Throughout the past few years, the Sacred Heart University (SHU) Band has traveled far and wide to learn and perform different types of music from around the world. Now, they have decided to celebrate all the knowledge and experiences they’ve gathered while abroad.
The Band is set to put on their new show “SHU Band World Tour,” where they will highlight music from all around the globe, including Cuba, Japan, the Caribbean, Ireland and the United States. It will take place on Sunday, Apr. 28 at 3:00 p.m. in the Edgerton Center for Performing Arts.
“One of the things that we as musicians do, is we like to connect with each other around the world on a very musical basis,” said the Director of SHU’s Band and Orchestra, Keith Johnston. “It doesn’t require words, but we can connect on that musical level.”
Johnston said that one piece on the setlist is titled “Letter from Sato,” which documents traveling to Sato, a Japanese island where individuals tend to venture in order to find themselves. The piece uses soundscapes so the audience can visualize themselves crossing the channel towards the island.
The band will also be performing music from “Riverdance,” which Johnston describes as a “whirlwind” for the musicians. Riverdance is a set of traditional Irish music and dance that is both a challenge for the band, but a blast to perform as well.
The band has also been begging Johnston for a long time to play music from the “How to Train Your Dragon” film series. This concert finally gives them the opportunity to do so, given the score’s Scottish and Celtic characteristics.
“Who does not want to hear the soundtrack from ‘How to Train Your Dragon?’” said freshman Noah Held, a clarinet player in the SHU Band. “That was a last-second addition, and everyone was so happy and excited for it, I know I was.”
Held will be conducting his original piece, “Traversed,” in the show as well. He wrote this piece while abroad in Dingle, Ireland to feel connected to home.
“It shows a lot of promise. I feel that it’s the kind of thing we’re so happy we’re able to do because we want to encourage this next generation of composers,” said Johnston.
Source; Instagram, @shu_band
Johnston believes with the addition of the new Performing Arts Wing, facilities will further help the university’s new Music Program to flourish.
“This sets a way that this can happen, where students are going to be more comfortable doing
things like this,” said Held. “It really gives people who write music more of an opportunity to be open to sharing what they wrote, and even asking ‘Hey can we play this?’”
The SHU Band is a creative channel for all students passionate about music.
“It is important that those who may be reserved yet are talented in the musical aspect see that there is an outlet for them to be able to express themselves,” said sophomore Xavier Moore, who plays the clarinet. “I think the audience should be excited about how the young talent that is in the SHU band can perform challenging pieces of music.”
“They bring so much energy and so much dedication, and a level of experience and a skill set that is rippling through the program in the best possible way,” said Johnston. “I’m really excited to see what these guys do.”
