Lock Haven University’s concert band performed its annual spring concert on Thursday, March 9. Conducted by Mahlon Grass, the band played a four song set ranging from jazz compositions to classical suites.
Grass began the concert by introducing the band’s members which, while small, emphasized their loudness and the hard work each member put into each musical piece. After the short introduction, Grass introduced the band’s first piece, “Ride” by Samuel R. Hazo. He described it as “a high-velocity piece inspired by a landscape-blurring car ride down a country road in Pennsylvania.”
The concert band performed the next piece, Gustav Holst’s “Second Suite in F,” which contained four movements. Holst based this suite on Folk songs from England and is notable for being a popular suite performed by concert bands around the country. “How to Train Your Dragon,” the theme for the film of the same name and written by John Powell, filled the room soon after Holst’s suite.
“Zoot Suit Riot” by Steven Perry finished the concert. The song is a jazzy swing composition based on racially motivated riots in 1943 taken place against young Mexican Americans. Tenor Saxophone player and Director of Admissions at Lock Haven University, Noah Porter, notably performed a solo during this performance.
Tristan Weber, alto saxophonist for the concert band, said the concert turned out well despite the short turn-around time from marching band to concert band. “I thought the audience responded well. They were respectful, and I think the band played really well.”
Alex Ross
Alex Rossis a third-year Communication student at Lock Haven with a focus in Journalism. This is his second year as an active member of the Eagle Eye and has been the Arts and Entertainment editor, News editor, and an active writer. He focuses on writing reviews for the A&E section, but has written stories for news, sports, and opinions. Outside of the newsroom, Alex enjoys record shopping, reading classic literature, and analyzing films. Alex hopes to work for a film or music news site as a writer or editor after graduation.
