The Union University Symphonic Band and Orchestra will perform their annual spring concert on Thursday, May 2, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Union’s G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel.
For the past eight years, Michael Mann, a professor in Union’s music department, has directed the Union Symphonic Band and Orchestra and has brought the joy of music to Union’s campus in many unique ways, and this year will be no different. The campus has seen and heard pieces from famous scenes of movies over the years like the Jedi as they fight for the freedom from The Republic, the rising of the sun over the African desert and the bubbles floating from “Under the Sea.”
This year, the music department will take the campus and community to new heights as they perform the themes of famous heroes and villains.
Union’s Symphonic Band and Orchestra will bring heroes such as Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman and Spider-Man to life. But what good are heroes if there is no one for them to fight against? So, there will also be appearances of Darth Vader from Star Wars and other villain characters.
There will be something interesting and new for all those attending, and while Mann could not decide on his favorite song, he was not the only one.
“Interestingly, I asked the students what [song] is their favorite and they had a hard time deciding,” Mann said. “However, if you have an affinity for a specific Marvel or DC character, then you will gravitate toward that song. Of course, anything from Star Wars is going to be enjoyable for almost everyone.”
When asked if he could give a small hint about the magic that the band and orchestra will bring to the stage this year, he kept his lips sealed.
“Well, surprises are surprises when no one knows what to expect,” Mann said. “Of our last 3 concerts, there will be more surprises in the Heroes and Villains concert than any of our past performances.”
Students are encouraged to wear their favorite hero or villain costumes to participate in the costume contest or to just come enjoy the music.
