WSC to present entertainment opportunities in December

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A wide variety of arts and entertainment opportunities will be available at Wayne State College through December.

For more information about any of these events, contact the WSC Department of Music at (402) 375-7359.

Energy and Enthusiasm Dominate WSC Jazz Ensemble Concert

Energy and enthusiasm define the Wayne State College Jazz Ensemble concert on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. The performance takes place at the Wayne City Auditorium. 

This event is free and open to the public.

The concert opens with inventive, gritty, and playful selections melding together funk, swing, and big band sounds. Written or arranged in the past two years, selections spotlight instrumental skills with solos and section dominance. Examples include “That Old Black Magic” by Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen; arranged by Mike Tomaro; and “Cool Cats” by Tom Molter.

Familiar holiday tunes, such as “You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Baby, It's Cold Outside” close the concert. 

The Jazz Ensemble is directed by Michael Genslinger.

WSC Brass and Percussion Ensembles Concert Fuses Fun with Festivity

A fusion of fun and festivity characterizes the Wayne State College Brass and Percussion Ensembles concert Monday, Dec. 5 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wayne City Auditorium 

This event is free and open to the public.

The trumpet ensemble opens the evening with grandeur and pageantry performing “Hilarity Fanfare” by G.E. Holmes and “Triumphal March” by Guisseppe Verdi. The Brass Knuckles Quintet follows with energy and fanfare, featuring “Hisaishi Medley” by Joe Hisaishi and “Colchester Fantasy” by Eric Ewazen. 

Both ensembles are directed by Michael Genslinger.

The Low Brass Choir, directed by Dr. Josh Calkin, and the percussion ensemble, directed by Brad Weber, round out the performance. Repertoire for the percussion ensemble includes “Bah… Drumbug!” a medley of carols, and “Jingle Bells” conducted by WSC student Tresten Schwarz of Wayne.

WSC Symphonic Band and 

Wind Ensemble Concert 

Underscores Honor and Hope

Repertoire rich with honor and hope underscores the Wayne State College Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble concert Tuesday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.

 This performance takes place at the Wayne City Auditorium.

The Symphonic Band, conducted by Michael Genslinger, celebrates humanitarian work with “American Red Cross March” by Louis Panella and sentimentality with “Nostalgia” by Rossano Galante. The Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Josh Calkin, presents selections under the theme, “From Darkness to Light.” Repertoire includes “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli, a tribute to those lost and survivors at Columbine High School, and the uplifting “Early Light” by Carolyn Bremer.

Senior Portfolio Review 

Highlights Works by 

Six WSC Graphic Design Majors

Six Wayne State College graphic design students share their talents at the annual Senior Portfolio Review Thursday, Dec. 8 from 3:30-4:45 p.m. in the Frey Conference Suite of the Kanter Student Center.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Senior Portfolio Review provides employers an opportunity to meet graduating seniors and review their creative endeavors. Students display design examples, sample project proposals, and design briefs. Attendees can visit individually with students and collect resumes, business cards, and leave-behind portfolios for potential employment consideration after the event.

Participating WSC seniors include Rachel Hager of Omaha; Hannah Henriksen of Madrid, Iowa; Brandon Lewis of Walthill.; Ashley Staver of Fremont; Kristine Tejral of Brainard; and Gene Weible of Hoskins.

For more information contact Joshua Piersanti, Professor of Graphic Design, at 402-375-7350.

 WSC String Ensemble Presents 

Dramatic, Imaginative Concert

The Wayne State College String Ensemble presents a concert of dramatic, imaginative repertoire Thursday, Dec. 8 at 7:30 p.m. in Ley Theatre. 

The concert is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, go to www.wsc.edu/watch-live. The program is accessible by selecting the event from the Music Events list at www.wsc.edu/music.

Selections include the aggressive “Medieval Wars” by Brian Balmages, depicting a jousting match; the emotional “Postcards from Russia” arranged by Carrie Lane Gruselle, a rollercoaster ride from melancholy to exuberance; and the mythical “Mythos” by Soon He Newbold, inspired by fairy tales and legends.

The String Ensemble is directed by Adjunct Professor Jordyn Irlmeier.

Fall 2022 Honors Recital 

Celebrates Musical Excellence at Wayne State College

The Wayne State College Fall 2022 Honors Recital celebrates excellence in music Friday, Dec. 9. The 7:30 p.m. performance takes place in Ley Theatre. 

The concert is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed. To view the livestream, go to www.wsc.edu/watch-live. The program is accessible by selecting the event from the Music Events list at www.wsc.edu/music.

The Honors Recital recognizes students demonstrating the highest performance level in selected voice or instrument. Faculty members nominate diligent students who have made significant progress based on private study lessons.

WSC President’s Holiday Gala 

Resonates with Holiday Spirit

Nurture your holiday spirit with festive songs and familiar carols during the Wayne State College President’s Holiday Gala Sunday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. in Rice Auditorium. This annual Black and Gold Performing Arts Series event features vocal and instrumental performances by WSC Department of Music students and faculty. 

The Gala is free and open to the public. No ticket is required.

The hour-long Gala is widely recognized as the premier holiday event in the region and the perfect prelude to the festive season. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Concertgoers may enter through the west or southwest doors. Adequate parking is easily accessible to the west or south of the auditorium. A reception, sponsored by WSC President Marysz Rames, follows the concert in Rice Auditorium.

“We had hoped renovations to Ramsey Theatre would be completed in time for the Gala,” explains Dr. David Bohnert, Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities. “Though nearing completion, continued construction necessitated moving the Gala to Rice Auditorium. We are, however, excited to announce that two Black and Gold Performances, Voctave on Feb. 22, and The Second City on April 13, will be held in Ramsey Theatre.”

Donations for the Peterson renovation are still being accepted. A gift of any size impacts student success, supports program growth, and sustains cultural opportunities in our community. 

Visit www.wsc.edu/donate to learn more or call the Wayne State Foundation at (402) 375-7510.

WSC to present entertainment 

opportunities in December