CWU Symphonic Band & Concert Band

The Central Washington University Symphonic Band and Concert Band will present a joint concert on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in Hertz Concert Hall, offering the Ellensburg community an evening of dynamic and emotionally compelling music. Open to the public with free admission, the concert showcases the depth, versatility, and expressive power of the wind band tradition through a thoughtfully curated program spanning multiple eras, cultures, and musical styles. The evening begins with the CWU Concert Band under the direction of Prof. Kyle Edwards. Their program features works by Julius Fucik, Frank Ticheli, Yo Goto, Percy Grainger, and Andrew Boysen Jr., presenting a vibrant blend of exuberant marches, lyrical contemporary writing, and richly expressive storytelling. Together, these works highlight the ensemble’s technical command and musical sensitivity while celebrating the distinct compositional voices that have shaped the wind band repertoire. The ensemble will also welcome Tyler White, first-year master’s conducting student, as guest conductor. Following intermission, the CWU Symphonic Band, conducted by Dr. T. André Feagin, performs music by William A. R. May, Michael Markowski, Julie Giroux, John Mackey, and Donald Grantham. The ensemble will also welcome Eric Mills, second-year master’s conducting student, as guest conductor. The performance culminates in Grantham’s Spangled Heavens, the emotional and conceptual centerpiece of the program. Inspired by American shape-note hymnody, Spangled Heavens transforms simple, communal hymn tunes into an expansive and deeply moving sonic landscape. Across its three movements, Grantham interweaves melodies such as Holy Manna, Restoration, Sweet Canaan, and Saints Bound for Heaven, culminating in a radiant final section where two melodies unite and soar together, leaving audiences with a powerful sense of transcendence and shared humanity. This concert promises an uplifting, inspiring, and unforgettable musical experience that celebrates both the grandeur of sound and the enduring human spirit.