By Steven Martinez, senior

The Friends University Fine Arts Division’s Concert Band and Clarinet Quartet performed in the Sebits Auditorium Sunday afternoon, Feb. 12. It was an afternoon filled with fast, upbeat music. The musicians expressed love for what they play and provided wholesome entertainment for all who were listening.

It was a “Sunday afternoon drive in the country” theme with several pieces selected by John Taylor, professor of music at Friends.

It was nearly a full house in the Sebits Auditorium. Only the first few rows had no one sitting in them, but one parent said this was because the sound is better a ways back.

In the audience were many parents and grandparents but not many from the student body. As an institution that is extremely fond of its prestigious fine arts program, more involvement from the student body was expected. It may be because students were not informed thoroughly or maybe because it is not as appreciated as it is thought to be. However, there was a junior high and high school band among the crowd seeing where they could possibly be in just a short few years.

The concert started with the Clarinet Quartet, which was coached by Rachelle Goter. The quartet was made whole by Jeremy Schrag, Chris Loucks, Caitlin Kozak and Mary Rose Biltz.

The quartet played six pieces, two of which had multiple parts to them and even seemed like separate songs of their own. The majority of the songs were fast and upbeat, allowing the audience to hear their skills and feel the connection among the four.

First chair clarinetist, Jeremy Schrag, played his clarinet with such passion and emotion. If he was being watched without being able to hear his music, one might think that he was part of an upbeat jazz band. His style of play helped the audience to feel the music so much more.

After the quartet played its number and was applauded, there was a 10 minute intermission so that the stage could be reset for the rest of the Concert Band to join.

The Concert Band played seven pieces.

The third piece, “In a Gentle Rain,” was led by soloist Seth Binford, alto sax. It was a gentle, soft melody that made the listener feel like rain was actually playing a song for the audience.

For the fifth piece, “Over the Rainbow,” Harry Watters, trombone, who is a Jupiter Artist and plays in the band that performs for the military branches out of Washington, D.C., came out to lead the Friends University Concert Band for the remainder of the show.

Watters was much appreciated and respected by Taylor, and Watters also made sure to show and involve the audience so that they felt and understood how important music is to him. He did so by telling a couple jokes, speaking on how important music is in schools and by making several humorous notes while playing his solos.

The Concerts Band’s next performance is Monday, April 2, in the Sebits Auditorium at Friends University.