CNU Wind Ensemble
Last March, the Christopher Newport University Wind Ensemble embarked on a journey overseas to the remarkable city of Carlos Paz, Argentina to perform their set, “Hello Argentina!” The CNU Wind Ensemble is made up of our most accomplished wind and percussion performers who participate in international tours, several annual concerts, and special events/ceremonies. The Wind Ensemble also has the pleasure of interacting with guest composers, conductors, and soloists, challenging them to raise their performance standards through the immersion of cultures and performance practices from around the world. Last March, the Christopher Newport University Wind Ensemble embarked on a journey overseas to the remarkable city of Carlos Paz, Argentina to perform their set, “Hello Argentina!” The CNU Wind Ensemble is made up of our most accomplished wind and percussion performers who participate in international tours, several annual concerts, and special events/ceremonies. The Wind Ensemble also has the pleasure of interacting with guest composers, conductors, and soloists, challenging them to raise their performance standards through the immersion of cultures and performance practices from around the world.
The Trip
After arriving at their hotel Portal del Lago, the group set out to explore Villa Carlos Paz by visiting the central area and the riverside. They then traveled to San Antonio de Arredondo, a town with spectacular sites including the Alpine village of Villa General Belgrano and beautiful spas. In reflecting on this opportunity, Zen Taylor (Percussion) found it was an unforgettable experience and the highlight of his year. Rebecca Kraft (Flute) felt the same way, “not only did I get to see amazing sights and listen to amazing music, I got to do so with some of my closest friends!” On March 7th, the Wind Ensemble had their first concert in the auditorium of the hotel Portal del Lago, which held 600 seats. Tyler Alberico (Percussion) found the performance to be the coolest thing he’s ever done, exclaiming, “The huge crowd, the mountain backdrop, the community band, and the dancers made it incredible. The energy was truly electric! I will never forget that night.” The group then traveled to Estancia La Granadilla and enjoyed a full day of hiking, horseback riding, and meals featuring delicious, authentic Argentine cuisine.
On March 9th, they held their second performance in Jesús María and celebrated their presentation over dinner. Finally, they traveled to the city of Córdoba, enjoying the beautiful scenery Argentina has to offer. Levi Langolf (Cornet/Trumpet) recalled the landscape as remarkable, writing “There’s nothing like playing trumpet pointed out over an entire city into the mountains—it is a moment I will never forget.”
Study Abroad Experience
For these students, this experience forever changed their lives. Not only were they able to learn about Argentinian music, but they also experienced these cultural traditions first-hand. This was an unforgettable aspect of the trip for Benjamin Beck (Cornet/Trumpet), stating “The Argentinian musicians not only played with profound passion, but the vocalists were incredible and the dancers beyond graceful and elegant.” Hailee West (Clarinet/Ensemble Manager) agreed, stating “There is something magical about sharing your culture through music, as well as learning from theirs. It is an experience that teaches you to truly enjoy the vast differences of our world.”
The Wind Ensemble students emphasize the importance of engaging with the opportunity to learn about other cultures and how they practice music, with Reese Tunstall (Alto Saxophone Section Leader) stating, “Wind Ensemble tours are a fantastic way to visit another country for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” Riley Koch (Bassoon) encourages others to participate, explaining, “It is one of the most magical experiences of your Wind Ensemble career. The memories will last you a lifetime.”
Written by: Emma Murphy
Notes by: Dr. Mark Reimer
Photographs by: Richard Rose
Comments