Mid-Winter Concert Features Modern, Classical Works
Kaity Collins
Manchester is ready to say goodbye to Winter and hello to Spring.
Tonight the university will be hosting Mid-Winter, A University Bands Concert, an event featuring symphonic and jazz musical performances. One of the annual concerts presented by the Department of Music, the bands will not just consist of students and alumni; anyone is welcome to perform and watch. In fact, 40 musicians will be performing in both music bands; 37 of them are students and three are community members.
“We always welcome any community members to play,” said Scott Humphries, band conductor and assistant professor of music.
Not all of the Jazz and Symphonic Band musicians are music majors, either. “The concert is made up predominately of non-music majors,” Humphries said. “You don’t have to be a music major to play in an ensemble.”
The band members have been practicing their pieces and are proud of their progress. Manuel Hernandez, first-year psychology major and trumpet player, said: “Everyone is doing well, and I think everybody’s ready.”
Humphries agrees. “We all worked very hard for this concert,” he said. “There will be classic literature pieces from each band, and both will present works of good classical literature for both ensembles.”
The Mid-Winter, A University Bands Concert is a Music Department feature performance that ties both campus and community together, demonstrating a sense of pride for the musicians. “To me, it’s always been for fun,” Hernandez said. “It’s something I’ve enjoyed doing.”
The event will take place tonight (March 9) in Cordier Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. with free admission. Both the Music Department and musicians are looking forward to a good turnout this year. “Come out and support your fellow students,” Humphries said.
Hernandez encourages attendees as well. “I hope a lot of people show up,” he said. “I’m not really nervous, so please come.”
Even students who plan to attend are excited and feel a sense of pride. “I think it’s a great way to get the community together,” sophomore Natalie Collins said.