Band Concert to be held April 18
MOUNT OLIVE – The University of Mount Olive Symphonic Band and Jazz Band will be the featured artists of the 2013 Spring Concert on April 18 at 7:30 p.m. in Assembly Hall located at 207 Wooten Street in Mount Olive. The event is free and the public is invited to enjoy a wonderful evening of music.
“Musical inspiration can come from anywhere, any time and anything,” said associate professor Dr. William Ford. “Understanding the inspiration behind the composition is equally as important to the performer as the audience.”
“The inspiration behind the music chosen for the MOC Concert Band’s Spring Concert comes from art, books, a writing contest, human tragedy and God’s redemption. Both musical compositions, The Red Balloon and Scenes from “The Louvre” were inspired by paintings, while Suite for Harry Potter, is inspired by the J.K. Rowling books, which were made into movies,” said Ford.
“John Philip Sousa’s march, Washington Post, was inspired by a writing contest offered to the young people by the Washington Post newspaper. Elegy for a Young American, while written about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, gives us pause to consider all young men, women and children taken from us at an early age, but made whole again by the Grace of God,” Ford said.
While the Concert Band has established itself over the years, the newly formed Jazz Band is looking to create a good, lasting impression at the concert. “Inspiration and improvisation go hand-in-hand for the University of Mount Olive Jazz Band,” explained Ford. “Whether these young people are inspired by the music written for the small ensemble or enjoy the freedom to improvise music in real time, the University of Mount Olive Jazz Band brings to the audience a new sound with every performance.”
“The basis of all Jazz music is to take a melody and expand upon it as the mood moves you during a live performance. All it takes is a little “inspiration,” some creativity, encouragement and a love for the sound of Jazz,” said Ford.
For more information about the Band Concert, please contact Bill Ford at wford@moc.edu or by phone at 919-658-7818.
University of Mount Olive is a private institution rooted in the liberal arts tradition with defining Christian values. The College, sponsored by the Convention of Original Free Will Baptists, has locations in Mount Olive, New Bern, Wilmington, Goldsboro, Research Triangle Park, Washington and Jacksonville. For more information, visit www.moc.edu.