University of Mary Concert Band Celebrates Director’s 40-Year Legacy with “Journey Through the Classics”
Fall concert honors Dennis Gowen’s four decades of musical leadership with timeless compositions and a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary
BISMARCK, ND — As autumn settles across the Northern Plains, the University of Mary Concert Band is preparing to take audiences on a musical journey through some of the most celebrated works written for wind ensembles. This year’s Fall Band Concert, “Journey Through the Classics,” carries special significance as longtime director Dennis Gowen celebrates 40 years of teaching and inspiring musicians at the University of Mary.
The concert is Sunday, Oct. 25, at 3 p.m. in Founders Hall of the Lumen Vitae University Center on the University of Mary campus. The performance is free and open to the public.
Gowen, professor of music, Music Department chair, and director of bands and high brass, has led the Concert Band throughout his 40 years at Mary, directing an estimated 1,250 to 1,500 students. He says this year’s program reflects both his appreciation for the great composers and his gratitude for four decades of sharing his passion for music.
“Joyfully, and perhaps ever-so-slightly selfishly, I wanted to mark the incredible blessing of 40 years here at the University of Mary with a nod to several of the great hallmark works for band, many of which are uniquely classic in their style and aural acclaim,” Gowen said.
The afternoon’s program opens with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ “Flourish for Wind Band” and George Gershwin’s “Strike Up the Band,” arranged by Warren Barker. Audiences will also hear Vincent Persichetti’s “Pageant,” a composition Gowen describes as both gracious and gritty.
The concert continues with Robert Sheldon’s “Danzas Cubanas,” a lively composition showcasing brass and piano soloists alongside an energetic percussion section.
Another highlight is Malcolm Arnold’s “Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo,” the first of several works by the celebrated composer that Gowen plans to feature during the academic year.
“Is there any more iconic band composer than Malcolm Arnold? No,” Gowen said. “We plan to present his works at both our fall and spring concerts this year, starting with ‘Prelude, Siciliano and Rondo’ this fall.”
The program also acknowledges America’s 250th anniversary with W. Francis McBeth’s powerful “Kaddish,” which premiered in March 1976 during the nation’s bicentennial year. The composition draws its inspiration from the traditional Jewish prayer written in Aramaic, adding a solemn and reflective dimension to the afternoon’s musical selections.
The University of Mary Concert Band’s flute section will also take center stage with “Sæterjentens Søndag” by Norwegian composer Ole Bull, arranged for wind ensemble by Bainum.
“Journey Through the Classics” is one of many performances that reflect the rich tradition of musical excellence at the University of Mary, where students of every major can share their talents in any of 13 music ensembles, from Cappella Choir to Concert Band. The nationally accredited Music Department also offers five music degrees, preparing graduates for lifelong careers in teaching, performance and sacred music.
The University of Mary’s Fall Band Concert, “Journey Through the Classics,” begins at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25, in Founders Hall of the Lumen Vitae University Center. Admission is free, and the public is welcome.
