UNC’s nationally-recognized bands conquer UCCC

Resplendent in formal black and each armed with an instrument, the army of musicians took the stage Tuesday night, as the College of Performing and Visual Arts presented Bands at UNC. The concert was a platform of accomplishment for the following four musical groups: Wind Ensemble, Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Pride of the Rockies Marching Band.

If a concert’s success is denoted by attendance, then this was indeed a success; the auditorium of the Union Colony Civic Center was packed to near capacity. Only a sprinkle of empty seats remained, as viewers were treated to a convivial harvest of musical pieces, which seemed to have captured the audience’s attention from the first piercing note to the final termination of sound.

First went the Concert Band, conducted by Kenneth Singleton. The Symphonic Band followed and was conducted by Richard Mayne. After a brief intermission, Wind Ensemble wrapped up the evening with several compositions.

Clad in a black dress adorned with silver sparkles, Jaime Askvig made her clarinet croon, shriek, scream, squeal and moan; the audience awarded her dedication as a music student with a standing ovation.

The program read, “The UNC Bands Program draws upon a rich and well-founded tradition of excellence and has developed into a program that has received national and international recognition.” 

Audience members said they agreed with the program.

“It was just a really good concert,” said junior nursing major Viola Cage.

Other members of the audience came to support musicians.

“I’m glad I came because a lot of people I know are playing, but I try to make it to all the concerts, really,” said Trevor Smith, 22, a freelance percussionist.

Theresa Gordon, retired, came to support for a particular band member.

“My goddaughter is in the program, so of course I had to come see her,” Gordon said. “They did wonderful.”