Before George Lucas, May 4 was just another day. Now, Star Wars fans have turned the pun “May the Fourth be with you” into a rallying cry supporting their love of the saga. And the Union University music department is using that to create a concert unlike any they have ever put on before.
The Union University Orchestra and Symphonic Band is putting on a free concert in the chapel in honor of May 4. The “May the 4th Be With You” concert will feature the music of John Williams, the composer of some of the most popular and recognizable film scores in cinematic history. His work is featured in some of the highest-grossing films of all time, such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park, Jaws and ET.
“This isn’t like anything we’ve ever done before,” said Hayley Lievers, a senior broadcast journalism major and bass clarinet player.
The audience is encouraged to dress up like a character from a John Williams movie and participate in a costume contest, turning the event into a mini-Comic Con.
“We just hope that people will come out and have a good time,” said Ansley Katz, a senior instrumental music major and bassoon player.
The concert will include special effects, such as lighting and a surprise during the Star Wars theme song. The department has invited Union alumni and high school students to participate as well.
“There’s going to be a lot of big sound,” said Lievers, who is excited to be playing the shark’s part in the Jaws theme song. “Bass clarinet power,” she texted.
Typically, the department holds concerts at First Baptist Church for Union students. Originally, this concert was to be held on the Great Lawn, but predictated cool weather resulted in a change of plans, according to Katz.
“We usually do standard orchestra music. This is more of a pop concert,” Katz said. “It’s one of the coolest concerts the program has ever done.”
“It will be epic music from your favorite movies,” Lievers said. “It’s music you’re going to know, a unique concert and a special opportunity. It’s kind of like being at the movies.”
Although they wouldn’t say this verbatim, Katz and Lievers agree that this is the concert you’re looking for. (And if you understand that reference, you definitely need to be there.)
