NSU Wind Ensemble to perform

(Tahlequah, Okla.)--Industrial rhythm is the theme of an upcoming December concert at Northeastern State University.

The NSU Wind Ensemble with Dr. Norman Wika, director of bands, conducting will perform Of Machines and Metal on Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. in the Sen. Herb Rozell Ballroom of the University Center. Appearing on trumpet with the ensemble is Dr. Jason Dovel, assistant professor of music. Admission is free and open to the public.

The wind ensemble will vary from 12-45 players depending on the piece of music, using a rotating system of part assignments with one player per part.

In large concert bands there are often four or five players per part, Wika said. The smaller number allows the ensemble to be more flexible in terms of the sound the composer seeks.

The concert will include works by David Sampson, Charles Young, Michael Daugherty and Alfredo Dias.

Dias Concerto for Trumpet was originally written for trumpet and strings. But Wika has arranged it for wind instruments with Dovel performing the solo.

Having Dr. Dovel perform with the ensemble is a real treat, Wika said. "It has been great fun working with him to bring this piece to life as a band work. It really displays his talent."

Dovel said concert performances add an extra dimension to his musical instruction.

In my teaching I want to set a good example, he said. You can talk about baseball with other musicians or you can make music together. Performing with students gives me a chance to build relationships and enjoy creating good music with them.

The program also includes Sampsons Moving Parts, which Wika called a very rhythmic piece with a constant sense of motion.

It reminded me of an assembly line, and I got the idea for the theme Of Machines and Metal, he said.

Also on the program are Youngs Tempered Steel and Daughertys Motown Metal, inspired by the automotive industry in Detroit. It is written for all metal instruments.

Wika said the selections pose unusual challenges for the players.

All four pieces are high energy from beginning to end, and the musicians must work hard to stay in the moment and bring the music to life, he said.

Of Machines and Metal is presented by the NSU College of Liberal Arts. For more information contact Wika at 918-444-2706.