The Symphonic Band will hold its annual Fall Concert tomorrow night. Although the marching band has been practicing since mid-August, this concert will mark the first time the current members of the Symphonic Band will be able to showcase their material.
The occasion will also mark the first concert band performance for new director, Adam Hilkert.
“I love my students,” Hilkert said. “They’re dedicated and devoted people. I’m looking forward to this concert.”
Hilkert also pointed out the short amount of time the band had to prepare the pieces. The Faculty Jazz Band will also be performing. The band will consist of the marching band instructors and teachers from local middle schools.
“We had to choose repertoire that wouldn’t be too challenging for them to put together in just a couple of months,” Hilkert said.
New band members like freshman Nicholas Mortensen also high hopes for the performance.
“My main goal is to make something that sounds good,” Mortensen said.
The band will perform selections including Shadows of the Equinox by Robert Sheldon, The Corcoran Cadets March by John Philip Sousa, Summer Resounding! by Brian Balmages and The Star-Spangled Banner arranged by Jack Stamp.
The various pieces were chosen to reflect the new season, as well as for their importance to music overall. The Star-Spangled Banner in particular was selected because Stamp was Hilkert’s teacher while the latter was completing his Master’s Degree in Conducting.
Marching band members, including senior French horn player J.P. Dusek, approved of the song choices..
“I’m hoping we get a one at Festival. I just want to see the band grow because it’s my senior year,” Dusek said. “I want to see that the band is left in good shape for the future.”
