NW Missouri Times

Northwest Missouri State University will host a spring concert featuring its Concert Band and Concert Choir on Tuesday, April 15. The event starts at 7 p.m. in the Charles Johnson Theater at the Olive DeLuce Fine Arts Building and is open to the public at no charge.

Dr. William Sutton, assistant professor of music, emphasized the importance of the musical community at the university, stating, “Northwest boasts a vibrant and inclusive music community that fosters connections across campus and throughout the surrounding area. Supporting this community further advances our mission of providing enriching experiences for students while preparing future music educators.”

The Concert Choir, led by Dr. Adam Zrust, assistant professor of choral music education, will begin the performance. Their repertoire includes Emma Lou Diemer’s “Three Madrigals,” Joseph Martin’s “Come to the Music,” John Clement’s “Flower of Beauty,” William Dawson’s “Soon-ah-will be Done” and Brian Tate’s “Mojuba.”

Following the choir, the Concert Band, directed by Sutton, will perform pieces such as Adrian Sims’ “A Place Like Home,” David Bobrowitz’s “Caves of Sacromonte,” Jerry Bilik’s “Block M” and Jesse Browning’s “In Ali’s Abyssi (World Premiere).”

The concert will conclude with both ensembles performing Johan de Meji’s “African Harmony.” Dr. Zrust highlighted the opportunity for student conductors, saying, “This performance features many student conductors in both Concert Choir and Concert Band – a wonderful opportunity for our Northwest students.”

The Concert Band, established in 2021, includes a diverse range of instruments and is open to all Northwest students, employees, and community members without auditions. It offers two concerts each in the fall and spring semesters. The Concert Choir, formed in 2024, provides pre-service music teachers with hands-on teaching experience and also welcomes students and community members with no auditions required.

For more information about Northwest musical ensembles and upcoming performances, visit the Northwest Missouri State University website.