The Meramec music program is hosting two large concerts this spring season
BY: RYAN WINZEN
News Editor
In the upcoming months, the Meramec Music Department will host two main concerts – the Spring Instrumental concert on March 2 at 3 p.m., and the Major Works Concert on May 4 at 3 p.m. Both events are free and in the Meramec Theater.
The Spring Instrumental concert will feature both the orchestra and symphonic band. Orchestra members will perform such pieces as “Hungarian March” by Berlioz, “Brook Green Suite” by Gustav Holst, and selections from “Wicked.”
Director of instrumental studies, Grant said a clear theme will evolve from the performances of the symphonic band.
“All of them have some connection to the St. Louis area. The pieces include ‘Hands Across The Sea’ by John Philip Sousa, ‘Shenandoah’ by Frank Tichelo, ‘Symphony for Band’ by Vincent Persichetti, ‘The Entertainer’ by Scott Joplin and ‘Comet’ by local composer Matt McKeever,” said Unnerstall.
Unnerstall said he has a his history with having similar themes among concert pieces.
“It lets the audience anchor down to something. Even when I was teaching middle school we did a night at the movies, having music from Jurassic Park and Star Wars,” he said. “I did my PhD in Kansas City, so we did a similar thing, just with Kansas City related pieces.”
New to STLCC-Meramec this academic year, Unnerstall said the band is a collaboration of students and community members.
“Currently, we have 50 musicians in the band. It is not necessarily just for music students. Even if you’re going into art, English, or played an instrument in high school, the band is open to join,” said Unnerstall.
The Major Works Concert will feature the concert choir, concert orchestra and symphonic band performing Mozart’s “Coronation Mass.” This will be the first combined concert since before the pandemic.
Professor and music program coordinator Jerry Myers said he is excited about the upcoming performances.
“For me, it’s the excitement of performing in front of a live audience and to see all the hard work our students and community members have put in,” said Myers.
The combination of different ensembles is also an exciting event, according to Myers.
“For the May concert, that feature piece was chosen as a way to feature many of our musicians, both student and community,” he said. “We have a couple of extra rehearsals so we get used to working together with the same piece.”
Getting involved is also easy for Meramec students, said Myers.
“Register for any of the ensemble classes. There are classes for band, choir, orchestra, and even jazz combos. They are core 42 courses available for students and community members through continuing education,” he said.
