The Symphonic Band of Lebanon Valley College to present "American Diversities" Apr. 26

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The symphonic band rehearses in Lutz Hall in preparation for their concert

ANNVILLE, PA (04/17/2014)(readMedia)-- The Lebanon Valley College Symphonic Band will perform their annual spring concert on Sunday, Apr. 27 at 3 p.m. in Lutz Hall of the Blair Music Center. The performance is free and open to the public.

Symphonic Band is an ensemble held during the spring semester. Many students of diverse academic disciplines participate in the ensemble, and present a concert at the end of the term. This year, the ensemble is presenting its program titled "American Diversities." The concert will showcase the works of American composers and music.

Starting the concert is "Shortcut Home" by Dana Wilson. A rousing and elaborate fanfare that features each section of the ensemble, the piece draws upon various jazz styles. The music proclaims and cascades, always driving toward the "home" of the final, C major chord. Next, the ensemble will perform Frank Ticheli's "Shenandoah," a work inspired by the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. Student conductor Andy Kittleson '15 will conduct this piece.

The feature of the concert is "Suite of Old American Dances" by Robert Russell Bennett, a five-movement work that reflects on popular dances of the 1949 era. Originally titled "Electric Park," the suite also serves as homage to an amusement park in Kansas City that Bennett recalled from his childhood.

Next, the ensemble will perform Ira Hearshen's "Symphony on Themes of John Phillip Sousa; Mvnt. II after The Thunderer." The piece is an emotional adaptation of one of Sousa's more famous marches. The band will close the program with "Blue Shades" by Frank Ticheli. The work is heavily influenced by blues harmonies, rhythms, and melodic idioms. There are several "shades of blue" depicted in the piece, from bright blue, to dark, from dirty blue, to hot.

The Symphonic Band is under the direction of Dr. Christopher J. Heffner. As an assistant professor of music at the College, he directs the "Pride of the Valley" marching band, LVC symphonic band, and wind ensemble. Heffner also supervises student teachers, and teaches instrumental literature, fundamentals of conducting, and brass techniques. He remains active as a guest conductor and clinician working with groups from Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Florida.

Lebanon Valley College offers numerous public performances by students, faculty, and guests of the College throughout the semester. For the list of recitals this spring, visit http://www.lvc.edu/music/student-recitals.aspx.