Sherman, Texas -- This weekend will be busy on the Austin College campus with musical performances presented by two ensembles. 

On Saturday, as part of the Inauguration Celebration, the Wind Symphony will be “swinging for the fences” with a concert titled Virtuosity. This concert celebrates virtuoso levels of composition, individual performance, and ensemble performance through three works: “First Suite in E Flat” by Gustav Holst, “Rhapsody for Bari Sax and Wind Symphony” by Mark Watters, and “Come Sunday,” by Omar Thomas. 

The Wind Symphony is now approaching 60 members including Austin College students, members of the community, and the top student musicians from multiple high schools. The ensemble boasts four member families where parent and student play together, including one family with representatives from three generations performing (two of whom are proud Austin College alumni). 

Sunday’s performance will be a presentation of Muusika: Choral Songs featuring the A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dr. Wayne Crannell. Also performing during this fall concert will be Descant, a women’s a cappella jazz ensemble and Conchord, a men’s a cappella pop group.

The choirs at Austin College are made up of students studying in all fields with the majority planning careers in medicine, law, education, and business. Former choir members are also recognized professional performers, conductors, and music educators.

Wind Symphony Performance, Wynne Chapel, Saturday, November 14 at 5 p.m.

Choral Performances, Wynne Chapel, Clifford J. Grum Sanctuary, Sunday, November 15 at 3 p.m.

Both concerts are free and open to the public. 

Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, pre-professional foundations, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 45 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow an 11:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.