A BJU Autumn Tradition: Symphonic Wind Band Concert

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Symphonic Wind Band Concert at the gazebo

BJU Fine Arts kicks off its concert series with an open-air Symphonic Wind Band concert at 6 p.m. October 4. This semester’s concert, entitled “Made in America,” features pieces by all-American composers, including songs familiar and unfamiliar, old and new.

Dr. Dan Turner conducts Symphonic Wind Band concert at the gazebo

The outdoor Symphonic Wind Band concert is a long-standing BJU autumn tradition. Concert attendees gather on the lawn surrounding the white gazebo behind the Alumni building that serves as the band’s stage. Years ago, before the gazebo’s construction, Dr. Dan Turner conducted the concert on the Gallery Green. But once the gazebo arrived, he discovered the perfect opportunity to create a classic band concert experience for the audience. Turner served as the band’s director for each year’s outdoor performance. This year’s opening Symphonic Wind Band concert will be the first such public concert in BJU history directed by Dr. Bruce Cox since Turner’s retirement last spring.

Live symphonic wind band concerts are special because, according to Cox, they’re part of “a long and cherished American tradition, so there is a great history of it, especially through the nation’s military bands. The repertoire is uniquely different from orchestral repertoire. You’ll hear sound colors created at a band concert that you won’t hear at an orchestral concert.

“There’s just an energy to witnessing any live concert. It’s better than YouTube, watching a player in person struggle with the demands of a live concert—turning a page quickly (or looking at the director). If you have a curious mind, you’ll enjoy it.

“These students deserve a good audience. (They) are a joy to work with and they are fine musicians.”

Cox built dynamic contrasts into this semester’s concert. You’ll hear spirited pieces alongside beautiful slow pieces, including a Sousa march and a setting of “God of Our Fathers” arranged by a staff composer/arranger for the U.S. Marine Band. Cox includes new compositions alongside old standards; Eric Whitaker’s “October” (2000) joins the American folk classic “Shenandoah” on the program. The fall concert also features unfamiliar tunes composed by familiar composers: the program includes two tunes by John Williams, including his lesser-known ”Sound the Bells.”

On October 4, head to the BJU gazebo with your lawn chairs and picnic basket to enjoy the autumn Symphonic Wind Band Concert, “Made in America.” This concert is free of charge. In the event of rain, the concert will relocate to Stratton Hall.

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