With the clashing of the cymbals and whistling of the flutes, joy spread through the halls of the Martin Center for the beginning of the holiday season.

On Nov. 14, at 7:30 p.m. in the ETSU Grand Hall at the Martin Center, the ETSU Wind Ensemble and Concert Band performed their last fall semester concert. The bands’ concert was called “Give and Choose Joy.” The theme of the music was joy and dance. Admission was free; however, they did ask for donations at the door. There was security at the event.

“This exquisite work from these musicians,” said Dr. Joe Moore, associate professor of music and associate director of bands. “You honor us with your presence,”

The ETSU Concert Band performed “Kirkpatrick Fanfare” by Andrew Boysend Jr. and “Alleluia! Laudamus Te” by Alfred Reed, conducted by Mr. Reilly Fox. They also performed “Symphonic Triptych” by James Curnow and “Choose Joy!” By Randall Standridge, conducted by Dr. Joe Moore.

Photo of the last fall semester concert. (Contributed/ETSU)

There was a short intermission before the ETSU Wind Ensemble performed.

ETSU Wind Ensemble performed “Smetana Fanfare” by Karel Husa and “El Cumbanchero” by Rafael Hernadez, conducted by Dr. Christian Zembower, “Incantation and Dance” by John Barnes Chance, conducted by Mr. Reilly Fox and “Wedding Dance” by Jacques Press, conducted by Dr. Joe Moore.

“Very excited of this progress from both ensembles,” said Moore.

“There is such great talent,” said Zembower.

They would like to give special acknowledgments to Dr. Alan Stevens, Dr. Joe Bidwell, Patti Marlow, the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts and the ETSU Department of Music for their contributions. A special dedication was made to Elizabeth Holley on the piccolo.

The next concert is the ETSBOA All-East Conference in Gatlinburg, TN on Feb. 2, 2024. There will be two other concerts in the Grand Hall on March 5, 2024 and April 16, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. The conductors are looking forward to the All-East Conference, especially the prospects in music. They will be bringing current and past music, including music from “West Side Story.”

“We are starting and learning to incorporate this program for All-East,” said Dr. Christian Zembower, director of bands and professor of music at ETSU.

The concert ended with a thank you to the audience.

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