Caroline Wilkerson ~ Staff Writer
On Friday, Sept. 20th, 2019 at 7:00 p.m., students of the University of Lynchburg Wind Symphony and Orchestra performed in Sydnor Performance Hall.
The performance was titled “I’ve Got Rhythm,” which included a variety of different dance pieces, as well as performances by the University of Lynchburg musical theatre ensemble, Curtain Call directed by Loretta Wittman.
Elena Fergusson, a senior, who attended the concert said, “I have attended many of the University of Lynchburg Wind Symphony and Orchestra concerts since my sophomore year, and they never cease to amaze me. Although this concert was shorter than most, forty-five minutes of music felt like five minutes, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time.”
The music played during the performance, included Masque by Francis McBeth, “Nobody” from Bandstand by Richard Oberacker, “Danzon” from the Fancy Free Ballet by Leonard Bernstein, The Waltzing Cat by Leroy Anderson, “Can-Can” from Orpheus in the Underworld by Jacques Offenbach, and “Hoedown” from The Rodeo Ballet by Aaron Copland.
Kimberly Mendez, senior, and another attendee of the concert said, “I just felt like dancing. You could not help but start moving in your seat when the music was playing.”
All of the music played throughout the evening was a representation of dance throughout different generations. For example, according to a commentary from David Goza, Director of Orchestral Activities at the University of Arkansas, Masque by Francis McBeth, “refers to a type of courtly entertainment much favored in sixteenth and seventeenth century England, involving acting, singing, ballet, acrobatics, and elaborate costumes and sets.The McBeth work aims to capture the spirit of those diversions without any specific reference.” Furthermore, The Waltzing Cat by Leroy Anderson had a dance-like feel that included cat sounds from the percussion and other instrumentalists.
Nina Caldwell, a sophomore and violinist, said, “This concert was shorter than some of our other ones. The full orchestra only played about four pieces, but we had some good variety in what we played! There were some showtunes, western songs, and some that everyone recognized, like the Can-Can. The concert was a great way to showcase the wind symphony and orchestra to the guests on parents weekend.
Claire Steger, a junior violinist, added, “I really enjoyed the way that we were able to take up new music just a couple weeks before the concert and still put on an amazing performance. I loved the change of pace and the different styles of music that we were able to put on the program!”
Dr. Oeida Hatcher concluded the concert saying to the roaring audience, “We need this crowd back for all of our concerts!”
The next Wind Symphony and Orchestra performance will be a holiday performance on Wednesday, Dec. 11th, Thursday, Dec. 12th, and Friday, Dec. 13th.
