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Greenville College Bands in Full Swing

Published: April 13, 2021

"More is better" seems to be the resounding anthem of the band program this year at Greenville College. More bands, more musicians, and more performances add up to more enjoyment for participants and concert-goers alike. Since director Will Fairbanks' arrival in 2010, the ensembles under his baton have seen growth in the stature of music performed, plus an innovative mix of community and college musicians. "My favorite aspect of this job is taking a group of individuals and bringing them together to accomplish a goal and create a performance, whether on the field in a marching band show, in a parade, or on the stage." Several performances are scheduled this month and throughout the school year. All concerts are free and open to the public.

Fairbanks will lead three of the college's bands in performances this fall. The 2012-13 concert band series kicks off on Monday, Oct. 15, at 7 p.m. in the Whitlock Music Center. The Concert Band Classics Concert will offer a selection of pieces from standard wind ensemble repertoire. According to Fairbanks, his goal in music selection is to share a variety of works for both the listener and the performer to enjoy. "Whether you're studying to be a band director, enjoy expressing yourself through playing an instrument, or just relish an evening of melody, this is literature that anyone who enjoys band music should experience." Titles for the October concert include American Overture for Band (Jenkins); Divertimento for Band, Op. 42 (Persichetti); Procession of the Nobles (Rimsky-Korsakov); "March" from Symphonic Metamorphosis (Hindemith); and Barnum and Bailey's Favorite (King), among others.

The concert band has established a series of four major performances each year. The new family favorite Christmas by the Fireside concert will return Dec. 9 sharing beloved Christmas songs and carols. The Spring Concert on March 4 will feature "tunes you recognize but don't know why," while the Mother's Day Concert on May 12 is a perfect post-brunch or pre-dinner concert to share with Mom.

Fairbanks enjoys the unique educational experience offered to students by the Greenville College Concert Band. "Undergraduates sit next to and learn from professional musicians from the area," as about one-third of the band's membership is drawn from Greenville College faculty, area band directors, and community members. The concert band has grown dramatically over the last three seasons from approximately 20 members to the current ensemble of nearly 60 musicians.

Greenville College Bands in Full SwingThe days before Homecoming will see another concert from the band programs as the Greenville College Jazz Band performs on Thursday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. The first jazz band show of this school year will feature traditional and modern swing, big band, and dance music by Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, and others. Created in 2011 and featuring student as well as community members, the Greenville College Jazz Band will offer a series of concerts on campus and throughout the area in the months to come.

The Greenville College Panther Corps (GCPC) marching band has rehearsed since mid-August for its performances at home football games. The GCPC took the field for the first time last September with 21 performers. This year, the marching band has 27 members and performs at football games as well as in area parades and other college events. The GCPC will march in the Homecoming Parade on Friday, Oct. 19; provide invigorating music for the Panther 5K road race on Saturday morning, Oct. 20; and perform its final field show of the football season later that afternoon at halftime.

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