Student musicians connect with high schools, university on spring tour

North Central College’s Concert Winds ensemble, involving some 90 students, embarked on a spring concert tour in mid-April. The tour included performances and workshops at several local and Indiana high schools, a combined concert with Trine University’s Wind Ensemble in Angola, Ind., and a final performance on North Central’s campus.  

The Concert Winds performs its final show of the tour in Wentz Concert Hall at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 18. Repertoire includes several orchestral compositions, ranging from “Slava” by Leonard Bernstein to “Symphony No. 1” by Daniel Bukvich. Tickets are $5/adults and $3/students; call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

The tour kicked off Monday morning, April 15, when the Concert Winds performed several musical pieces for the band at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. The next stop on the tour was Angola and Triune University, whose Wind Ensemble performed songs for the Concert Winds in an evening concert.

The tour continued Tuesday, April 16, to Albion, Ind. The Concert Winds played several selections for the band at Central Noble High School. After the concert, the two bands engaged in a clinic with members of the Concert Winds assisting high school students with musical pieces they’re learning.

“Members of our band are outstanding,” said Lawrence Van Oyen, North Central’s professor of music and director of bands. “The tour gave us an opportunity to perform off campus and build our reputation with the high school band directors and their students.”

By Troy Kelleher ’16