On Saturday, May 1, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., the hard work of a year culminates for the Gustavus and Vasa Wind Orchestras at the Honors Day Concert in Christ Chapel.
For senior musicians, the concert is representative of an entire college career of dedication to music. For all the musicians, it represents a year of bonding and growing as musicians and as people.
“This is the finale of the seniors’ musical career at Gustavus,” First-year Suzanne Mundhenke said.
Senior History Major Tom Liska has enjoyed his time with the Vasa and Gustavus Wind Orchestras, and he is ready for his final performance with the people to whom he has gotten close. “I’ve met so many people that I’ve become good friends with. It’s been a great experience,” Liska said.
“The Gustavus Wind Orchestra has been very good to me,” Senior Biology Major Sara Thorstenson said.
This nostalgic feeling is common among the seniors in the orchestra. With the nostalgia comes also gratitude and pride for their work with the orchestra. “I’m really grateful for the experience I’ve had,” Liska said. “It’ll be a great concert.”
“It’s been a very, very exciting year for both orchestras. Students have been upbeat and energized in their study of music,” Conductor and Professor of Music Doug Nimmo said. “[This concert] is a celebration of our study of music together over the past academic year.”
The fact that it takes place on Honors Day is significant. For Nimmo and the students, it is very important, as it correlates with the spirit of the day in that it honors both the musicians for their dedication to the music and other students on campus for their dedication to their studies.
“Honors Day is a big deal for a lot of people,” Thorstenson said.
This year’s concert is sure to match the importance of the day.
In honor of Gustavus musicians and students, the Gustavus and Vasa Wind Orchestra Spring Concert begins at 7:00 p.m. in Christ Chapel.
“It’s always valuable to listen to music that is being performed by friends and acquaintances. If you give it a shot, there’s a little bit for everyone,” Liska said.