The Grace College Wind Ensemble will perform its fall concert on Friday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at the Winona Heritage Room, 901 Park Ave., Winona Lake. This season’s performance, entitled “A Percy Grainger Christmas,” will feature two parts: works by Percy Grainger and Christmas classics such as “Sleigh Ride” and “Ukrainian Bell Carol.” The concert is free and open to the public. Doors open at 7 p.m.
“The Grace College Wind Ensemble is excited to be back in person for our fall performance,” said Eric Criss, director of the ensemble. “I’m particularly excited for a special feature this fall: a fun Dixieland arrangement of ‘Jingle Bells’ featuring Martin Becker (trumpet), Steve Stauffer (trombone), Dr. Rik Lovelady (banjo), Chris French (clarinet), Dana Gall (tuba) and Jacob Grabill (percussion),” he said.
The band, which rehearses weekly on the Grace College campus, is a collection of Grace students and Warsaw/Winona Lake community members. According to second-year student Micaela Eberly who plays percussion in the ensemble, the group is an ideal outlet for college students who participated in band in high school.
“I’m very glad I’m in the Wind Ensemble,” said Eberly. “The group has been a ton of fun to be a part of. As a college student, it’s a great way to be involved in the community and stay connected to the arts. Plus, I’ve really grown as an instrumentalist since I joined the ensemble last year.”
The Grace Wind Ensemble Fall Concert is a part of the Grace College & The Village at Winona Festival of Music. To see upcoming concerts, visit www.grace.edu/musicfestival/.
