Choral Concert Centers Around Love Affairs, Obsessions

The College Singers, a 24-voice choral ensemble that specializes in social justice-themed programming, will perform its concert titled “EXCESS: Shadows of Pleasure and Power” in two free, public performances in Kalamazoo. The first will take place at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 30, at First Congregational Church and the second at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 3, in the Dalton Theater of the Light Fine Arts Building at Kalamazoo College.

College Singers in concert
The College Singers will perform its concert titled “EXCESS: Shadows of Pleasure and Power” in two free, public performances May 30 and June 3 at First Congregational Church and the Dalton Theater at Kalamazoo College respectively.

In the wake of an epidemic-level crisis around opioid abuse in the United States, the program explores genres from Broadway to folk, and from Renaissance songs to vocal jazz, each touching on those experiences that can enhance life in moderate quantities, but which quickly become destructive when taken to extremes. Chris Ludwa, director of the College Singers, described it as entertaining and educational, suggesting that audience members will experience a range of emotions as the concepts of indulgence, self-control and balance are explored as part of the human condition.

The program will touch on the love affair people tend to have with caffeine, alcohol, sex, power and relationships. There will be music from the musicals “Wicked” and “Chicago,” madrigals of Monteverdi, soul music by Sam Cooke, and more.

Both concerts are supported by a free-will offering to work toward the goal of local and Midwest touring to share these social justice concerts with an ever-increasing audience.

The College Singers includes music majors and non-music majors, offering a different approach to choral singing. Ludwa calls it “singing with a higher purpose,” a hallmark for which he is well known in the Midwest.

For more information on the concerts, contact Ludwa at cludwa@kzoo.edu or 231-225-8877.

Student Music Experiences on Display in Free Concerts

Two free concerts this week in the Dalton Theater at the Light Fine Arts Building will demonstrate the breadth of student music experiences at Kalamazoo College. Both concerts feature groups directed by Music Professor Thomas Evans.

Student Music Experiences Spring Concerts
The Kalamazoo College Jazz Band will be one of two groups performing in free concerts this week that will demonstrate the breadth of student music experiences on campus.

The Academy Street Winds, formerly known as the Kalamazoo College Symphonic Band, will perform from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday. The group is a beloved creative outlet for woodwind, brass and percussion students. Community musicians joined the ensemble in winter 2016 to expand the group’s sound and capabilities.

The group performs one concert each term, playing exciting arrays of challenging band music. The band is a great favorite for its members and its audiences as the programs are coordinated around diverse themes, which allow for performances of much-loved pieces, both classic and new. The theme for this concert is “Channel Surfing.”

Then, enjoy K’s Jazz Band from 8 to 10 p.m. Saturday. The group is known for its eclectic collections of contemporary and classic jazz arrangements that provide the students participating and the audience members an electric experience. The concert is titled “Everything in its Right Place.”

For more information, contact Susan Lawrence in the Music Department at 269-337-7070 or Susan.Lawrence@kzoo.edu.

Academy Street Winds Concert Slated for Saturday

Academy Street Winds rehearsal
Music Professor Thomas Evans leads the Academy Street Winds. Their winter-term concert is slated for this Saturday.

Music lovers will gather at 8 p.m. Saturday for an Academy Street Winds concert at Dalton Theater in the Light Fine Arts Building.

The Academy Street Winds, formerly known as the Kalamazoo College Symphonic Band, functions as a beloved creative outlet for woodwind, brass and percussion students. Community musicians joined the ensemble in winter 2016 to expand the group’s sound and capabilities.

The group, conducted by Music Professor Thomas Evans, performs one concert each term, playing exciting arrays of challenging band music. The band is a great favorite for its members and its audiences as the programs are coordinated around diverse themes, which allow for performances of much-loved pieces, both classic and new. The theme on Saturday will be “Landscape Escapes.” Admission is free.

For more information, contact Susan Lawrence in the Music Department at 269-337-7070 or Susan.Lawrence@kzoo.edu.

Music Concerts This Weekend Feature Students

Make plans today to attend three music concerts this weekend featuring Kalamazoo College students.

Music Concerts This Weekend
Music concerts from Friday, Nov. 10-Sunday, Nov. 12, include performances for the Kalamazoo College Jazz Band, the Kalamazoo College Singers and Chamber Choir, and the Kalamazoo Philharmonia.

8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the Dalton Theatre: Directed by Thomas G. Evans, Kalamazoo College’s Jazz Band pulls together an eclectic collection of contemporary and classic jazz arrangements to provide the students participating and the audience members an electric experience. Find recordings of past performances such as “Count Bubba,” “The Chicken” and “The Last Dive” online.

7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, in the Light Fine Arts Building lobby: The Kalamazoo College Singers and Chamber Choir, partnering with the Arcus Center for Social Justice Leadership, will present “Shattering Despair,” a multimedia concert experience featuring spoken words, songs, stories and special guests. Directed by Christopher J. Ludwa, the College Singers feature a mixed soprano, alto, tenor and bass choir, performing a diverse array of music.

4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Dalton Theatre: The Kalamazoo Philharmonia will present “In Nature’s Realm,” a Mozart Sinfonia Concertante for violin and viola featuring Jun-Ching Lin and Andrew Koehler. The ensemble brings together students, faculty, amateurs and professional musicians of all ages to perform great music. The group’s repertoire features dynamic, adventurous and thoughtfully-curated works.

For more information on any of these concerts, contact Susan Lawrence at 269-337-7070 or Susan.Lawrence@kzoo.edu.