The Colorado State University Concert Band, conducted by Erik Johnson, Ph.D., is proud to present a collection of pieces inspired by Americans and American folk music.
Wednesday, March 4
8 p.m.
Griffin Concert Hall
University Center for the Arts
1400 Remington Street
This concert is free and open to the public.
Classical American pieces
CSU’s performance of From Sea to Shining Sea is a collection of classical American pieces that aims to bring audiences from all walks of life together as one.
Erik Johnson, conductor of the CSU Concert Band, feels it is important for audiences and musicians to focus on our heritage of American music.
“Music is a reflection of the human experience and the music we perform is intended to inspire reflection and hair-raising moments alike,” Johnson said. “From marches to the cycle of life, we hope that our program leaves the listener in awe of the vast beauty inspired by America.
“While political differences are often a hot topic, through this music we can remember our great nation’s history and celebrate what brings us together rather than focusing on differences. The Concert Band and Johnson hope to remind everyone who comes to listen to this patriotic performance that we are united as Americans.
“Included in this program will be the performance of American Verses by Timothy Broege,” Johnson said. “A score, composed in 1997, centers around the tune of My Country, ‘Tis of Thee.
“Just like the landscape of America, the music inspired by this land is equally vast and inspiring,” Johnson said. “Many of the stories behind the music capture the spirit of this great land, including the struggle, strife, and reflective nature that has brought us to where we stand today.”
Erik Johnson
Erik Johnson is an assistant professor of music at Colorado State University where he teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in music education. After over a decade of public school teaching in Colorado, his goal is to cultivate a passion for music learning at all levels. Erik is an active guest conductor and clinician working with student ensembles in Colorado and throughout the US. He is a frequent music festival adjudicator and presenter at state, national and international professional music conferences.
The Concert Band
The Concert Band is an exciting and dynamic group of more than 80 musicians. The group performs a variety of quality traditional and contemporary wind and percussion literature. Last spring, a CSU Concert Band rehearsal under the direction of Erik Johnson was filmed for inclusion in the recently released documentary Carry the Tune.
The Concert Band – a non-auditioned group at CSU – along with groups from other universities such as MIT, Harvard, Boston University, Rutgers, and the University of Colorado, provided commentary and footage for the project. Read more.
The University Center for the Arts
The University Center for the Arts at Colorado State University provides an enriched venue in which the study and practice of Art, Dance, Music, and Theatre are nurtured and sustained by building the skills and knowledge needed by future generations of arts professionals to become contributors to the essential vitality of our culture and society.
Event contact: Carrie Care, Carrie.Care@colostate.edu, (970) 491-5891
