Tuesday, February 28, the Recital Hall of the Laidlaw Performing Arts Center will resound with great wind band literature.  The USA Symphony Band, conducted by Ward Miller, and The University of South Alabama Wind Ensemble, conducted by Director of Bands Dr. Greg Gruner, will perform in concert at 7:30 p.m.  

The program opens with the Symphony Band performing Andrew Boysen's exciting “Kirkpatrick Fanfare,” a work with bright color and a definite Irish flair. Following this exciting opener, the Symphony Band continues with Dawyne Milburn's varied treatment of hymn tunes in "American Hymnsong Suite." This is followed by Steven Bryant's hauntingly beautiful "Dusk." The symphony band's portion of the concert will conclude with a guest conductor appearance from Mr. Ishbah Cox, Assistant Director of Bands at Purdue University, as he conducts the band in John Mackey's dark and exotic "Xerxes" concert march.

The second half of the program will feature Dr. Gruner leading the USA Wind Ensemble, opening with Ron Nelson's exaltant "Morning Alleluias for the Winter Solstice." USA Professor of Flute Dr. Andra Bohnet will grace the stage as she performs Charles Rochester Young's "Concerto for Flute and Wind Ensemble." Mr. Ishbah Cox will return to the stage to conduct with John Barnes Chance's emotional "Elegy." The Wind Ensemble will then perform Slocumb's setting of the baroque "Toccata (Frescobaldi)." The evening will conclude with a wild ride, as the ensemble executes Adam Gorb's challenging and exciting "Awayday."

Come join us for another exciting concert by the USA concert band ensembles! General admission is $8.00 at the door.  Admission for USA students, staff, faculty, and senior citizens is $5.00 at the door.