Community Concert Band performance
William Penn University
Oskaloosa, IA – William Penn University will hold its Community Concert Band Concert on Monday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. at the George Daily Auditorium. Composed of University students as well as community members, this concert marks a tradition that the Oskaloosa community has upheld for over 30 years. To celebrate this collaboration, the Oskaloosa High School Chamber and Concert Choirs will join in two pieces, along with the William Penn University Singers.
Oskaloosa alumnus, CJ Howard will be the featured artist on a piece made famous by trumpeter Raphael Mendez, La Virgen de la Macarena. Howard is currently the Graduate Assistant to the William Penn Pride of Penn Marching Band and will receive his Master’s in Business Leadership at the May graduation. He completed his undergraduate studies at Drake University, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Business with a Music Minor. At Drake, he was a frequent soloist with their jazz ensemble and has traveled throughout the United States and Europe.
Other program selections will include staples of the concert band repertoire including Festivo by Nelhybel, and Overture in Bb by Giovannini. A new high-energy overture, Octane, by David Shaffer, published by C.L. Barnhouse, will open the program. Another Barnhouse publication, Reflections, by James Swearingen, showcases the composer’s lyrical style in a beautiful setting for the concert band.
For what has become a standard repertoire selection for All-State choruses, the William Penn Singers, along with the Oskaloosa High School Chamber and Concert Choirs, will perform the inspiring Paul Basler piece, Alleluia. Conducted by Mr. Chris Weinreich, Alleluia will feature an alto saxophone solo as well as accompaniment provided by piano and percussion. The choirs will be then be joined by the concert band on the moving patriotic song, Who are the Brave by William/Martin. The concert will conclude with the perennial favorite, Stars and Stripes Forever by John Philip Sousa.
The William Penn University Community Band is directed by Mr. Scott Cressley, with University Singers directed by Ms. Anita Meinert, and the Oskaloosa High School choirs directed by Mr. Chris Weinreich.
