Band Spectacular all about the musicians

By Jillian Yalung
The Collegian

The Music Department’s annual Band Spectacular is back to entertain the people of Fresno.

The festivities will begin tonight at 7:30 p.m. in Fresno State’s Music Concert Hall.

The wind orchestra and jazz ensemble A will start in the hall, followed by the marching band’s performance in front of the Music building.

For one band director, this will be his first opportunity to take part in the ongoing Fresno State tradition.

Timothy Todd Anderson, associate director of bands and director of the marching band, is ready to show the highlights of the fall season.

“All season long, you have a band that supports our athletic teams,” said Anderson. “Monday night, it is all about the band.”

John Northrup, a first-year photojournalism student at Fresno City College, plays the trumpet for Fresno State’s marching band through the Extended Education Program.

Also playing in his first Band Spectacular, Northrup attended last year’s show while he was a senior in high school.

“It’s a big step from high school,” said Northrup of his first experience. “Though I attended last year, it’s a little more exciting because I am taking part in it.”

Katie Segura, a second-year music performance student also plays the trumpet for the marching band.

As a participant for the second time, Segura is no stranger to the annual event. “[Band Spectacular] is to show off everything that the music department has to offer.”

Following the concert, Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma will be hosting a reception for all participants and guests.

Admission for students is $5 and general admission is $6.

The marching band will be performing between 8–9 p.m.

Christina Stuhlmiller is a third-year music liberal arts student. She plays the mellophone in the marching band.

As for the reasoning for this yearly concert series, Stuhlmiller said she believes, “It’s mainly geared towards recruitment.”

As a veteran of Band Spectacular, Stuhlmiller said the department invites high school students and band directors to come and see what the Fresno State music department has to offer.

For all of the other people who are planning on attending this event, Anderson said to look forward to all of the great pieces from the season.

“This will be a way to show off all that we have to offer,” Anderson said. “This will be a wide variety of music.”

Comment on this story in the Features forum >>