Concert breath of fresh summer air

Nicholas Carlson, Summer Wind Ensemble conductor. Photo: Jason Smith (click on image for larger file size)

Summer Wind Ensemble
7:30 p.m. July 10, free
UIC Theatre, 1044 W. Harrison St.

Summer no longer means a hiatus for free concerts at UIC.

The new Summer Wind Ensemble is made up of students, faculty, staff and alumni who wanted to continue practicing and performing over the summer. Word spread quickly, attracting other musicians from UIC and beyond.

The group, which now numbers about 40, is directed by Nicholas Carlson, interim band director.

“The group focuses on playing original music for wind band, rather than orchestral transcriptions,” Carlson said.

“Many of the musicians are gigging players in Chicago, while others just want to keep playing for fun. We even have some people who have not played in quite some time but want to get back in shape.

“The best part is that everyone comes together for one common purpose: to make great music.”

The ensemble will perform at the UIC Theatre July 10 at 7:30 p.m. The program includes “San Antonio Dances” by Frank Ticheli, “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” by Richard Wagner, “Prelude Siciliano and Rondo” by Malcom Arnold, “Down a Country Lane” by Aaron Copland, “Washington Post” by J. P. Sousa, and Second Suite in F by Gustav Holst.

The next scheduled performance is Aug. 14, 7:30 p.m., at the UIC Theater.