Join the University of Southern Mississippi Wind Ensemble for American Visions: Tradition and Transformation. This program highlights five composers whose works explore the American culture, and connection to our world through their distinct musical voices.
Carmen Dragon’s arrangement of America, The Beautiful, is the pinnacle arrangement of Samuel Augustus Ward’s work written around 1882. John William’s The Cowboys Overture depicts the spirit of early America, written originally for the film “The Cowboys” starring John Wayne it depicts Americana at its best with horseback riding and calf roping. William Schuman’s When Jesus Wept based on the work of American composer, William Billings, and part of Schuman’s New England Triptych. The USM will also premiere Alexandra Gardner’s Time Unfolding for Alto Saxophone, with USM professor Dannel Espinoza as soloist. Tarot by Lindsay Bonnenkant closes the concert with sounds of beauty and energy, combining rhythms and imagery the encompasses Gustav Holst “The Planets”.
Together, these works form a path from reflection to celebration, connecting the rhythms and spirit of America.

