University Symphonic Band celebrates the music school's centennial

KALAMAZOO—The Western Michigan University Symphonic Band will present its first concert of the 2013–14 season at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct.  13, in Miller Auditorium, paying homage to the School of Music's 100th anniversary as well as to its storied band tradition. Admission is free and the concert is open to the public.

New Director of Bands Scott Boerma has programmed a retrospective homage that will honor the past while looking toward the future. Boerma played trombone as an undergraduate student during the tenure of Richard Suddendorf, director of bands from 1979–91, who will conduct the opening work. Anthony Iannaccone’s "Sea Drift," commissioned by WMU's Delta Iota chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia in 1993, will follow.

A favorite work of WMU bands pioneer Leonard Meretta, director of bands from 1945–72, will be followed by Ron Nelson's exhilarating "Rocky Point Holiday." Master Sgt. David Haglund, WMU alumnus and trumpeter in "The President’s Own" Marine Band in Washington, D.C., will perform as a guest soloist. Other significant contributors to the program will be honored and introduced.

For more information about the concert, visit wmich.edu/music or call (269) 387-4667.