The ETSU Wind Ensemble will give a free Homecoming concert on Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Adelphia Centre at Millennium Park.
The internationally acclaimed Wind Ensemble is ETSU’s premiere student wind and percussion ensemble.
The group will perform pieces that celebrate Homecoming, the contributions of veterans and Veterans Day.
“I think it is going to be an enjoyable program because of the variety of literature,” said Paul Hinman, director of university bands.
The concert will feature works including “Heroes, Lost and Fallen” which was written by David Gillingham as a tribute to Vietnam veterans. The Wind Ensemble will also perform “Variations on America” by Charles Ives.
Guest flute soloist Dr. Gerald Carey, a Chicago, Ill., resident, will perform on “Concertino for Flute and Band” by Cecile Chaminade.
Carey is, among other things, principal flutist of the Quad Cities Symphony, an international soloist and founding member of the Camarata Woodwind Quintet.
ETSU alumnus Matthew Richmond will perform as marimba soloist on “Concertino for Marimba and Band” by Paul Creston. After leaving ETSU, Richmond received a master’s degree in marimba performance from the Ithaca School of Music.
Hinman said musicians benefit from performing in the Wind Ensemble because the group’s size, which is relatively small compared to other concert bands, enables the musicians to showcase their individual skills.
The ensemble is composed of undergraduates and graduates, most of whom are music majors.
Participating in the Wind Ensemble is a demanding experience. Hinman said musicians must audition for each season they wish to remain in the group.
Hinman said he thinks those who come to the concert will recognize the talent and dedication of each of the musicians.
“There is a whole lot of audio and aesthetic stimulation,” he said.
Hinman said the concert could be one of the best opening-season concerts given by the Wind Ensemble.
“It could be a really amazing event,” he said.
The concert is sponsored by the department of music and the alumni office.
A reception will follow the concert. For more information, call 439-4276.