USM Wind Ensemble Celebrates Bernstein with Oct. 10 Concert

The University of Southern Mississippi's (USM) Wind Ensemble pays tribute to great American composer Leonard Bernstein with its opening concert on Oct. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in Bennett Auditorium on the Hattiesburg campus. This concert is free, and all are welcome to attend and enjoy this exciting evening of music.

Celebrate the 100^th birthday of the legendary composer as the Wind Ensemble, and their conductor Dr. Catherine Rand, perform Bernstein's best: the iconic Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, Profanation from Jeremiah, Symphony No. 1, and the beautiful “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide. Profanation will conducted by Mark Johnson, a graduate conducting student at Southern Miss.

“While we love so much of Bernstein's music, the students have really enjoyed the dances from West Side Story,” said director of bands and associate professor of music Dr. Catherine Rand. “This concert will be a night to remember. We have been working hard to bring to life the musical characters that are portrayed in favorite tunes from “Somewhere” to “Mambo.”

Other pieces on the program are Paul Hindemith's Turandot (Scherzo) from Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria von Weber and James M. Stephenson's Concerto for Hope for Trumpet and Wind Ensemble, mov. 3. The concert will be performed by School of Music faculty artist, Dr. Timothy Tesh.

For more information contact Dr. Catherine Rand at catherine.randFREEMississippi or call 601.266.4990.