UW Bands, Pikes Peak Wind Symphony Join for ‘Child’s Garden of Dreams’ Concert Feb. 26

The University of Wyoming Department of Music will present a special collaborative performance, “A Child’s Garden of Dreams” -- featuring the UW Symphonic Band, UW Wind Symphony and special guest Pikes Peak Wind Symphony -- Thursday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m. in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts concert hall.

Tickets are available at https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984/event/1461239, in person or at (307) 766-6666 at the Performing Arts box office, Monday-Friday, noon-6 p.m., and one hour before performances.

The concert highlights the emotional range of the modern wind ensemble, from the whimsical folk traditions of the British Isles to the surreal landscapes of the human subconscious.

The evening opens with the Pikes Peak Wind Symphony, led by conductor Jack Yonce. Its program celebrates classic wind repertoire, featuring the rhythmic charm of George Rowe’s “Molly’s Sweet,” the patriotic vigor of John Philip Sousa’s “The Thunderer” and Ralph Vaughan Williams’ lyrical “Rhosymedre.” The ensemble also will perform Percy Grainger’s spirited “I’m Seventeen Come Sunday.”

The UW Symphonic Band, under the direction of Joe Carver, takes the stage with a program centered on heritage and reflection. A cornerstone of the set is John Barnes Chance’s “Variations on a Korean Folk Song.” Based on the ancient tune “Arrirang,” Chance composed the piece after serving in the Eighth U.S. Army Band in Seoul. The band also will perform David Holsinger’s “On A Hymnsong of Philip Bliss,” conducted by guest Amanda Smith. This work offers a gentle meditation on the hymn “It Is Well with My Soul.” The set concludes with David Gillingham’s exuberant “With Heart and Voice.”

The finale features the UW Wind Symphony, conducted by Matthew Schlomer. The program includes Eric Whitacre’s ethereal “Sleep,” conducted by guest Ashton Tyler, followed by the concert’s namesake: David Maslanka’s “A Child’s Garden of Dreams.” This masterwork is a visceral exploration of the vivid, sometimes terrifying imagery found in the dreams of a young child, as documented by psychologist Carl Jung.

Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., the Pikes Peak Wind Symphony is a premier ensemble of dedicated musicians performing diverse, high-quality repertoire, providing engaging, community-oriented concerts that showcase musical excellence and artistic passion within the Pikes Peak region and beyond.

Open to all talented student musicians, the UW Symphonic Band performs a wide variety of repertoire, delivering energetic, quality performances of both classical and contemporary wind literature to audiences and the community.

The UW Wind Symphony is the premier auditioned ensemble featuring top wind and percussion students at the university, performing high-level repertoire with a focus on artistic excellence and diverse programming.