“I think the students are way into it,” Mann said. “They’re peaking in their quality here at the right time and so I’m very excited.”
A variety of pieces will be performed from different time periods.
“I always include new music in our program and music from a long time ago to give our students an experience with the history of band music and what is currently being written,” Mann said.
The final piece to close the concert will be “Resplendent Glory” by Rossano Galante. During rehearsal, the students were given the unique opportunity to speak with him via Skype.
According to Mann, it allows the students to better understand the history of the piece and how the composer would like the audience to respond.
“He shared his history of learning, teaching, compositional career and what motivated him about the piece,” Mann said. “Then the students asked him various questions.”
Rebekah Reisner, sophomore special education major, will be playing the flute in the concert. She said that her favorite piece is “Resplendent Glory.”
“You just have to hear it!” she said.
Joseph Moore, senior music major, will be playing the trumpet. His favorite piece to perform is “Salvation is Created” by Pavel Tschesnokoff.
“It is a gorgeous, hauntingly beautiful piece originally written for choir,” Moore said. “The exciting challenge for me is to make the trumpet sound like a human voice in a choir.”
Both Resiner and Moore expressed their enjoyment of preparing for the concert and learning from Mann.
“The physical and technical demands of the pieces on the program this semester are on a level that I didn’t anticipate, which also makes it a lot of fun,” Moore said.
“I am thankful for Mr. Mann and his hard work with the band,” Reisner said. “He really cares for each and every individual in the Symphonic Band, and he is passionate about us using our talents to bring God glory.”
