Homecoming concert recap

Guest director Steve Thompson conducts the alumni band

By Darien Walsh

On October 8th, Waldorf University’s Wind Ensemble and Choir along with Sangkor and Schola Cantorum performed for the first time this year at the Homecoming Concert. Alumni, parents, family and friends filled the fieldhouse gymnasium as the ensembles showcased their hard work. Both an alumni band and choir performed as well.

Interim Director of Instrumental Activities and Assistant Professor of Music, C. David Rutt, is in his second year of directing the wind ensemble. With Rutt’s help, the band program continues to increase. Starting with a number of 12 two years ago, the band has grown from 30 members to 39 members this year. Even with the growth, Rutt is currently and actively searching for flute, trombone, and tuba players.

The new band performed well, and the concert was a success. The alumni band also performed separate songs with the Waldorf band. “It was enjoyable for the ensemble and the audience,” said Rutt. “It went very well, and it was even more enjoyable because the musicians got to connect with past members and a past conductor.”

Freshman alto saxophone player Nathaniel Jordon performed for his first time as an official Waldorf student. “I had played before with Waldorf as a high school student, so this is my second time performing at Waldorf but my first time as a college student,” Jordon said. As the only alto sax player, Jordon had a big role to fill. “I had a solo. I was more nervous than I had been in a long time for a band concert,” Jordon said, “it’s a new place with new people. I’m honored to be a part of the band. It seems professional.”

There were many firsts involved with the homecoming concert. For Professor Joel Everist, it was his first time directing a concert as Waldorf’s choir teacher.

“It was wonderful to celebrate a century of service in song of the Waldorf Choir at Homecoming this year,” Everist said. “All of the performances went very well and we were extremely proud of the students’ hard work. It was a joy to welcome back alumni to join us for ‘Benediction,’ ‘God’s Son Has Made Me Free’ and ‘Beautiful Savior’ under the direction of former conductors Ben Allaway, Blair Buffington and Travis Beck.”

The next moving performances of Christmas With Waldorf will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church on December 3rd at 7PM and December 4th at 3PM.