‘Fanfare Nova Lux’ opens up the orchestra program
BY: Tania Robin
Staff Writer
The Meramec Orchestra and Symphonic Band performed to a full house on Sunday, March 4. The concert was conducted by award-winning music professor Gary Gackstatter.
The Meramec Orchestra performed first, opening with a song called ‘Fanfare Nova Lux’, written by Gackstatter specifically for the performance. The orchestra concluded with ‘Fantasy for Violin’ by Gene Rauscher and featured Amanda Nahm on violin. Nahm is a former Meramec student and is currently a junior at Southeast Missouri State University.
The symphonic band took the stage next and performed four songs featuring the Trombone Choir, the Woodwind Choir and bass trombone soloist Gerry Pagano. Pagano was highlighted in ‘Concerto Rhapsody: The Arch’ by James M. Stephenson. This song featured graphic visual display of the arch and used photography to show how the arch was created over time from beginning to end.
Symphonic band member Emma Rush expressed pleasure with the turnout of the concert.
“We had excellent soloists,” said Rush. “We gave a solid performance.”
The concert’s enormous turnout included students, faculty, family and community members. Assisting the concert were many student volunteers who acted as ushers to assist audience members to their seats. One such volunteer was Kat Manes, a choir member who called the concert “mind blowing.”
“The trombone solo was incredible,” said Manes. “It was very moving and made my hair stand up. This show metaphorically blew my hat off!”
Another attendee was Cheryl Shollenberger, who attends every band concert Meramec has to offer.
“My husband is a musician in the Symphonic Band. He plays alto saxophone,” said Shollenberger. “I loved the performance. It was just incredible.”
