University Concert Band Holds Chamber Concert

(ABILENE, Texas)–The Hardin-Simmons University Concert Band ends each semester with a performance for the HSU community, but this year’s performance had a different structure than past years. Instead of the whole band playing onstage, the students performed in various ensembles during the Concert Band Chamber Concert held Nov. 21 in Woodward-Dellis Recital Hall.

“I decided to do this concert as a way for the students to get the opportunity to play more chamber music, which gives them a totally different experience than just playing in a full ensemble,” said Bill Harden, Assistant Professor of Music and Director of Bands. “In chamber music, each individual has to take more responsibility for their own individual part. It can be very fun!”

Among the smaller ensembles that performed were an oboe duet, a bassoon/bass clarinet duet, a clarinet trio, a clarinet quartet, several saxophone quartets, a brass quartet, and a brass quintet. Larger groups included the Brass Choir and the Woodwind Choir.

The Brass Choir performed “Fanfare” from La Peri by Paul Dukas and “Symphonie Sacrae” by Giovanni Gabrieli. The Woodwind Choir performed music from Queen of the Night Aria by W.A. Mozart. The Percussion Ensemble performed “Equal Fire” by Paul Bissell. Students also performed “Petite Symphonie” by Charles Gounod, featuring flute and pairs of oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns.

The final music performance of the semester was Kren Fernandes’ Master of Music recital on Dec. 7 at 1 p.m. in Woodward-Dellis. Spring performances include the Trombone Ensemble Concert and the HSU Spring Bands Concert.