Seven University Bands to Perform at ISU During Conference

Illinois State University's School of Music will host the North Central Division Conference of the College Band Directors National Association from Feb. 25 to 27, and free concerts by seven university bands will be spread across the three days.

The North Central Division is one of six in the national organization.  The conference, "Moving Forward" will foster an open dialogue between conductors, clinicians and attendees concerning the future of their profession.  The future of the wind band, repertoire and the preparation of the next generation of conductors/music educators will be discussed throughout the conference.

All the band performances will be in the Center for the Performing Arts Concert Hall and are free and open to the public.  The first will be at 4:15 p.m. Feb. 25 by the Grand Valley State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble.

At 8 p.m. that evening, Illinois State's Wind Symphony, conducted by Stephen Steele, will perform a program including composer David Maslanka's "Song Book" featuring flutist Kim Risinger of Illinois State's School of Music faculty.  Maslanka also is one of the guest presenters at the conference.

Friday morning's performance will be by ISU's Symphonic Winds at 11 a.m.  At 4:15 p.m., the North Dakota State University Wind Symphony will perform, and at 8 p.m., Central Michigan University's Symphonic Wind Ensemble will take the stage.

Saturday's performance lineup begins at 11 a.m. with the University of North Dakota Chamber Winds.  Ball State University's Wind Ensemble will perform at 1:15 p.m. and an Intercollegiate Honors Concert Band will play at 4:15.  The conference will close with an 8 p.m. concert by the Indiana University Wind Ensemble.