Renowned composer John Mackey featured in CCM winds performances on Nov. 16-17
Students share their experiences as they prepare for the wind ensemble and wind symphony concerts
Story by CCM Graduate Student Chet Rhodes
UC College-Conservatory of Music's wind ensembles are thrilled to present two unforgettable nights of enthralling contemporary music featuring internationally recognized guest composer John Mackey.
Join the Wind Ensemble and Jr. CYWE at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 16 for "Eternal Light" and the Wind Symphony and CYWE at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 for "Songs from the End of the World." Both concerts are presented in CCM’s Corbett Auditorium. Get your tickets now through the CCM Box Office!
The CCM Wind Symphony rehearses in Corbett Auditorium. Photo by CCM graduate student conductor Pearce Nitta.
With programs built from works by some of the most celebrated modern composers, both concerts are centered on themes of exploration, combining science and emotion in fantastic displays of grandeur, complexity and power. Providing audiences with a deeply moving, even cathartic, experience, the two concerts examine some of the most innate and primal aspects of the human experience, with fascinating portrayals of yearning, uncertainty and fate.
Through it all, the incredible talent of the CCM Winds students shines brightly, with their impressive virtuosity and captivating musicality joining forces to envelop listeners in an immersive and all-encompassing concert experience.
The CCM Wind Symphony rehearses in Corbett Auditorium. Photo by CCM graduate student conductor Pearce Nitta.
“Putting all the different instrumentation together feels like a puzzle,” says clarinet student Leila Sereki, “the parts don’t sound quite right by themselves, but when they all align together, the piece sounds phenomenal and is very engaging.”
Currently in the second year of her master’s degree, Sereki also received her bachelor’s degree from CCM, and has been studying in the Winds department since 2017. “I have grown so much as a player since then,” she says, “I definitely pay closer attention to detail when practicing and preparing for rehearsal, and focus more on blend and balance within the clarinet section.” Speaking on how the CCM Winds department has helped prepare her professionally, Sereki says that “the ensembles are great because they truly make you accountable for your part. It’s been motivating being able to play with such high-level musicians. It definitely pushes you to work hard and practice more!”
The CCM Wind Symphony rehearses in Corbett Auditorium. Photo by CCM graduate student conductor Pearce Nitta.
“It has been amazing working with all these talented CCM students,” says bassoonist Justin Bruss, “I have learned so much and I am always so impressed by what my peers can do on their instruments.”
A senior in CCM's Music Education program, Bruss shared his inspiring story of studying at CCM. Beginning his degree during the pandemic in fall 2020, Bruss spoke on the challenges and disappointment that many young arts students face. “I was really demoralized. It can be hard to know where to start fixing things when everything can be improved,” he says. “Through it all, the Winds department never changed their high expectations, which meant that I had a goal that I could see and try to achieve. It didn’t happen in a year, and it didn’t happen in two, but eventually I improved enough that I could be proud of my performance.”
Now preparing to leave CCM to complete his student teaching, Bruss expressed his appreciation for the dynamic and diverse opportunities that he has experienced at CCM. During his time here, he has participated in large and small ensembles, private bassoon lessons, and even an internship conducting UC’s non-music major symphony orchestra. “I believe the Winds department’s dedication to quality music performed by quality musicians has helped to prepare me for the professional world, and for that I am very grateful.”
Featuring the outstanding artistry of CCM students in both the Wind Symphony and Wind Ensemble, as well as in the CCM Youth Wind Ensemble (CYWE) and CYWE Jr., this two-concert event puts all of CCM Winds musical prowess on full display.
Produced in collaboration with famed composer John Mackey, the concerts continue CCM’s long-standing tradition of providing students with professional experiences, connecting them with working artists through performance opportunities, workshops and master classes. Brimming with elaborately immersive and emotional music, this is certainly a collaboration that you don’t want to miss! Get your tickets now through the CCM Box Office!
Performance Times
- 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16: CCM Wind Ensemble + Jr. CYWE - "Eternal Light"
- 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17: CCM Wind Symphony + CYWE - "Songs from the End of the World"
Location
Corbett Auditorium, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets: $19.50 adult, $15 student, $15 UC faculty/staff, $10 UC student, $5 CCM student; group discounts available.
Experiencing the magic of CCM OnStage has never been easier. Purchase your tickets:
- Online at ccmonstage.universitytickets.com
- Over the phone at 513-556-4183
- In person at the CCM Box Office in the Atrium of UC's Corbett Center for the Performing Arts
CCM’s Box Office hours are Tuesday through Friday from 1-5 p.m. and one hour prior to curtain for ticketed performances. Hours subject to change based on the University of Cincinnati calendar. Our Box Office staff is always ready to answer your questions by phone at 513-556-4183 or email at boxoff@uc.edu.
UC Student Ticket Options
Current UC students can purchase up to two tickets for each CCM OnStage concert and show at the discounted rate of just $10 per ticket; the discounted rate for current CCM students is $5 per ticket. Learn more.
Student discounts do not apply to CCM development fundraising events.
Directions and Parking
CCM is located on the campus of the University of Cincinnati. For detailed driving directions, visit ccm.uc.edu/directions.
Parking is available in UC's CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Effective July 1, 2023, all University of Cincinnati Parking Services locations will become cashless. Pay for parking securely with your credit/debit card. All major credit cards accepted.
CCM OnStage patrons can add pre-paid parking to their checkout carts when purchasing tickets. Pre-paid parking is date/performance specific. CCM Garage parking rates for a performance or special event is usually available for $10-15. Learn more about parking at UC's CCM Garage.
For additional information on parking at UC, please visit uc.edu/about/parking.
Next OnStage
There's more to explore — view CCM's full schedule of fall major events at ccm.uc.edu/onstage.
Stay up to date on CCM news and events by subscribing to our Next OnStage email newsletter, which is published every other Wednesday. Visit ccm.uc.edu/subscribe to sign up for email updates.
Interested in early access to CCM's ticket sales? Join CCMpower and gain advanced access to 2024-25 ticket sales. CCMpower members also receive 10% off general ticket prices for the full year. Learn more about CCMpower membership benefits.
All event dates and programs are subject to change. For a complete calendar of events, please visit ccm.uc.edu/onstage.
Chet Rhodes
CCM Graduate Assistant, Marketing + Communications
Currently a Bassoon Performance master’s student at CCM, Chet received a Bachelor of Music from the University of Utah. He has held positions with the Salt Lake Symphony and the Utah Philharmonia.
Additional Contacts
Curt Whitacre | Director of Marketing/Communications | UC College-Conservatory of Music
whitaccp@ucmail.uc.edu | 513-556-2683
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