Scot Symphonic Band and Pipe Band tour to open March 8

The College of Wooster’s Scot Symphonic Band and Pipe Band will perform at McGaw Chapel (340 East University St.) on Sunday, March 8 at 3 p.m., the opening concert of the bands’ annual spring tour.

While on tour, the bands will work with and perform for instrumental students at two programs in the Columbus, Ohio-area during their school day: Grove City High School in Grove City, Ohio on March 24 and Licking Heights High School in Pataskala, Ohio on March 25. The bands will be featured during the Hilliard City School District’s annual Advanced Band Concert on March 25 at the Hilliard Davidson High School Auditorium at 7 p.m.

The bands will present selections from their program, “March On: The Music of a Nation,” which chronicles and celebrates the music that has shaped the United States throughout its 250-year history. The concerts will include the music of William Grant Still, W.C. Handy, Helen May Butler, Leroy Anderson, Leonard Bernstein, and Omar Thomas.

Directed by Jeffrey D. Gershman, the band is the premier wind ensemble at the College and has entertained audiences nationwide during its annual spring tour since 1976. Rooted in a deep belief in the importance of recognizing many different compositional voices, Scot Symphonic Band performances draw both from the cornerstones of the wind literature and the finest contemporary works. The ensemble’s distinctive uniforms, which consist of kilts with hand-sewn pleats made from the College’s MacLeod tartan, represent Wooster’s Scottish heritage.

Gershman is in his fourth year as the director of bands at Wooster. He also serves as the director of the Wooster Concert Band, assistant director of the Scot Marching Band, and chair of the Department of Music, in addition to teaching courses in conducting and music education. He previously served on the faculties at Capital University, Indiana University, and Texas A&M University-Commerce. Gershman holds a Bachelor of Music Education degree and Master of Music in Wind Conducting degree from Indiana University. He received his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting from The University of Texas at Austin.

There is no admission fee for the performances, but donations will be accepted to help support the group’s touring cost. For more information, contact Jeffrey D. Gershman at jgershman@wooster.edu or by phone at 330-287-1935.

Posted in News on March 4, 2026.