Spring concert split into a two night event
It is a typical band rehearsal. The percussion section scurries around gathering last minute bells and whistles while the rest of the symphonic begins to warm up. Shortly after 5 p.m., conductor Dr. Ronda DePriest calls everyone to attention.
“Okay everyone, let’s get started,” she says. “We only have a few more practices until the big night of the concert.”
With that, everyone flips open their binders to the first song of the day. The reality that the spring concerts are soon is quickly settling in.
“We spent most of the first half of the semester getting ready for the inauguration,” said Melanie Catana, director of choral music and instructor of vocal music. “Now we are completely focused on preparing for the spring concert.”
The spring concert was broken into two nights, with a musical scavenger hunt to connect them. The concert choir will perform on April 24 and the Symphonic band will play on April 25.
According to DePriest, chair of the Department of Fine Arts, the concerts used to be held in the Goodwin Performing Arts Center as a joint effort. This will be the first time the groups will perform separately.
“We feel like the band and choir are strong enough to stand on their own now,” said DePriest. “With two different concerts it will help people to focus and process what each group does.”
Separating the groups has presented challenges in addition to benefits. Each group is working on more intense songs and stretching their abilities.
“The Symphonic band partnered with one of the digital arts classes to put together something that has never been done on this campus,” said DePriest.
Andrew Heisey, assistant professor of art and director of the art program said his class animated a stop motion film to the song “Cartoon.” It will be shown on the screen as the symphonic band plays during the concert.
Members of the symphonic band and art program are not the only students being stretched.
“I have been giving the students harder and harder pieces this semester to help them grow as musicians,” said Catana. “They have surprised themselves with what they can do.”
This year, the smaller ensembles will also perform in conjunction with the big groups.
“I am looking forward to having the smaller ensembles performing with us this year,” said Catana. “It will add a really nice mix of style and voices to the program.”
For some, the concerts will be their last performance at Waynesburg.
“It’s a bittersweet thing to see my time with the choir coming to an end,” said Danielle Wise, senior and member of the choir.
Tickets for the spring concert on April 24 and 25 should be reserved ahead of time through Ticketleap. For more information, contact Ronda DePriest.