(Justin Gmoser / The Clarion Call)

The University Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble played the acoustics of Marwick-Boyd Auditorium with power Sunday night. The bands consisted of university students who have been playing for years.  The show began on Sunday afternoon with the University Symphony Orchestra.

The orchestra gave a beautiful performance lead by conductor Russell Reefer. The audience gazed in amazement as Reefer lead his talented group of string players through a series of beautiful classic pieces including “Galop” and “Valdres March.”

The orchestra shook the auditorium with its heavy concentration of stringed instruments backed up with the sweet sound of flutes, clarinets and an oboe, and then topped off with the one-of-a-kind sound of the brass instruments.

When the performance was over, the audience erupted with applause. The orchestra then cleared the stage, allowing the wind ensemble to enter.
The wind ensemble was lead by Conductor Dr. Hubert Toney Jr.  The ensemble consisted of many of the same instruments as the orchestra, but without the strings. This gave the ensemble an overall sound that was a little more upbeat than that of the orchestras. The concentration of only wind instruments allowed for a much bolder sound.

The audience began to move around as the band began, especially young children, some of whom were hearing this music for the first time.Two young girls in the front row even came out of their seats and began dancing around as the ensemble tore into songs including “An American Elegy” and “Stars and Stripes Forever.”  The overall theme of the music performed by both bands was patriotic.

Clarion University students perform during the orchestra and wind ensemble concerts Sunday afternoon in Boyd. (Justin Gmoser / The Clarion Call)

“It reminded me a lot of the concerts they used to have us attend in middle school, except these two bands I actually enjoyed,” said Clarion University student Benna Orlic.