The Wind Symphony exploded with patriotic fervor during their concert “Music of the Presidents of the United States.” The performance was conducted by music instructor Dr. Glen J. Hemberger with Kathleen Blanco, former Louisiana governor, acting as master of ceremonies. The concert featured appearances by Senator John “Jack” Donahue and actor/radio personality John “Spud” McConnell.
Hemberger was inspired to put on a presidential themed concert due to the upcoming 50th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Several pieces on the program were related to the 35th president: “The Dream of Abraham,” “Fanfare for the Inauguration of John F. Kennedy,” “Fanfare for the Kennedy Center” and “Elegy for a Young American.” Other highlights of the evening were “Easter Morning on the White House Lawn,” “Portrait of Abraham Lincoln,” “The Shining City” and “Stars and Stripes Forever,” which also received an encore conducted by “Spud” McConnell.
The audience was impressed by the symphony’s performance and the patriotic music.
“It was excellent,” said Evan Thomas, a senior and photography major. “It surprised me. The ‘Abraham’s Dream’ number was excellent. It was really powerful. It really embodied the films that show what happened the day JFK was killed. The last one with Regan’s speech [“The Shining City”] was also really good.”
Vivek Banset, a sophomore political science major, expressed praise for the performance.
“It was pretty awesome,” said Banset. “I haven’t really listened to these symphonies and orchestras, but when I listened today I really loved it. Next time I’m going to every symphony presentation here.”
Jack Farrar, a junior political science major, agreed.
“I loved the performance,” Farrar said. “I’m always a fan of the arts, but that was one of the best wind symphonies I’ve seen in a while.”
Graduate student Aaron Turnispeed played the clarinet in the Wind Symphony. He explained a personal connection to the patriotic music being performed.
“It was very moving,” said Turnispeed. “We’re a military family so this concert was very special to me, and I enjoyed every moment of it. It reminded me of a lot of my friends who are in the military bands and stuff. It gave me the chance to perform like my father, my uncles and my grandfather did when they were performing in the Marine band and the army band.”
The final fanfare event is “Columbia Cinema: The Pact” which will be at the Columbia Theatre in downtown Hammond at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31.