UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State School of Music presents a thrilling evening of wind band music as the Symphonic Band, conducted by Robert Hickey, and the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, led by Tonya Mitchell-Spradlin, present their final concert of the semester on Thursday, April 17, at 7:30 p.m. in Eisenhower Auditorium.
The concert opens with the Symphonic Band performing the dynamic program recently featured at the 2025 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Convention. Their program includes "Fanfare for a New Day" by Kevin Poelking, "Sound and Smoke" by Viet Cuong, "Adoration" by Florence Price, "American Salute" by Morton Gould, and "Flying Jewels" by James David.
Following intermission, the Symphonic Wind Ensemble takes the stage with a powerful and varied lineup of works, including "Bright Shadow Fanfare" by Nicole Piunno, "Fervent is My Longing," Fugue in G Minor by J.S. Bach, and "Bamboo Shoots and City Streets" by Benjamin Barker. The program also features "Concerto for Marimba and Wind Orchestra" by Emmanuel Séjourné, showcasing marimba soloist Eunice Sun, and concludes with "The End of the World" by guest composer Michael Schelle, who will be in attendance. The second half also features Graduate Assistant Conductor Maria Flowers.
Tickets are available through the Arts Ticket Center at this link. Prices are $12.50 for adults and $5 for students, with the box office opening one hour before each concert. A livestream will be accessible for remote viewers via the Penn State School of Music livestream page.