Westminster’s Wind Ensemble has clips on YouTube

Staff report

NEW WILMINGTON, PA.

The Westminster College Wind Ensemble recently recorded “Rising Winds from the Valley,” a new work by composer and Mercer Area School District band director Travis Weller.

The Wind Ensemble is under the direction of Dr. R. Tad Greig, Westminster associate professor of music and director of bands.

“We have had the pleasure of recording Travis’ compositions in the past,” Greig said. “These opportunities provide us the challenge of preparing a piece of music in a very limited time: rehearsal in preparation for this recording took approximately one hour.

“Our approach is very professional,” Greig added. “The students receive the music, have a few moments to look over their specific parts, I talk them through my interpretation — based on the composer’s wishes — and we rehearse. The musicians realize they have very little time to prepare, as they are working on a great deal of other music. It provides them a glimpse into the performance profession, where correct notes, rhythms, and musicianship are expected immediately.”

The composition was written for the Seneca Valley Intermediate School Band and will be published by Band Works. The recording will be used on the sample CD and sent to schools across the country.

Recordings from the Wind Ensemble’s February “Music from the Masters” concert are available on YouTube.

Greig worked with a professional production company, recording technologist, and audio technician to create a high-definition video. Selections include: “Festive Overture” by Dmitri Shostakovich; two movements from Brett Dietz’s “Percussion Concerto,” featuring adjunct music faculty Perry Gatch; and Vincent Persichetti’s “Symphony for Band.”

Visit www.youtube.com and type “Westminster College Wind Ensemble” in the Search box.

Greig, who serves as chairman of Westminster’s Department of Music, joined the faculty in 1995. He earned an undergraduate degree from Grove City College, a master’s from Youngstown State University, and a doctorate from Kent State University.

The ensemble includes students from the Mahoning and Shenango valleys. It includes:

John Stumpff, freshman music education major, son of Gerald and Sharon Stumpff, Greenville High graduate, clarinet.

Douglas Swanson, senior music education major, son of Douglas Swanson, Greenville High graduate, trumpet.

Jerianne Larson, junior music education major, daughter of Gerald Larson, Greenville High graduate, clarinet.

Devin Greig, sophomore music major, son of R. Tad and Tina Greig, Mercer Area High graduate, percussion.

Monica Ruhlman, senior English major, daughter of David and Laurie Ruhlman, Mercer Area High graduate, horn.

Rebecca Schuster, junior music education major, daughter of Dennis and Amy Schuster, Oil City Area High graduate, flute.

Kelly Heffern, sophomore music education major, daughter of Rick and Debra Heffern, Lakeview High graduate bass clarinet.

Natalie Bok, senior music education major, daughter of Sandra Bok, Sharpsville High graduate, euphonium.

Katie DiCola, senior psychology and music major, daughter of Linda Beraduce and Thomas DiCola, Boardman High graduate, horn.

Nathaniel Ferrebee, sophomore chemistry major, son of Stephen and Judie Ferrebee, Brookfield High graduate, tuba.

Dana Griesmer, senior neuroscience major, daughter of Michael and Donna Griesmer, Canfield High graduate, bassoon.

Cody Floyd, freshman music education major, son of Daniel and Lori Floyd, Beaver Local High graduate, percussion.

Liesl Groubert, freshman music education major, daughter of Trudi Todd, East Palestine High graduate, oboe.

Sarah Haylett, sophomore English and music major, daughter of Barry and Jodi Haylett, Poland Seminary High graduate, horn.

Sara Eliser, senior music education major, daughter of Patricia Eliser, Liberty High graduate, oboe.