By Vanessa Hewitt
Grand Rapids Community College’s campus band and wind ensemble will be performing a mix of old standard and brand new music at their upcoming concert.
The concert will be held at St. Cecilia Music Center at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 29.
Shannon Shaker, Director of Bands at GRCC, is excited to share the hard work the music department has put in.
“It’s going to be really enjoyable,” Shaker said. “There’s going to be a lot of different types of music, but the bands are playing it all really well and with a lot of heart.”
Compositions from the 1920s and two consortium premieres will be featured along with performances by CA Frost Environmental High School’s band.
One of the two consortium pieces is titled “Life unto the Age” by Composer Haley Woodrow, written about pets. Shaker finds meaning in this piece, particularly from being a “dog mom” herself.
“It’s a really really beautiful piece of music that she uses to convey the grief of loss but primarily the unbridled joy and unconditional love that we get from our pets,” Shaker said.
The high school band will be performing a piece of their own, and two additional pieces alongside GRCC’s band.
The concert is open to anyone, but Shaker is hoping to draw those who are interested in music to the concert, students especially.
GRCC and GRPS students will get in free with a valid ID. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and veterans.
