close with a piece best described as a "high-speed romp".  "Clowns", by Philip Parker is extremely difficult, yet extremely fun.
The Symphonic Band will open with a very energized composition entitled "Danse Celestiale", by modern composer Robert Sheldon.  This work features a very challenging melodic line in both the first and third sections, complemented by a beautiful slow middle section.  The Symphonic Band then performs a work by Samuel Barber originally composed as an Art Song, then re-arranged by Richard Saucedo for winds. 
"Sure on This Shining Light" will give you an opportunity to hear the musicality of the ensemble.  Featuring a varied treatment of the melody by different instrumental timbres, this piece allows for the instrumentalists to "play from the heart". 
One of the most prolific band composers throughout the 1960s and 70s was Claude T. Smith.  His "Concert Variations" balances between warm, homophonic passages and articulate, driving melodic lines.
The Symphonic Band will also perform a new composition.  Published in 2004, Mark Camphouse's "Yosemite Autumn", paints a beautiful picture of the many marvels of nature within this area of the country.  His use of musical color is simply outstanding. 
In December, we had the pleasure of welcoming Mr. Camphouse to Westminster to work with our own Wind Ensemble.  This provided our students with an opportunity to listen to and work with one of the world's top instrumental composers.  Finally a march from the March King, John Philip Sousa.  The Symphonic Band will perform "Sabre and Spurs".  This march was written in 1918 and dedicated to the U. S. Calvary.
The concert will conclude, as mentioned above, with our brand new setting of the Westminster College Alma Mater, 'Westminster Hymn."

The Jazz Ensemble performs at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 30 in the Berlin Lounge of the McKelvey Campus Center.  Featured on this concert will be senior Kate Duncan singing "Almost Like Being in Love".  Also, we will feature our new Saxophone Instructor Jim Flowers, in the Thad Jones, Mel Lewis classic "Big Dipper".  The ensemble will also perform the music of Chic Corea, Count Basie and more.

 I hope that you will join us for this celebration of wonderful music and wonderful musicians.

Contact Dr. Greig for more information at (724)946-7279 or e-mail him at greigrt@westminster.edu.

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