Wind Ensemble "Visions of Americana" Oct. 3

The Miami University Wind Ensemble, conducted by Gary A. Speck, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, in Hall Auditorium. Admission is free.

The Miami University Wind Ensemble will perform at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 3 (photo by Scott Kissell)

The concert, “Visions of Americana,” offers different views of familiar American tunes. The centerpiece is Aaron Copland's iconic "Lincoln Portrait," borrowing text from two of Lincoln's most famous addresses. "We are fortunate to have President Hodge narrate this work for us," Speck said, about special guest narrator David Hodge.

Also featured are “Shenandoah” by Frank Ticheli and "An American Song" by Alan Fletcher, which provides a modern perspective into "America the Beautiful" by superimposing a number of hymns, spirituals and patriotic tunes "on top of" "America," often at different speeds, Speck explained.  

The concert concludes with a typical 19th century showpiece for band, “Yankee Doodle Fantasy Humoresque,” by D.W. Reeves.