Scot Symphonic Band to kick off annual tour with concert March 3

The College of Wooster’s Scot Symphonic Band and Pipe Band will perform at McGaw Chapel (340 E. University Street) on Sunday, March 3 at 3 p.m., the opening concert of the bands’ 47th annual tour. The bands will present “An American Child,” an immersive program of music and poetry that explores the experience of how growing up in the United States has evolved over the past century.

The concert will feature two featured student artists, soprano Anya Smith ’24 and speaker Cam Love ’25, who will present selected poetry by Maya Angelou, Amanda Gorman, and Dudley Randall. The concert will include the music of David Maslanka, Eric Whitacre, Kimberly Archer, and Evan Williams. This concert also marks the first time the Scot Symphonic Band will perform works by award-winning composers Adolphus Hailstork and John Corigliano. 

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 inclusive programming, Scot Symphonic Band performances draw both from the cornerstones of the wind literature and the finest contemporary works. 

Gershman is in his second 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 teaches 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 and the first Master of Music in Wind Conducting degree conferred by the 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 performance. For more information, contact the Department of Music at 330-263-2419 or mpuster@wooster.edu.

Posted in News on February 29, 2024.