September 19, 2012
K-State Libraries' gala features K-State bands
John Philip Sousa, famous for his military and patriotic marches, wrote the “Wildcat March” for Kansas State University in 1931. This beloved march is played by the K-State Marching Band to this day. This year’s Friends of the K-State Libraries gala has adopted Sousa’s music for its theme, and will include a special performance and program from the K-State bands and music department.
“Hale Sousa” will start at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 12, and includes cocktails, dinner, performances and dancing. Tickets are available online via the Kansas State University Foundation.
Proceeds from the gala will be used to expand the K-State Libraries' music collection and benefit faculty, students and community music scholars and fans. Sponsorships are also available for those individuals wishing to lend additional support.
In collaboration with the gala, the Kansas State Wind Ensemble and Concert Band, under the direction of Frank Tracz and Don Linn, will present a special concert of Sousa's works at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 14, in McCain Auditorium. Both bands will perform some of Sousa's most popular marches and works that complement his compositions including waltzes, transcriptions of opera overtures and works for soloists with a band.
The evening will feature several special guests including cornet soloist and Sousa scholar Craig Parker, flute soloist Karen Large, and special guest conductor Staff Sergeant Ryan Nowlin of the President's Own United States Marine Band. Admission to this concert is free.
For questions about the gala or the Friends of the K-State Libraries, please contact Darchelle Martin.