Symphonic band tours during spring break
Members of Concordia’s Symphonic Band spent their spring break, March 2- 13, on tour in Iowa, Indiana, Florida, Alabama and Missouri.
According to Andrew Schultz, conductor of the group, the tour was a great opportunity to share the band's music with audiences that would not normally have a connection to Concordia.
“That opportunity to use music to connect people with Concordia University and to share the Gospel message with everyone we meet is truly a remarkable undertaking and distinct and defining characteristic of the music tours at Concordia University,” said Schultz.
The tour featured songs that focus on Christ’s sacrifice and God’s love for His people. One such piece, “On an American Spiritual” by David Holsinger, is based on the hymn “Were You There”.
“The piece begins with a plaintive opening and majestic closing portions, but the chaotic, brutal nature of the center section of the piece is a stark contrast as the center verses of the hymn recount the nailing of Christ to the tree and his burial in the grave,” explained Schultz. “This piece was especially appropriate for this tour as the season of Lent was beginning.”
Another featured work was an arrangement of the hymn “The King of Love My Shepherd Is” by Alfred Reed. Written by Rev. Sir Henry Williams Baker, the hymn is based on Psalm 23, and the tune is an ancient Irish melody.
As Concordia’s premier concert band, the symphonic band has performed in over twenty states in the past ten years.
Tour schedule:
Wednesday, March 2
7 p.m. concert
Our Savior Lutheran Church
3775 Middle Road
Bettendorf, Iowa
Thursday, March 3
7 p.m. concert
St. John Lutheran Church
6630 Southeastern Avenue
Indianapolis, Ind.
Saturday, March 5
7 p.m. concert
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
2021 W. State Road 426
Oviedo, Fla.
Sunday, March 6
8, 9:30 and 11 a.m. worship
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church
2021 W. State Road 426
Oviedo, Fla.
Tuesday, March 8
7 p.m. concert
St. Michael Lutheran School
Anderson Eichler Gymnasium
3595 Broadway
Ft. Myers, Fla.
Wednesday, March 9
7 p.m. worship service
Grace Lutheran Church
327 Avenue C SE
Winter Haven, Fla.
Thursday, March 10
8 p.m. concert
Concordia College, Selma
1804 Green Street
Selma, Ala.
Friday, March 11
7 p.m. concert
St. Paul Lutheran Church
223 W. Adams Street
Jackson, Mo.
Saturday, March 12
7 p.m. concert
Webster Gardens Lutheran Church
8749 Watson Road
Webster Groves, Mo.
Sunday, March 13
8 and 10:45 a.m. worship
Webster Gardens Lutheran Church
8749 Watson Road
Webster Groves, Mo.
