Wind Ensemble on the Lawn

One week from today on Friday, September 28, the UGA Wind Ensemble will present another free concert on the lawn on the north campus quad:

The event hearkens back to the turn-of-the-century tradition of afternoon band performances in the park and will include patriotic selections including John Phillip Sousa marches. The wind ensemble, which has approximately 60 members, will perform "Summon the Heroes," written by film composer John Williams for the 1996 Atlanta Olympics; a sing-along of "America the Beautiful;" and Gioachino Rossini's "William Tell Overture," famous for its use on the Lone Ranger radio and television programs.

One highlight of the performance will be Charles Ives' "Variations On America." Ives, the son of a U.S. Army bandleader, grew up hearing the park performances the Concert On the Lawn is based upon and frequently incorporated the experience into his compositions.

"The tradition started in the late 1800s, and these bands would pack literally thousands of people into parks in the summer," said John Lynch, professor at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and director of the wind ensemble.

The WE is one of the premier large ensembles in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, and John Lynch is a treasure - a gifted musician and conductor who combines a passion for great music with care for developing student musicians. The concert on the lawn is really a gift to community, a fine place to fine yourself on a crisp, fall afternoon. Here's a short video I shot from last year's concert. See you there.