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The MGHS concert band selections will include "March for Kim" by John O'Reilly, "Heatherwood Portrait" by James Barnes, and "Garden of the Gods" by Rick Kirby. The band is directed by Mr. Rossi DiBenidetto. He is a graduate of the University of Akron and was involved in its Grammy-nominated steel drum band. He has also taught percussion at Mentor and Medina High Schools and has taken Mount Gilead’s marching and concert bands to state finals. The MGHS marching band performed at Disney World last year and received a superior rating at state marching band contest this year. The MGHS concert band will participate in the state contest on Friday, May 2.

The MVNU Symphonic Wind Ensemble is the university’s largest instrumental ensemble. They will perform works by John Williams, "Held Still in Quick of Grace" by Jack Stamp, "When Spirits Soar" by Brian Balmadges and "Joy Revisited" by Frank Ticheli. This group is directed by Dr. John Packard who is finishing his fourth year of teaching at MVNU.

Packard successfully defended his dissertation, titled "Robert Nagel's Compositions for Brass," in March and will graduate in May with his doctor of arts degree in trumpet performance and pedagogy with a secondary emphasis in wind conducting through the University of Northern Colorado. At MVNU, he directs the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Chamber Winds and Pep Band; coordinates the instrumental program; and teaches trumpet, instrumental conducting, and music technology.

The afternoon concert will conclude with the two groups combining for a performance of "The Witch and The Saint" by Steven Reinicke.

For further information about this event or about the MVNU Music Department, please contact (740) 397-9000, ext. 3000.