Baylor Wind Ensemble Embarks on Cinematic Journey with “A Night at the Movies”
A free concert showcasing the Baylor Wind Ensemble’s unique take on beloved film scores is set to take place this friday, marking a first in the ensemble’s 20-year history.
The Baylor Wind Ensemble will transport audiences through the history of cinema with its upcoming concert, “A Night at the Movies,” scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday in Jones Concert Hall. This performance represents a significant departure for the ensemble, as it is the first time an entire programme has been dedicated to music from the world of film.
According to the ensemble’s director, this decision was a purposeful one. “This is my 20th year at Baylor,and this will be the first time that we will do an entire evening of music featuring movie music,” he stated. “We just decided that we would do an entire movie concert.”
The program boasts a diverse selection of scores, including pieces from “West Side Story,” “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Wicked,” “The Cowboys,” and “Back to the Future.” A especially noteworthy arrangement for the concert was crafted by carson Iltis, a Dallas senior.
Despite the possibly lighthearted perception of movie music, the director emphasized the substantial artistic and technical challenges inherent in the repertoire. “It’s challenging music,” he explained. “It does provide artistic challenges for our students, not to mention the educational component that is a strong reason for doing a program like this.”
For kennedy Surface, a keller junior and French horn player in her third year with the ensemble, the shift in programming is a welcome change. “It’s definitely incredibly different than anything we’ve ever done,” Surface said. “I think that providing the musicians with the opportunity to rehearse and perform movie music is really important.” She also highlighted the potential for broader engagement, noting that “film music also creates a relatable and engaging arts habitat for non-music majors and casual concertgoers.”
surface believes the concert offers a valuable opportunity for community outreach,allowing the ensemble to connect with audiences through familiar and beloved soundtracks. “This is a really great way to meet people where they are and play music that the community wants to hear,” she added.
The ensemble faces particular hurdles with Leonard Bernstein’s “Symphonic Dances from West Side Story.” surface described the piece as taking performance “to a whole other level,” acknowledging its complexity and the dedication required to achieve a polished result. The director concurred, calling “West Side Story” “very much a professional-level piece” that allows the ensemble to explore a wide range of musical color and intensity.
This concert also serves as practical training for aspiring musicians, preparing them for potential careers in professional orchestras or military bands, where pop concerts are often a staple. “Movie music is one of the most profound ways to generate big audiences,” the director noted.
Surface anticipates that “How to Train Your Dragon” and “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves” will resonate particularly strongly with the audience, evoking a sense of nostalgia. “for anyone feeling nostalgic, it’s definitely going to be ‘Robin Hood,'” she predicted. “That Disney intro we know and love, it’s going to be shockingly nostalgic for a lot of people.”
Adding another layer to the performance, Baylor faculty member Dr. Jacob Abell will provide live narration between pieces, offering context and enhancing the storytelling aspect of the evening.
With free admission and a Friday night time slot,both the director and Surface expressed hope that the concert will attract a larger student audience.”I’m really excited for the opportunity to have more people listen to our concert and be able to be there physically,” Surface said. “It’s just cool.”
