UW Marshfield/Wood County Symphonic Band Creates Music, Opportunities
Locals don’t have to go far to discover musical delights.
The UW Marshfield/Wood County Symphonic Band offers community members a chance to both participate in creating beautiful music and to listen to wonderful, live concerts.
Dr. Richard Brunson, an Assistant Professor of Music at the University of Wisconsin- Marshfield/Wood County, directs the UW Marshfield/Wood County Symphonic Band.
“The UW Marshfield/Wood County Symphonic Band is a mix of UW students and community members who rehearse together once a week. Marshfield has a long history of community music going back decades,” he said.
Brunson thinks the Symphonic Band brings something unique to the Marshfield community.
“The UW Marshfield Symphonic Band is comprised of around 50 musicians ranging in age from 16 to 93. Where else can such a diverse group join in to accomplish something beautiful?” he said.
This is Brunson’s sixth year at the UW Marshfield/Wood County campus and being involved with the band, which is a concert ensemble that is made up of all wind and percussion instruments. He said they perform symphonic-type music rather than all pops or all marches.
Brunson is excited about the group’s upcoming concert.
“This is our third annual Valentine’s Day concert. This year we will feature a wedding march and a wedding love song, and two songs as sung by jazz singer Michael Bublé,” he said.
He hopes that community members attend the concert and get a chance to witness the music for themselves.
“Live music is an exciting experience that no recording can imitate. It’s also a good way to be exposed to many different styles, and to support the arts in our community,” Brunson said.
The band puts quite a bit of work and preparation into their concerts.
“We rehearse once a week, and perform four concerts a year. We have two annual concerts that celebrate Veteran’s Day and Valentine’s Day. In every concert we perform a variety of styles and genres so that every audience member can find something to enjoy. Usually we will have six to seven rehearsals before each concert,” he said.
Brunson also hopes that anyone interested in finding out more about the symphonic band or getting involved will reach out.
“Information can be found on the www.marshfield.uwc.edu website under the Community Outreach tab. We are also on Facebook as the UW Marshfield Music Department. Any further questions can be directed to Dr. Richard Brunson at 715-389-6542 or at [email protected],” he said.
The UW Marshfield/Wood County Symphonic Band Presents: A Valentine’s Day Celebration
When: Friday February 10 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Helen Connor Laird Theater, 2000 W. 5th Street
Tickets can be purchased online at http://marshfield.uwc.edu/campus/arts/tickets
