NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University is set to host a concert featuring its Symphonic Band and Wind Symphony on February 27 at the Mary Linn Auditorium, located in the Ron Houston Center for the Performing Arts. The event will begin at 7 p.m. and is open to the public free of charge.

The Symphonic Band, led by Shelby Shelton, will perform a variety of pieces including “Cyprian Suite” by Carol Barnett, “Ballad for Aisha” by Kimberly Archer, and “Nightmare Fuel” by Mat Campbell. These selections range from Serbian folk songs to compositions depicting childhood innocence and adventurous themes.

The Wind Symphony, under the baton of Dr. Katy Strickland, who holds the Dennis C. Dau Professorship of Instrumental Music at Northwest, will present works such as “‘March’ from Symphonic Metamorphosis” by Paul Hindemith (transcribed by Keith Wilson), “Themes from ‘Green Bushes’” by Percy Grainger (arranged by Larry Daehn), “One Life Beautiful” by Julie Giroux, and “Fluffy Ruffles” by George H. Green (arranged by William L. Cahn). The latter piece will feature Shelton as a xylophone soloist.

Dr. Strickland explained that performing “One Life Beautiful” serves as a tribute to faculty members in the Department of Fine and Performing Arts. She noted that "the title is a double-entendre," aiming to reflect both the beauty and preciousness of life amidst recent events affecting department faculty.

The Symphonic Band remains active throughout the spring semester, offering performances that include modern wind compositions and lighter pop music selections. Open to all students at Northwest, it presents two concerts each spring semester.

As Northwest’s premier wind ensemble, the Wind Symphony performs an array of standard selections spanning various styles and periods alongside contemporary wind band repertoire.

For more information about musical ensembles at Northwest Missouri State University, visit their website.