HOUGHTON, NY – The Houghton College Wind Ensemble will present a free, public concert on Saturday, February 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Wesley Chapel.
The evening’s program will juxtapose high energy, modern music with simple, melodious compositions. The ensemble will play several pieces that span from the 18th to 20th centuries. Among the pieces are “Divertimento,” a jazz-infused piece by Roger Cichy; Frank Ticheli’s ensemble arrangement for the classic hymn “Amazing Grace;” and “Festivo” by Edward Gregson, a fast-paced piece from 1987 that incorporates both traditional and modern elements.
The ensemble is conducted by Dr. Timothy McGarvey, professor of conducting, director of instrumental activities, and wind ensemble conductor at Houghton. “The inspiration for this collection of music comes from a variety of things,” says McGarvey. “I am looking for interesting and varied music from many different styles that fit this ensemble and that takes them and an audience on a fascinating musical adventure.”
Dr. Armenio Suzano, dean and director of the Greatbatch School of Music, will perform as the featured soloist for Giocchino Rossini’s “Introductions, Themes, and Variations,” a staple of a clarinetist’s repertoire.
The Houghton Wind Ensemble (HWE) is one of the major ensembles of the Greatbatch School of Music. It is comprised of both music and non-music majors and performs several times throughout the year. HWE seeks to expose its students and audiences to the highest quality music written for wind and percussion instruments.
