The Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) Music Department is set to perform its annual Homecoming Concert on Saturday, November 9, at 1 p.m. The event will take place in the R.R. Hodges Chapel/Auditorium and is open to the public free of charge.
According to an MVNU news release, the concert will feature a variety of ensembles including the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Una Voce Chamber Choir, Treble Singers Women's Choir, Jazz Band, Flute Choir, String Ensemble, and Collegians Chorale. Highlights of the event will include performances by the MVNU Jazz Band and Una Voce Chamber Choir—formerly known as the Goliards Chamber Choir—with special guest appearances.
The release further states that past directors of the Jazz Band will join the concert alongside current adjunct music faculty who are slated for featured solos on various selections. These past directors include Jeremy Smith on trombone, Rick Brunetto on drums, Isaac Winland on trumpet, and Andrew Clarkson on guitar. The program will feature pieces such as "I'll Remember Clifford" by Sammy Nestico, Mark Taylor's "Love Beams," and "North Shore Morning" by Matt Harris.
Additionally, alumni will join the Una Voce Chamber Choir in performing three songs that demonstrate the group's evolution from early music to contemporary styles. A piece by ensemble member Cliff Davis titled "My Hope is in the Lord" will be premiered during this segment.
The concert is scheduled to conclude with an arrangement of the hymn "I Then Shall Live," featuring lyrics by Gloria Gaither set to Jean Sibelius's Finlandia melody. This performance will bring together combined choirs and Wind Ensemble along with eight alumni participants. Bob Tocheff ('72) is set to direct this finale.
For more information about MVNU Homecoming events or details about the university's music department, interested parties are encouraged to visit mvnu.edu/homecoming or mvnu.edu/music respectively.
