Brevard College Wind Ensemble performances for the spring offer an impressive lineup of guest artists. Last month, a clarinetist with “The President’s Own” Marine Corps Band joined the group on stage at the Paul Porter Center for Performing Arts, and in April, a well-known local conductor will hold the baton at the final concert of the semester.
“We have been looking outward the past year and a half to try to bring people in,” said Dr. Cole Hairston, Director of Bands at Brevard College. “Up to now, it has just been my friends and I’m really lucky to know some amazing people.”
February’s concert featured guest artist Dr. Luci Disano, a clarinetist with “The President’s Own.” This elite group of musicians performs nearly 200 times a year, described Hairston, while also serving in the Marine Corps, and therefore on call 24/7. Dr. Disano was also a former student at Brevard Music Center.
Jamie Hafner will guest conduct at the last concert of the spring semester on April 22nd at 7:30pm. The program will feature landmark pieces for wind ensemble. Hafner is a former Director of Bands at Brevard College, Director Emeritus of Education at the Brevard Music Center, and has conducted the Brevard Community Band since 2007.
“Following Covid, things had gotten pretty insular, and when I started at Brevard College in fall 2022, I saw a real opportunity,” remarked Hairston. “So far, it kind of comes about naturally through maintaining relationships. But my goal is to bring in at least one soloist professional each semester and have some sort of guest for each concert.”
The Brevard College Wind Ensemble performs two concerts each semester. For the 2024-2025 academic year, performances will feature two Brevard College professors as guests: Dr. Nick Stow, who will be premiering a work commissioned by the college; and Dr. Nathan Tingler, who will be a featured percussion soloist.