• Submitted by: lena campos
• Music
• 03 / 02 / 2013

After several months of preparations, members of Northwestern College’s Symphonic Band soon will tour Cuba as guests of the National Band of Cuba.

The 54-member Northwestern ensemble will work with the professional musicians and present a number of concerts March 2–12.

Northwestern’s group will be the first full symphonic band from the United States to perform in Cuba. The Northwestern students will spend time with members of the National Band, rehearsing together and presenting one or two joint concerts.

The Symphonic Band also will perform at high school and college music conservatories and a church.

“There’s a great anticipation among the students,” says Dr. Tim McGarvey, professor of music and director of Northwestern’s Symphonic Band. “They are excited for a cross-cultural experience, the opportunity to go someplace that’s really different.”

The Northwestern band will bring supplies — including mouthpieces, reeds, mutes, musical scores, and valve and slide oil — to Cuban musicians, who can’t easily access them because of U.S. economic sanctions. The band exceeded its fundraising goal, bringing in $60,000, which is enabling it to deliver more supplies than originally planned.

The band is partnering with Ray’s Midbell Music of Sioux City to contribute many items.

Source: Argus Leader.com