Nebraska state climatologist visits NWU for holiday symphonic band concert

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  • Nebraska Wesleyan University’s band concert Messages from Mother Earth
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Symphonic Band
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University’s band concert Messages from Mother Earth
  • Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Symphonic Band

Messages From Mother Earth concert

Join the the symphonic band, NWU Theatre Department, CSIT and Nebraska State Climatologist Dr. Martha Shulski on Saturday, December 10 at 7:30 p.m. in O'Donnell Auditorium. 

On Friday, December 10, Nebraska Wesleyan University’s symphonic band will be joined by the NWU Theatre Department and CSIT to share in a concert experience entitled Messages From Mother Earth. The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. in O’Donnell Auditorium, located in the Vance D. Rogers Center for Fine Arts. 

The concert will be a multimedia experience through the use of storytelling, narration, lighting effects, cartoons, TikTok videos, actors, projections and more.

Through music, the ensemble will share what individuals might miss if we choose not to listen to messages from Mother Earth. The symphonic band will explore the impacts of climate change through pieces about nature such as “Sol Solator” by Timothy Mahr, “And the Grass Sings in the Meadows” by Travis J. Cross, “Australian Up-Country Tune” by Percy Grainger, “Mother Earth” by David Maslanka, and “The Ronald Searle Suite” by Lyn Murray. 

“This time of year always brings about a change in atmosphere and mood; everyone is happier and stretches their love a bit further than usual," said Janet Song Kim, NWU director of instrumental activities and assistant professor of music. "This concert was curated to help ponder the question: What does it take to extend our love a bit further for the planet we live on?”

Climate change reception with Dr. Martha Shulski

The audience is invited to join ensemble members, actors, and Dr. Martha Shulski after the concert for a reception and Q&A about climate change.

“Climate change represents a looming existential threat, and the impacts are already being felt - for disadvantaged populations more than others, Dr. Shulski stated. "Reaching people with the heart as well as the mind is the key to developing meaningful dialogue and lasting solutions.” This event hopes to install a message of unity and alliance during this holiday season.

The performance is free for attendees. Donations will be collected at the entrance to benefit the music and outreach of the Nebraska Wesleyan University symphonic band. A live-streaming link of the concert will posted on Nebraska Wesleyan University’s Music Department YouTube and Facebook channels on December 10 at 12:00 p.m. Please contact jkim3 [at] nebrwesleyan.edu (jkim3[at]nebrwesleyan[dot]edu) for more information related to the performance.