MVNU instrumental ensembles to perform Oct. 11

Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s Music Department welcomes the community to a lively afternoon concert featuring its instrumental ensembles on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 1 p.m. in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium. The performance will showcase the musical talents of both MVNU students and community members. Admission is free and open to all.

Opening the concert, the MVNU Jazz Band, under the direction of Chuck Dettmar, will set the tone with the lively swing chart “Cross Roads,” featuring Seth Righter on baritone sax. A beautiful ballad entitled “Samantha” by Sammy Nestico will feature lead alto sax Jennifer Linker. The jazz band will close with a wonderful contemporary composition evoking the beautiful forests of Northern Minnesota entitled “Northwoods Sunrise.”

The Symphonic Wind Ensemble will follow with an emotionally moving program including “Yosemite Autumn” by Mark Camphouse — a musical tribute to the grandeur of nature, and also ‘Rapture” by Brian Balmages — a stirring work based on the hymn “Lo! He Comes with Clouds Descending,” reflecting on the awe of entering heaven. The Wind Ensemble program will close with “Halcyon Hearts” by Katahj Copley — an energetic piece espousing the feeling of love and joy.

The concert will also feature performances by the Flute Choir and String Ensemble. The Flute Choir, directed by Jennifer Packard, is comprised of MVNU students and community members. MVNU welcomes Chris Japikse as the new director of the MVNU String Ensemble as he brings fresh energy to the group.

For more information on this or other musical events, contact Tressa Daley at (740) 397-9000, ext. 3000, or visit mvnu.edu/music.