On Tuesday evening March 4, students, faculty, and local residents came together for a campus concert at the Bicknell Performing Arts Center. The ensemble showcased diversity and student achievement. The program featured the university’s wind symphonic ensemble as well as a classical Hispanic music group. They played modern pieces, folk music, and marches.
The evening began with a welcome from the ensemble’s director, Dr. Jobey Wilson, who spoke about the band’s dual role in performing and building community. Many members are music education majors who gain valuable stage and instrument experience through these events.
“One of the things I really love about this ensemble is that many of the students are future music educators. They have to learn to teach and play many different instruments, and this gives them the opportunity to gain that hands-on experience,” Wilson said.
As the program continued, students played pieces that showcased their technical skills and their ability to tell stories through music. Early in the event, they performed “Industrial Grooves,” a modern piece inspired by the sounds and rhythms of machines. Originally written for a community group in New Jersey, it reflects the experiences of workers from many industrial backgrounds.
This piece begins with a simple mechanical rhythm. Quickly, more instruments layer in, imitating machines gradually powering up on a factory floor. By the finale, the ensemble creates a unified musical blend, demonstrating how many unique parts can together form a unique single, cohesive sound.
Adding further variety to the concert, the program also featured cultural music performed by a Hispanic ensemble, directed by piano professor Isaac Hernandez and created through a campus initiative. Made up of students, alumni, and community members, the group is part of a project to share Hispanic music traditions and introduce new works inspired by them.
One featured piece was “Amigo,” a modern work that highlighted the trumpet section. It mixed current musical styles with Latin influences. The trumpet solo stood out and was especially memorable for the audience. After the concert, Music education major Dallas Hall reflected on his experience in the ensemble.
Hall, who mainly plays jazz, said the wind ensemble showed its versatility during the concert. “I’m mainly a jazz musician, I play trumpet in various ensembles, including wind ensemble, orchestra, and recently as second trumpet in the intercollegiate band. It’s great to perform in so many different settings.” Hall said.
When asked which piece made the biggest impression, Hall picked “Amigo.” “That one’s my favorite, It’s in a good key for me and lets me express myself. I love the trumpet tones in that piece,” Hall said.
To build on the evening’s musical connections, the audience was also invited to upcoming campus events, such as the university’s annual jazz festival, further supporting the community spirit fostered by the concert.
A lively march by the Symphonic Band brought the concert to a close. Before the finale, Wilson thanked the campus events staff and praised students for their dedication throughout the semester.
“It’s a strong band, Everyone here really cares about the music,” Wilson said.
The performance left a lasting impression, reminding everyone that campus concerts are vital for student growth and community connection. By uniting people through music, these events inspire both pride in student talent and appreciation for cultural diversity; a spirit carried forward beyond the concert hall.