Spring is Concert Sensation Time
There is nothing quite like a group of musicians made up of both St. Lawrence University students and North Country residents. While the university loves to boast about its community relations with the Canton locals, there are few places where this is more prevalent than music ensembles like the St.Lawrence University Wind Ensemble, St. Lawrence University String Orchestra, St. Lawrence Community Gospel Choir, and St. Lawrence Choral Society. The skill levels of individuals in these ensembles vary greatly, but the ensembles are generally accepting of anyone who has a passion for making music.
On Sunday, April 14, SLUSO’s performance, directed by Chris Hosmer in Peterson-Kermani Hall, was a tremendous success. Nearly every seat was filled as students and community members gathered to hear the work of 60+ musicians play, commemorating 20 years as an ensemble. Selections included a “Mamma Mia!” medley, “Bohemian Rhapsody,” and several themes from the beloved “Star Wars” series. The ensemble also performed at the Russel Theatre in Russel, New York on April 12 and Pickens Hall in Heuvelton, New York on April 13.
The next major performance for instrumental music is the upcoming Wind Ensemble concert, performing in Peterson-Kermani Hall at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23. It is not required to reserve tickets beforehand, but it is best to arrive early to get the best seats in the house. The repertoire consists of particularly emotional music, such as “One Life Beautiful” by Julie Giroux and “Air for Band” by Frank Erickson, a well-known 20th-century composer. It is a performance you don’t want to miss. The ensemble is the largest it’s been since the pre-pandemic era. There are professors, students and campus characters in the ensemble you’ll be sure to recognize!
When I first joined Wind Ensemble as a first-year, I thought I would show up for three hours a week, play my clarinet, and leave. It turned into so much more when I realized the community members there have a deep love for the art we make, going beyond the necessary rehearsal hours to practice their parts and make it more enjoyable for everyone. As a student, I do not have much time dedicated to practicing outside of rehearsal. However, the community members, many of them retired, have time during the day to perfect their music. Our ensemble would be nothing without their dedication and passion.
Wind Ensemble accepts new members every semester. Director Theresa Witmer is always on the lookout for more instrumentalists, but in the fall semester she is particularly interested in French horn players and percussionists. If you or someone you know wants to join, email twitmer@stlawu.edu for more information. Come hear what we’ve been working towards all semester on Tuesday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Peterson-Kermani Hall.