Symphonic Band concert is the 'End of an Era'

The aptly named Symphonic Band concert Saturday will represent the End of an Era. The concert will be the last under the direction of Dr. John E. Owen, who is retiring after 38 years in the School of Music & Theatre.

Because of an expected large attendance, the 7 p.m. concert will be performed in the Columbian High School auditorium. About 20 Heidelberg alumni and former band musicians who studied with John -- and many of whom went on to careers in music -- are expected to return to perform with 38 current students who comprise the Symphonic Band.

John has arranged one of the pieces in the band’s repertoire, Five Scenes from 'Don Quijote,' the product of an Honors Seminar he taught several years ago, titled Creation and Madness.

Other pieces on the concert program include Flourish for Wind Band by Vaughan Williams, Three Pieces by Percy Grainger, The Melody Shop by Karl L. King and Whatsoever Things by Mark Camphouse.