CWU Bands and Wind Ensemble to host end-of-year concerts next week

The Central Washington University Department of Music will present two spring concerts featuring three different performance ensembles next week in the McIntyre Music Building.

On Tuesday, June 2, the CWU Symphonic Band and Concert Band will present a free event at 7 p.m. in the Hertz Concert Hall. Then on Thursday, June 4, the CWU Wind Ensemble will perform another free concert titled “The Road Is Life,” also at 7 p.m. in the Hertz Concert Hall.

The first half of the June 2 program will showcase the CWU Concert Band, under the direction of Kyle Edwards. Audiences will experience a vibrant and stylistically diverse program featuring works by Adolphus Hailstork, Josef Franz Wagner, Alex Shapiro, Jay Gilbert, George Frideric Handel, and Adam Gorb. Second-year master’s conducting student Eric Mills will also be featured on the program.

The second half of Tuesday’s concert features the CWU Symphonic Band, under the direction of Director of Bands Dr. T. André Feagin. This program explores both cornerstone works of the wind band tradition and compelling contemporary compositions to include Peter Mennin, Philip Sparke, Jennifer Jolley, Percy Grainger, and James M. David.

Two nights later, the CWU Wind Ensemble will take center stage, exploring the expressive and communicative power of the wind band. The ensemble, directed by Dr. Feagin, will present works by Eric Whitacre, Ulysses S. Kay, and David Maslanka. First-year graduate conducting student Tyler White will also be featured on the program.

A highlight of the concert is the residency of award-winning composer Dr. David, who will serve as composer-in-residence for the concert. During his week-long visit, he will work closely with the Wind Ensemble in rehearsal and collaborate with graduate conducting students, culminating in performances of his Symphony No. 2, “The Road is Life.”

Thursday’s concert will mark the final performance of Dr. Feagin’s tenure as CWU Director of Bands. His six years of leadership have been marked by artistic growth, national and international performances, and a continued commitment to student success and musical excellence.

Under his direction, the Wind Ensemble has been featured at major conferences including the CBDNA Western/Northwestern Division Conference (2024/2026) and the 2024 WASBE International Conference in Gwangju, South Korea. This performance serves as both a celebration of the ensemble’s achievements and a moment of gratitude for Dr. Feagin’s contributions to the university and broader musical community.