Shelbie Kinsey

The Performing Arts Center stage will host the SDSU Concert Band and Percussion Ensemble in its first performance of the semester March 5 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert band, under the direction of James Coull, will be playing four selections, one being with the percussion ensemble. In addition to the piece with the concert band, the percussion ensemble, under the direction of Aaron Ragsdale, will be playing six selections.

The group has not performed two full shows in a semester in the past 20 years, which is most of the time that Coull has been directing the band; he has been director of the concert band and pep band since 1983.

In the past, the band has only had one performance, which is held at the end of the semester; it has been stressful for the group to do two performances in a semester.

“Planning for this concert has been different; usually we go through this amount of music in a semester, but we are ready for this performance, and I think it is better for the students learning, which is what it is really about,” said Coull. “It is a change for everyone, but I am confident we’ll put on a good show.”

The concert band and percussion ensemble are comprised of over 60 members from many majors.

“Coming to the concert is a great way to support fellow students and learn about the program,” said Jada Joseph, a sophomore music merchandising major from Rapid City. “Besides, we’re amazing.”

Joseph has been involved with the concert band for two years in addition to being a member of The Pride, the Recording Industry Club and vice president of the music fraternity Tau Beta Sigma.

“I have been in the concert band for four years, and I have a great time, especially with Coull as director,” said Peter Koenig, a senior music education major from Ruthton, Minn.

Of the four concert band selections, “Havendance” is the one to really listen for, said Coull.

“It is a really exciting piece to conduct and listen to. There are a lot of changes, so it is a challenge and very fun to listen to, but I like different things about each piece,” he said.

“‘Havendance’ is probably my favorite, and I also think it will be an audience favorite because it is very entertaining.”

There is no cost for the performance because Coull and Ragsdale feel that the university and the community give a lot of support to the Music Department. In the future, the directors would like to organize a canned food drive to give back to the community of Brookings.

The concert should last about an hour to an hour and half including an intermission.