On September 25, 2021, at 8:00 pm, Andrews University students and alumni filled the illustrious Howard Performing Arts Center for the Alumni Homecoming Gala Concert. The Andrews University Wind Symphony, University Singers, Canta Bella, Pioneer Men’s Chorus, and Symphony Orchestra performed a euphonious repertoire selection to enthusiastically welcome the alumni who came to visit for the weekend.
The harmonious concert commenced with the Wind Symphony, which performed various delightful pieces such as the striking “Hands Across the Sea” composed by John Philip Sousa that featured wind sonorities and crashing cymbals. Audiences discovered many international influences in works such as “Volver a la Montaña,” which roughly translates to “Return to the Mountain,” highlighting fantastic folk tunes from Ecuador and Peru. Another piece, “Fantasy on a Japanese Folk Song,” details the inner discord of a Japanese girl who falls in love with an American.
Adrian Jones (junior, theology), a trombonist in the Wind Symphony, remarked that the most challenging aspect of the concert was “staying in the moment. It is crucial for musicians because it allows them to be responsive to those around them and the director when things might not occur as they did in rehearsal. If you are not fully present in the moment, the outcome is that you may miss your cues and not perform well.”
Next, the University Singers, Canta Bella, and the Pioneer Men’s Chorus performed a compelling collection of pieces such as “For Everyone Born” by Brian Mann and arranged by Tom Trenney. The compassionate lyrics emphasized the message of acceptance and accentuated the ensemble’s sonorous melodies. The final piece that the University Singers sang was entitled “Until I Reach My Home,” which Brandon A. Boyd arranged. It showcased a distinct gospel influence that energized the audience. The poignant lyrics revealed a collective yearning for arriving at home in Heaven.
Samantha Cardwell (sophomore, piano performance), one of the accompanists of University Singers and subsequent groups, declared, “I felt privileged and lucky to be a part of the ensemble. Our bond and chemistry contributed to our ability to sing and play together in the concert. It is vital to be present in the moment throughout the rehearsals and the performances. I felt chills during the last two pieces that the ensemble sang, and I felt that everyone let loose and enjoyed themselves.”
The Symphony Orchestra performed the final enchanting pieces of the evening. They performed “Pohjola's Daughter” by Jean Sibelius, which presented a charming narrative about a beautiful maiden. The other work was “Symphony No. 6, Scherzo” and “Trio” by Anton Bruckner, emphasizing harmonic ambiguity and a juxtaposition of rhythmical motives.
Savana Hayes (senior, speech-language pathology and audiology), a violinist in the orchestra, expressed that her favorite piece was the “Scherzo” and “Trio” and why prospective students should join an ensemble next year. “I love how the piece begins mysteriously, and builds with anticipation, and concludes with majestic power and energy. Not only that, but I was smiling throughout the performance. If anyone is considering joining an ensemble, I encourage it. It is the perfect opportunity to learn new skills, perform for an audience, and the best part is getting to play music with a group of people every week!”
If you are available and in the area, please come and support the Andrews University ensembles at their upcoming concerts. There will be a Symphony Orchestra concert on October 16, a Wind Symphony concert on October 23, and the University Singers, Canta Bella, and Pioneer Men’s Chorus concert on October 30, all being held at HPAC.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.