USD bands end 2011-2012 with extravaganza

Serving as culmination of a semester’s work, the University of South Dakota’s concert and symphonic bands will take the stage Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Knutson Theatre to perform their last concert of the school year — the USD Band Extravaganza.

Junior Emily Mason, a music education major, said the USD Band Extravaganza will provide audience members with a wide variety of musical selections, from marches to a three-movement suite, showcasing the bands’ work during the past semester.

“The concert band is playing a couple marches as well as playing some dance type music which is really upbeat and fun,” Mason said. “The symphonic band is playing some really melodic, gorgeous music with lots of solos so it’s a chance to show off various solo players, but there’s lots of variety to appeal to all ages and all types of music appreciation.”

Gary Reeves associate professor of music, associate director of bands, and conductor of the concert band, said while the end of the semester is a hectic time of year for the members of the bands, it also helps students gain time management skills for the future.

“For students to learn to be busy musicians now and budget their time and schedule some practice time for the music for each of their opportunities, why it’s just good training,” he said.

Being the last concert of the year, Reeves said the musicians performing are playing some of the most difficult pieces they’ve seen this year. This in addition to both bands performing in the same concert is what makes the event “extravagant,” he said.

Additionally, Reeves said in this year’s program the symphonic band, conducted by Rolf Olson, will perform “Symphony No. 3,” composed by their University of Kansas colleague, James Barnes.

“We’ve had James Barnes on our campus before and we do know each other so it’s kind of fun playing music written by someone who you actually know,” Reeves said.

After months of preparation, Mason said the USD Band Extravaganza allows the bands a chance to present their hard work to a wider audience.

“It’s just a really fun chance not only for the students to show off what they’ve worked on, but also a chance for the campus to see what our music department is all about, especially in the instrumental area,” she said.

Reach reporter Emma.Murray at [email protected].