Emma Kelsey – Staff Writer

Gustavus Wind Orchestra, the most prestigious wind ensemble here at Gustavus, has had a lot to look forward to this year. Though they have faced disappointments, setbacks, and an unpredictable year, this group has continued to make music and thrive as an ensemble.
This Saturday, February 12, the Gustavus Wind Orchestra (GWO) will be performing a home concert at Christ Chapel. With a total of twelve pieces, GWO members have been working hard to put together a moving as well as musical show for those who come to the Chapel.

Notably, the ensemble has been given a very unique opportunity to have a piece commissioned by 10-time Emmy award winner Bruce Broughton, who has composed several highly acclaimed film soundtracks and other musical pieces throughout his career.

Last year, GWO members were able to meet with Broughton over a video call to discuss with him a piece they played, which sophomore clarinetist Eavan McCormick described as a “really great experience.” This year, due to a generous donation from an anonymous donor the group will be able to perform a piece written by Broughton for them to premiere to the world. This is a very rare and unique opportunity and the GWO is very excited at the opportunity. “It’s kind of intimidating…but also really cool to know that we’re premiering this piece.” McCormick said.

Leading up to the concert throughout J-term, GWO members have been committed to practicing for roughly six to seven hours a day according to McCormick, along with their companion course of two and a half hours. While this may seem extensive, GWO members are dedicated to making great music. “It was worth it.” McCormick said. Jennifer Golding, a senior in GWO, shares this sentiment. “We worked so hard,” Golding says, detailing 8am to 9pm days of work for the ensemble, “I hope we fill that chapel to the brim.”
Admission to the concert is completely free, though attendees are required to follow COVID-19 protocols. A livestream will also be available to anyone who wishes to tune in virtually, posted on the Gustavus fine arts page and the GWO Facebook and Instagram pages. GWO members are excited to share their hard work with fellow students, family, friends, and community members.
According to McCormick, after all the setbacks the group has faced in the past two years, the GWO ensemble appreciates and respects this opportunity to perform so much more. “[We can] allow ourselves to take it in…with a different view than a few years ago, especially after so much work, being able to play it for others and impact others’ lives.” McCormick said. Junior Alex Terpkosh, speaks more about the power of music and the GWO community.

“Together as an ensemble we create and share our sounds and emotions. Many of us use music to process and heal through hard times in life… With all that COVID has taken away from each one of us, we hope to bring back at least a little joy into our community” Terpkosh said.

As Gustavus’s touring orchestra, GWO had planned a trip to Spain and France over this year’s J-term. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, this trip was canceled, just at the beginning of January. As something many of the students were looking forward to, this came as a major blow to the group. However, their music was meant to be shared, and these Gusties hit the road to visit four high schools throughout Minnesota in Anoka, Monticello, Springfield, and Montgomery. GWO joined band rehearsals and interacted with students, who got a chance to ask GWO members questions, play their music, and those who requested it even received some private lessons from GWO members. As many of the schools have limited music programs, this was a tremendous opportunity for the high school students. In turn, this was a tremendous opportunity for GWO members to interact with students, practice their teaching skills, share their passion with others, and perform their music. After the day spent with the band classes, the GWO members performed in a show open to the public, community members and students alike in attendance. Golding says that it felt great to be able to interact with students and encourage them to continue to make music. “I felt that they were inspired,” she said.
GWO will continue to inspire, including the Gustavus community itself this Saturday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel.