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.