USAO Presents Concert Band, Key Players Concert Nov. 12

CHICKASHA – Local residents in need of musical entertainment need look no further than the University of Science and Arts. On Nov. 12, the USAO Concert Band and Key Players will rock the house during an evening filled with live, energetic music.

The free concert, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in the Te Ata Memorial Auditorium, features marches, classical music, Beatles songs and more.

Dr. Dan Hanson, professor of music and director of both groups, encouraged the public to attend the live concert.

“Looking for something unique, exciting and inspiring?” he said. “Join us for a delightful hour of distinctively rousing and unusual entertainment.”

The Droverspirit Wind Ensemble, also known as the Concert Band, includes two dozen student musicians from across the state, representing multiple disciplines. Selected members of the band also perform in the Pep Band during home basketball games.

The band will perform seven American military marches, music by Johann Sebastian Bach and a piece entitled, “Dawn of a New Day,” by James Swearingen.

“Our program showcases an impressive range of talent from this versatile wind ensemble,” Hanson said. “Members are drawn from every course of study across the campus. Membership is open to anyone who enjoys creating great music in a spirit of fun and entertainment.”

The concert also features a special performance by the USAO Key Players, a six-piece ensemble comprised of three keyboards, electric guitar, bass and drums. The Key Players have lined up several classic rock tunes by The Beatles, many of which appear on the albums, “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” and “The White Album.”

The Key Players is one of the University’s newest ensembles. Hanson describes the group as “a daring musical experiment with an impressive repertoire from Bach to The Beatles, from classics to country, from rock to jazz and from movie themes to novelty tunes.”

Each song is a unique arrangement developed by the entire team.

“This group will surprise you with rich, powerful and complex sounds,” Hanson said. “We play any style, anywhere, anytime.”