EU’s fall music festival

On Friday, November 15th, McInnis Auditorium was filled with music from the jazz band, the concert band, and various chamber ensembles. Jazz band, which consists of around 15 members, had some solos with the band playing underneath them. The concert band has around 20 members, and the chamber ensembles vary from duos, trios, and quartets. 

All of these students rehearsed at least once a week per ensemble they participated in starting at the beginning of the semester. The jazz band met for one hour a week, the concert band for two, and the chamber groups varied. Further, the students spend time practicing on their own and some take private lessons. While many of the students are music majors, some of them chose to play in their ensemble for their own enjoyment. The students’ dedication showed in their amazing performances. 

On Saturday the 16th, various vocal ensembles took to the stage. They performed “seasonal, sacred, classical, and original repertoire.” Groups like Turning Point and Gospel Choir, two of Eastern’s choral ensembles, performed. All of the groups that performed put many hours or practice into their performances. Starting at the beginning of the semester, they rehearsed as groups, while also practicing on their own time. The gospel choir, for example, practiced once a week every Monday for an hour. There are some solos within the ensembles, but no solo performers, as the fall musical festival is focused on ensembles. 

Some music majors who didn’t perform worked hard too. The music department requires all music majors to help with tech at a few events per semester, so a few of the students who were not performing assisted with front of house, such as greeting people, taking tickets, and manning concessions. Some other students helped move equipment. The sounds and lights were done by the tech director Prof. Grant Birchard. 

The hard work of the musicians, singers, student workers, and professors who helped put the show together are to thank for the two nights full of wonderful performances. If you didn’t manage to make it out, no need to worry because the music department puts on plenty of shows throughout the year. So keep an eye out– you definitely don’t want to miss the next chance to hear these amazing performers live!