Fall Wind Ensemble captivates different cultures using music

The Nicholls Wind Ensemble hosted their “Music From Across the Globe” concert on Wednesday, Oct. 17 in the Mary and Al Danos Theater.

The concert started off with an introduction piece, “March, Op. 99,” by Sergei Prokofiev. Jason S. Ladd, conductor and instructor of music at Nicholls, lead the band through all but one song of the night. Kirk Bailey, a student conductor, led the band in the third piece of the evening, Alegre by Tania León. Their performance included nine pieces from different cultures and ended in an encore.

The concert band is comprised of Nicholls students, as well as some faculty, who auditioned for the band. Some students are from the music department, while others are from other departments.

With each changing piece, the music developed into a new sound. There was a variety of music and instruments.

Matthew Swihart, instructor of music at Nicholls, performed a trumpet solo in the second piece called Prayer of St. Gregory by Alan Hovhaness.

Zachary Boudreaux, senior psychology senior, said the evening was fun and entertaining.

Ladd said he wanted his students to play music from different composers, and that most of the music played was from American composers.

“[It’s] worthwhile to experience music of other cultures,” Ladd said.

The concert debuted music from Africa, Japan, Korea, Ireland and other countries and cultures.

“I really liked that there were living composers and exciting to see music from different cultures,” said Lafayette resident Sarah Broussard.

The night ended with a composition of songs from the famed Broadway musical, West Side Story. It included recognizable songs from the musical including “Tonight”, “Maria”, “Something’s Coming”, “One Hand, One Heart” and “America.”