USM Symphonic Winds and Concert Band Concert Set for Oct. 9

As a way to start off the symphonic season, the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) presents the Symphonic Winds and Concert Band Concert on Oct. 9, at 7:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. This performance is free and open to the public.

Under the direction of Dr. James Standland, the concert band will begin the program with a variety of works all written by distinguished American composers.

The pieces performed will be American Overture by Joseph Jenkins, Irish Rhapsody by Clare Grundman, Undertow by John Mackey, Endless Rainbows by Brian Balmages, Nobles of the Mystic Shrine by Phillip Sousa, and The Roosters Lay Eggs in Kansas by Mayhue Lake.

The Symphonic Winds will follow the Concert Band with a program entitled TRIBUTES. Each piece of music featured on this concert is all written or performed in tribute to someone or someplace.

“Each piece was written and is being performed to recognize or celebrate something. The Suite from MASS, for instance, will be performed in honor of Leonard Bernstein's 100^th birthday this year,” said Associate Director of Bands Dr. Colin McKenzie. “This will be an evening filled with uplifting, reflective, and inspiring music by some of our most accomplished musical ambassadors in the School of Music.”

Pieces being performed by the Symphonic Winds under the direction of Dr. Colin McKenzie are Petite Symphonie by Charles Gounod, Hands Across the Sea by Phillip Sousa, Suite from MASS by Leonard Bernstein, and Of Our New Day Begun by Omar Thomas.

For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Rand at catherine.randFREEMississippi or call (601) 266-4990.