School of Music & Dance faculty members to perform with EMU marching band at upcoming halftime show

EMU flag bearer performs on the football field

YPSILANTI -- Eastern Michigan University’s marching band is known for its top-notch student performers, but at the upcoming home football game on Sept. 25, faculty from the School of Music & Dance will be joining in on the performance.

“The EMU Marching Band is absolutely thrilled to present a halftime show collaboration with our #truemu artists,” says Dr. J. Nick Smith, Associate Director of Bands and Director of Athletic Bands. Playing alongside students on Sept. 25 will be professors in trumpet, trombone, tuba, and percussion, along with guest conductors Mary Schneider (EMU’s Director of Bands) and Chad Hutchinson (EMU’s Director of Orchestras).

The performance, aptly titled “Classically Brass,” will feature well-known works by celebrated composers: Verdi’s “Dies Irae,” Gershwin’s “Summertime,” and Respighi’s “Pines of Rome.” And, during each portion of the show, each faculty soloist will be featured.

“A show like this offers the audience a unique behind-the-scenes look into the hallways of Alexander Music Building and the School of Music & Dance, while also offering all of our marching band students the opportunity to work and interact with professional musicians,” Dr. Smith says. “This is a win-win for us all!"

Sept. 25 is also Family Day, and discounted tickets to the game are being offered now on the EMU Marching Band’s website. For more information about this and other upcoming events, reach out to Dr. Smith at jnick.smith@emich.edu.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

September 15, 2021

Written by:
Teddy Bigelow

Media Contact:
Darcy Gifford
dgiffor2@emich.edu
734.487.5375