The Wayne State College’s woodwind chamber and the symphonic band prepare to bring the noise to Ley Theatre and Ramsey Theatre on Nov. 7 and 12.
On Thursday, Nov. 7 WSC student woodwind and keyboard ensembles will feature flute, choir, clarinet ensemble and saxophone quintet directed by Karl Kolbeck, at 7:30 p.m. in the Ley Theatre. The keyboard ensemble will occur the same night, directed by associate professor of piano, Angela Miller-Niles. The wind ensemble will perform contemporary literature directed by Josh Calkin. The ensemble plays at special events on their annual tour in destinations such as Scotland, England, Chicago, Ireland, Austria and Italy. But on Nov. 7, they will be home playing to WSC and the community.
WSC student, Ella Lewis, will be playing the flute at the upcoming show. She proudly mentioned how she has been playing since the fourth grade. To prepare for the performance, the full band practices twice a week, for at least four hours each. Lewis auditioned through, as only a few made it into the woodwind chamber.
“I think our goal is to play the best we can,” Lewis said.
Following the woodwind ensemble, the symphonic band performance will take place Tuesday, Nov. 12, at 7:30 p.m. The WSC symphonic band concert will celebrate America with music including “Freedom’s Light” by James Swearingen, and the band will be conducted by Michael Genslinger.
WSC student Reilly Vrbka plays the flute and has been for the past nine years of her life. She said they practice every week on Tuesdays, while also having the opportunity to practice independently in band rooms.
“Despite being such a big band, it still feels so close,” Vrbka said. “As someone who is antisocial and a freshman, the band is still so welcoming.”
Lewis expressed her gratitude towards the band. “Band is a place for passion and acceptance.” Lewis said.
Support WSC band students on Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Ley Theatre in the Brandenburg education building for the woodwind chamber and keyboard ensembles, and Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Ramsey Theatre in Peterson Fine Arts for the symphonic band and woodwind ensemble.