For over 15 years, various prestigious music groups from Wright State University have come together at the Schuster Center in downtown Dayton for “Holidays in the Heartland.”
This concert combines the musical talents of the WSU Collegiate Chorale, Wind Symphony, Men’s Chorale, University Chorus, Chamber Singers, Women’s Chorale and the Cappella Choir of the Kettering Children’s Chorus as they celebrate Thanksgiving and Veteran’s Day.
Every year, crowds fill the building. According to Dr. Hank Dahlman, the Director of Choral Studies and CELIA (Collaborative Education, Leadership and Innovation in the Arts), the community enjoys this event and the performers and participants are “pleased and honored to provide the community with a way to start off the holiday season.”
“This should be our best show ever!” Dahlman said. We hope everyone will come out to hear great singing and playing as we kickoff the season and honor America!”
The student performers are equally enthusiastic about the event.
For Jeff Slaughter, a trumpet player in Wind Symphony and a Junior Music Education major, the concert provides a great opportunity for “being exposed to a vast amount of people, being surrounded by so much talent and performing in front of people.”
He is looking forward to playing an armed forces medley and views it as a “salute to everyone out there serving.”
“There’s a great variety,” Dr. Dahlman said. “This year we are focusing on the American hymn heritage, plus honoring our armed forces. Some of the highlights will included feature pieces by each of the individual groups… and a huge concluding rendition of the ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic.’”
Holidays in the Heartland will begin at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 4, and tickets are already on sale. For students, seniors, veterans and active duty military, tickets are $10.
