KSC Musicians Perform With 2011 New England Intercollegiate Band

From Jim Chesebrough, Music:

Clarinetists Alyssa Comeau (‘13) and Katy Lundstedt (’14), alto saxophonists Mark Perry (’11) and Jake Potelle (’11), trombonist Rob Skrocki (’14), and tubist Cote Lagerberg (’14) performed with the New England College Band Association’s (NECBA) twenty-ninth annual New England Intercollegiate Band on Friday and Saturday, April 1-2, at Gordon College in Wenham, Massachusetts. Approximately 60 musicians were selected by audition from over 10 New England colleges and universities. They rehearsed, and performed an exciting program of music with guest conductor Malcolm W. Rowell, Jr.

Professor Rowell recently retired as Director of Bands and Professor of Music Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. In recognition of his professional work, Professor Rowell has received the National Band Association’s Citation of Excellence and the A. Frank Martin Award, presented by Kappa Kappa Psi for his contributions to college bands.

The band’s program included “Galop” from Moscow Cheremushky by Dimitri Shostakovich, Rhosymedre by British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams, three movements of the Symphony No. 6 for Band by Vincent Persichetti, and “Country Band” March by New England composer Charles Ives.

The Keene players were selected by the NECBA auditions chair, after recommendations were sent by KSC music faculty member Jim Chesebrough, in early December, and they received word that they had been chosen for the ensemble early in the spring semester. They prepared the challenging program on their own while maintaining active performing schedules in the KSC Music Department. Each of these players has performed in the KSC Orchestra, Concert Band, and Chamber Ensembles, and Mark Perry, Rob Skrocki, and Jake Potelle all perform in the KSC Jazz Ensemble.