The Central Washington University Department of Music will present two spring concerts featuring three different performance ensembles next week in the McIntyre Music Building, according to a May 27 announcement.
On Tuesday, June 2, the CWU Symphonic Band and Concert Band will hold a free event at 7 p.m. in the Hertz Concert Hall. On Thursday, June 4, the CWU Wind Ensemble will perform another free concert titled “The Road Is Life,” also at 7 p.m. in the same venue.
The first half of the June 2 program will feature the CWU Concert Band under Kyle Edwards. The concert promises a diverse program with works by Adolphus Hailstork, Josef Franz Wagner, Alex Shapiro, Jay Gilbert, George Frideric Handel, and Adam Gorb. Second-year master’s conducting student Eric Mills is also scheduled to appear on the program.
In the second half of Tuesday’s concert, audiences will hear from the CWU Symphonic Band led by Director of Bands Dr. T. André Feagin. This portion explores cornerstone works of wind band tradition as well as contemporary compositions by Peter Mennin, Philip Sparke, Jennifer Jolley, Percy Grainger, and James M. David.
Two nights later on June 4, Dr. Feagin directs his final performance as Director of Bands with the Wind Ensemble presenting pieces by Eric Whitacre, Ulysses S. Kay, and David Maslanka; first-year graduate conducting student Tyler White is also featured on this program.
A highlight for Thursday’s concert is composer Dr. James M. David serving as composer-in-residence for his Symphony No. 2 “The Road is Life.” During his residency, he collaborates with both students and faculty throughout rehearsals leading up to this culminating performance that marks both an artistic achievement for the ensemble and a moment recognizing Dr. Feagin’s six years of leadership.