Each year since 1964, Ohio Wesleyan University has invited talented young musicians to participate in the annual President’s High School Band Festival.
This year’s two-day event will be held Jan. 15-16, with high school musicians from throughout Ohio and surrounding states participating in hands-on workshops, OWU scholarship auditions, and a free community concert.
The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Jan. 16 in Gray Chapel inside University Hall, 61 S. Sandusky St. Ohio Wesleyan’s Symphonic Wind Ensemble will join the high school musicians on stage, with OWU music professor Larry Griffin conducting.
Music set to be performed at the community concert includes “Pinocchio” by Alex Poelman, “Fleodrodum” by Eric Swiggers, “Spirit of Life” by Meindert Boekel, “Call of Heroes” by Michael Geisler, and “Fusion” by Brian Balmages. The event also is scheduled to be streamed live online at www.owu.edu/stream.
Griffin, a renowned trumpeter and member of the OWU faculty since 1986, also serves as chairman of the annual band festival.
“High school students have commented the President’s High School Band Festival is a highlight of their year,” Griffin said. “They find attending the festival and touring our campus is a wonderful way to experience the highly intellectual, yet welcoming, culture of Ohio Wesleyan University.”
Visit the Ohio Wesleyan Department of Music website at www.owu.edu/music to learn more about the department, faculty, public performances, and upcoming 52nd President’s High School Band Festival.
