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Olney Central College’s Music Department will host its Contemporary Music Ensembles and Brass Band Concert on April 10, while the Big Band and Concert/Community Band will perform on April 24. Both performances will begin at 7 p.m. in the Dr. John D. Stull Performing Arts Center.
The Contemporary Music Ensembles will feature two separate bands under the direction of adjunct faculty Josh Moats and Trevor Parrent, both OCC graduates.
Moats’ students will perform Why Are Sundays So Depressing by The Strokes, All I Wanted by Paramore, Christian Woman by Type O Negative and Snap Out of It by Arctic Monkeys.
Parrent’s students will present Arabella by Arctic Monkeys, Marceline by Willow Smith, Mama’s Gun by Glass Animals, 18 by Anarbor and Kilby Girl by Backseat Lovers.
The OCC Brass Band, under the direction of OCC Director of Bands Wade Baker, will perform traditional New Orleans brass band music.
During its concert, the OCC Big Band will perform music written and recorded by Duke Ellington, along with selections made famous by Count Baise.
The Concert/Community Band will present newer pieces by American composers including Alex Tedrow, Baker’s former student, who now serves as a full-time music arranger for the premier U.S. Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” in Washington, D.C. Also featured will be composer Erika Svanoe, who is from the greater Twin Cities area.
“I really think it’s important to play works by female composers and to introduce them to our students, especially the young women who come here,” Baker said. “It gives them an opportunity to see what women are doing and to realize that these are avenues open to them.”
Baker emphasized that the Music Department is entering a period of exciting growth as the recording studio prepares to move to its new home in the former Upholstery Repair Building. Renovation work is slated to begin on the facility later this month.
“This will create a high-quality studio for student use,” Baker said. “We are really excited about the roll out. It is another step in expanding opportunities for students within the department.”
Baker emphasized that professional recording studios are a rarity in this area and the new facility will be available to both students and the community.
“We can work with local bands or even record voiceover work,” Baker said. “We encourage anyone interested in recording to contact us. I’m proud of the productions we have been turning out and am looking forward to doing even more.”
Baker also stressed Music Department Tuition Waivers are still available for 2024-2025. The scholarships are awarded to qualifying students who participate in one or more of the OCC bands and choirs. Students need not be music majors to qualify.
For more information regarding performance or tuition waiver opportunities, contact Baker at 618-395-7777, ext. 2251, or email bakerw@iecc.edu.
