Oct. 20 was a night of joy and music. Nearly all the choral and band students of North Central College came together for the annual Homecoming Concert at Wentz Concert Hall.
The night began with a strong performance of “When Will the Blues Leave” from Jazz Combo I, directed by Jack Mouse. The Cardinal Chorus followed after with “I Am in Need of Music” and “Music Down in My Soul,” conducted by Jacqueline Schutt and accompanied by Jon Warfel. Dr. Ramona Wis led the Chamber Singers, and Barbara Shiffler Vanderwall accompanied in a performance of “Doluri,” a thrilling Georgian folk song and the hauntingly sweet “I Should Be Glad.”
Wis and Vanderwall led the following choruses as well. The women’s chorale showcased two impressive songs of praise in “Pastir Dobi” and “Deus Noster Refugium,” and the concert choir sang the Estonian “Ohtul” and the beautifully constructed “God’s Grandeur.”
The Symphony Band, directed by Dr. Sean Kelley, then took to the stage for a powerful four-part performance of “Courtly Airs and Dances.” The concert winds, directed by Dr. Lawrence Van Oyen, capped the night with a piece of music based on “The Divine Comedy.” The exhilarating production was accompanied by lighting changes, the crash of chains, the solemn sound of the band marching and even the screams of the damned.
All ensembles, alongside the Cardinal Marching Band, closed the night to lead the audience in the Alma Mater and the North Central fight song.
