The WKU Symphonic Band and Jazz Band held their annual spring show titled “H2O” in Van Meter Hall on Friday, March 7.
Both bands have rehearsed every Tuesday and Thursday in the Music Recital Hall since the beginning of this semester to prepare for this concert.
The Symphonic Band performed first, opening with their rendition of “The Falls” by Rossano Galante. They then performed “Aquarium” by Johan De Meli, “Loch Lomond” by Frank Ticheli and “Celestial Seas” by Julie Giroux.
The symphony ended with their performance of “American Riversongs” by Pierre La Plante.
When asked about his favorite song in the performance, Associate Bands Director Matthew McCurry said, “I love all the pieces I picked them because I like them and they’re playing them all really well.”
After a brief intermission, the Jazz Band took the stage and shifted the show’s tone with a fast and upbeat performance.
The Jazz Band led with “Frankie and Johnny,” featuring solo performances by trombonist James Baxter, trumpeter Micah Buckham and guitarist Lukas Ford.
Then they performed “Woodyn’ You,” “Europa,” “Sugar,” “Trinita” and “Spin Cycle.”
Jazz Band Director Sarah Herbert said she “loosely” tried to follow the H2O theme with the inclusion of “Spin Cycle,” which was originally composed by Alan Baylock after noticing a melody from his washing machine.
Senior bassoonist Taryn Guyer said how important it is for students to come and support these shows.
“I think students deserve to hear live music, and in my opinion, it’s pretty cheap live music, and it’s by your peers,” Guyer said.
Before Friday’s concert, freshman percussionist Connor Kizziar held high praise for his director, McCurry.
“He’s always giving us good analogies to use, and he never leaves us in the dust if we’re confused about something,” Kizziar said.
Members of the audience, like freshman biology majors Aaron Raley and Jayson Lindsey, spoke highly of the performance.
“I think it was amazing,” Lindsey said.“Honestly, you could just feel it in the room. Just the music was so beautiful.”
