UT Freshmen Musicians Gear Up for Spring Band Concert

Written By: Ray Wisda

TOLEDO, Ohio – The University of Toledo Wind and Symphonic Ensemble is preparing to take the stage Monday, Feb. 23, at 7:30 p.m. in Doermann Theater. For two first-year performers, the upcoming concert is both a challenge and a chance to grow.

The group will perform a series of challenging classical pieces, including all four movements of Clare Grundman’s Hebrides Suite, and James Swearingen’s The Light Eternal.

Alyx Oiler, a freshman trumpet player, joined the ensemble initially to fulfill an arts credit. But the experience has already become something more. Despite the demanding repertoire, Oiler is feeling great.

“I’m not nervous,” Oiler says.

For Evan Binette, a freshman flutist, the Wind Ensemble represents a step up in difficulty from high school music.

“All the music is hard – it’s college level,” Binette says.

Even so, he’s taking the challenge in stride and, like Oiler, isn’t feeling nervous about heading into the performance.

Both students say the ensemble has pushed them musically in ways they didn’t expect so early in their college careers. With a program full of classical music and a stage full of determined young musicians, this concert promises to showcase the depth of talent within UT’s music community.

For more information visit: https://www.utoledo.edu/bands/ourbands/wind/