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UW-Marshfield/Wood County presents “A Holiday Concert”

MARSHFIELD – “A Holiday Concert,” an annual tradition at UW-Marshfield/Wood County, will be presented by the campus’ Music Department at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, in the Helen Connor Laird Theatre. 

The concert will feature the college’s Symphonic Band, Concert Choir and Jazz Ensemble.  The Symphonic Band and Jazz Ensemble are conducted Dr. David De Lyser, assistant professor of music; the Concert Choir is under the direction of Kathy Pearson. 

The program blends many traditional and contemporary holiday/seasonal pieces, De Lyser said.

“I’ve always believed that the purpose of any holiday performance is to invoke personal memories through traditional pieces, while introducing new ‘favorites’ to compliment that nostalgic mood,” he said. 

Tom Van Hoof, a sophomore from Spencer who plays alto saxophone in the Symphonic Band, said one of his favorite pieces is the “Ukrainian Bell Carol.”  The arrangement of this well-known carol has a slightly contemporary flavor. 

“It’s something that people are familiar with, which makes it that much more fun to play and put feeling into,” he said. “People will also be familiar with ‘Excerpts from The Fire Bird.’ The title may not necessarily be familiar, but the melody is.” 

The concert features the young and the young at heart.  Wally Ives, an 82-year-old central Wisconsin musician who calls both Marshfield and Wisconsin Rapids “home,” plays trumpet in the Jazz Ensemble. 

“We’re sure having a lot of fun,” said Ives, who directed the Wisconsin Rapids City Band for 32 years and has played with jazz groups all around the country. “I’m really enjoying myself.  I particularly like ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas.’  It’s a nostalgic piece with a very beautiful melody.” 

Liz Horton, a Marshfield freshman who sings in the Concert Choir, said the choir is excited about “Blow, Blow, Thou Winter Wind.” 

“I personally had never sung this piece before,” she said. “It’s not a traditional carol, and can be very challenging.  It’s got a bit of a dissonance to it and is kind of haunting.” 

Tickets for “A Holiday Concert” are $5. The Campus Box Office is open 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performances.  Tickets can be ordered by calling 389-6534.  VISA, MasterCard and Discover are accepted. All seating is reserved.  Tickets are non-refundable. 

About “Music @ The Wood” 

The University/Community Symphonic Band includes both UW-Marshfield/Wood County student musicians and community musicians from throughout Central Wisconsin.  The group has a rich history of performing the finest wind ensemble repertoire, encompassing a wide range of styles, including overtures, marches, classical transcriptions and popular favorites.  The annual spring Sousa concert, guest-conducted by Robert Johanek, has become a much-anticipated event within the Arts at the UW series. 

The University Concert Choir is composed of UW-Marshfield/Wood County students.  The group performs a variety of choral music and puts on two concerts a year.