OC’s Winter Symphonic Band and Jazz concert will be March 11

The free concert, with COVID-19 safety precautions, will begin at 7:30 p.m. in OC’s old cafeteria space.

February 12, 2021

Oklahoma Christian University’s Music Program will have its annual winter concert a little later than usual on March 11. Due to the early end date of the fall semester to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, the concert was rescheduled. This also gave students more time to prepare following winter break. The change presented a unique opportunity for music students as the concert will be the first since 2017 that will feature a combined Symphonic Band and Jazz concert in the spring semester. The performance will also honor the late composer and Jazz educator Sammy Nestico, who passed away last month. 

The concert will include a symphonic band performance of his arrangement of “Malaguena” and a jazz band performance of Nestico’s composition, “Wind Machine.” 

OC Professor of Music and Band Director Heath Jones reflected on the legacy of Nestico.

“Sammy Nestico is acclaimed as one of the biggest contributors to the field of music over the last century and considered one of the greatest American composers of all time,” he said. 

In addition to performing Nestico’s composition, the jazz band will also premier a piece by Vince Norman, the retired composer-arranger for the Army Field Band who now lives in the Oklahoma City area.

OC music education major and Symphonic Band President Spencer Banister looks forward to the upcoming concert.

“We have been preparing some enjoyable music,” he said. “I’m proud of the great job the Music Program has done finding ways to be safe during rehearsals and performances.”
The free concert will take place on March 11 at 7:30 p.m. in the old cafeteria. Seating for the performance will comply with COVID-19 mitigation practices. In addition, attendees will have their temperatures checked before taking their seats. Ticket information is available from the OC Box Office at 405-425-6310. For more information about the OC Music Program, visit www.oc.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/music.