BLINN COLLEGE BAND AND CHOIR TO HOST END-OF-SEMESTER CONCERT SERIES
Concerts are Blinn’s first live events in more than a year
When the Blinn College band last performed on March 1, 2020, it had no way of knowing that concert would mark its last live performance for more than a year.
The unexpected hiatus, made necessary by the COVID-19 pandemic, will end with a series of end-of-semester concerts that will include performances by the Blinn choir and band ensembles.
A limited number of tickets will be available and safety protocols will be strictly followed, said Todd Quinlan, Performing Arts Department Head.
Tickets for each of the free concerts are available at the Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center Box Office.
“Normalcy has been a little hard to come by the past 13 months,” Quinlan said, “but the students have been extremely patient and resilient throughout the whole process, and it’s a great joy to be able to offer them the ability to perform. You don’t really know how much you miss it until it is taken away for such a long period of time.”
The schedule includes:
- Blinn College Choir and Vocal Students, Friday, April 30, 6 p.m. at the Dr. Bobbie M. Dietrich Memorial Amphitheatre at Hohlt Park in Brenham.
- Blinn College Band Woodwind Ensemble, Monday, May 3, 7 p.m. at the O’Donnell Center on the Blinn-Brenham Campus.
- Blinn College Band Jazz Ensemble, Tuesday, May 4, 7 p.m., O’Donnell Center.
- Blinn College Band Brass Ensemble and Symphonic Band, Wednesday, May 7, 7 p.m. at the O’Donnell Center.
- Student honors recital (featuring students from various private instrumental studios in the area), Thursday, May 6, 5:30 p.m., O’Donnell Center.
- Blinn College Band Wind Symphony, Friday, May 7, 6 p.m. This concert will be held in the parking lot at the O’Donnell Center, with audience seating on the marching practice field.
- Blinn College Band Percussion Ensemble and Steel Drum Band, Monday, May 10, 7 p.m. at the O’Donnell Center.
“We are beyond excited,” said Dr. Sarah Burke, Director of Band and Director of Percussion Studies. “Our students have worked incredibly hard and are thrilled to be able to make music for others. We have all missed this beyond measure and are extremely grateful to have the opportunity to perform. We encourage everyone to grab tickets and join us for these concerts. We cannot wait.”
Dr. Paulo Gomes, Director of Choral Music, said the choir is equally thrilled.
“Blinn College singers will be able to, in the name of music, sing for the Brenham community once again,” he said. “We are very grateful for the hard work from each student and for the support from Blinn College.”
The Blinn College District Music Department offers small classes, one-on-one attention, practical learning, and easily accessible faculty so that students are actively engaged in a superior learning environment. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu/music.
(COURTESY: Richard Bray, Blinn Information)