MSU Wind Symphony

The Michigan State University College of Music will kick off its 2023-’24 band concert series with a performance by the Wind Symphony 3 p.m. Sunday at the Wharton Center’s Cobb Great Hall. The symphony will be accompanied by featured guests Doreen Ketchens, a New Orleans-based jazz clarinetist, and Gwendolyn Dease, an award-winning chamber musician and MSU professor of percussion.

Ketchens, alongside the ensemble, will perform works including “What a Wonderful World,” by George David Weiss; “When the Saints Go Marching In,” by James M. Black; and the traditional folk song “House of the Rising Sun.”

Dease will aid the ensemble in performing “Touch and Go: Concerto for Percussion and Wind Ensemble,” by Paul Lansky.

In addition, the symphony will also perform “Fanfare,” by Arthur Wang; “Manifestos,” by Paul Dooley; and “Tango Oscuro,” by Kevin Day, which was composed in just five days and depicts a dark, wild, passionate dance between two lovers.

 “We have loved working with faculty artist Gwen Dease, and welcoming Doreen Ketchens to the stage will be a treat for both student performers and audience members. She is energetic, fun and a fantastic clarinetist,” said Kevin Sedatole, MSU’s director of bands. 

Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors 60 and older and free for students and those under 18. They can be purchased at the door, at music.msu.edu or by calling 517-353-5340.