Local musicians are less than two weeks away from “celebrating American musicians” during the Rend Lake College Fall Concert. The free event, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9 in the RLC Theatre, will feature performances by the college’s Concert Band and Choir, and Women’s Chamber Choir, alongside special guests.
Director Sara Alstat, Music Associate Professor, said every performance will include pieces composed or arranged by American musicians. She is anticipating it being the largest Fall Concert in the last decade with more musicians taking the stage.
“Directing the RLC Concert Band this semester has been a new and exciting adventure for me,” said Alstat. “I hope everyone comes out for an enjoyable evening.”
The 2016 Fall Concert featured members of the Concert Choir during one performance.
(RLC Public Information)
The Concert Band will perform Carl Strommen’s “Cumberland Cross,” “Gershwin Prelude Suite” with music by George Gershwin and arranged by Elena Roussanova Lucas, “Highlights from ‘La La Land’” with music by Justin Hurwitz and arranged by Michael Brown, and “Highlights from ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’” with music by John Williams and arranged by Michael Brown.
The Concert Choir will feature several traditional spirituals, including “Wade in the Water” and “Ain’t that Good News,” both arranged by Moses Hogan.
The Women’s Chamber Choir, the newest ensemble at RLC, will feature two pieces of poetry by Emily Dickinson, including “The Definition of Beauty” with music by Alice Parker, and “Evening” with music by Ruth Morris Gray. They will also perform Andrea Ramsey’s “Psalms for the Soul.”
The evening will also feature several special guest performances, including those by several in-district music directors: Amber Nichols, Music Director for Pinckneyville schools; Keith Shasteen, Christopher High School Music Director; and Megan Zurliene, Sesser-Valier High School Band Director. Several RLC Music program alumni and Pinckneyville Community High School students will also perform alongside community members.
To learn more about the Fall Concert, or to become involved in the RLC Concert Band and Concert Choir, contact Sara Alstat at 618-437-5321, Ext. 1817 or [email protected]. More information about RLC’s Music program can be found at www.rlc.edu/programs-and-degrees/381-music.
