On Nov. 4, Hamline’s Sundin Music Hall hosted the Parents and Alumni Concert. It featured all of the music ensembles of Hamline and gave a wonderful selection of what each of the groups are working on for their fall concerts.

The tradition of the Parent and Family Concert was brought about by the Hamline Alumni that made the Sundin Music Hall possible: Lloyd and Mildred Sundin. The couple graduated from Hamline in 1923 and 1924, respectively, and wanted their love for music continued at Hamline, through the building of a music hall. The Parent and Family Concert is officially dedicated to Lloyd and Mildred, as a memorial to them.

The concert began with the Wind Ensemble, directed by Professor Janet Greene. The ensemble played two pieces. First, October by Eric Whitacre and second, English Dances for Band 4. Allegro risoluto, by Malcolm Arnold, arranged by Maurice Johnstone.

Second in the list of five ensembles, was the University Chorale, directed by Professor Kathy Thomsen. The chorale sang two pieces. Their first being Adoramus Te by Francesco Gasparini, arranged by Catherine Bennett, and the second being One Voice by The Wailin Jennys; this piece featured three soloists: first-year Christi Cunningham, sophomore Alayna Baggenstoss, and senior Stephen Strate.

Third, was the A Cappella Choir, directed by Professor George Chu. The choir sang two pieces, Se Equivoco la Paloma (The Dove Was Mistaken) by Carlos Guastavino― which featured a small reading of the Spanish poetry, by senior Emily Anderson. Second in their repertoire was My Flight for Heaven by Blake Henson.

Fourth, was the Hamline University Orchestra directed by Professor Yali You, starting after the brief intermission. The orchestra opened with a piece by a familiar composer: Antonio Vivaldi: Allegro from Concerto for Two Trumpets in C major, RV 537. The piece featured two soloists, senior Ray Culp and junior Eric Dols on trumpet. After the Vivaldi, came another famous composer’s piece: Allegro assai from Symphony No. 31, (The Paris Symphony), K 297 by Wolfgang A. Mozart.

Fifth and finally was the Jazz Ensemble directed by Professor Greg Keel, played two pieces. First, was Little Dave by J.J. Johnson, arranged by Brent Wallarab, featuring three soloists: Alumnus Eric Yeakel ‘17, Cole Plumber, and junior David Mercer-Taylor. Secondly, and finally, the Jazz Ensemble played Alright, Okay, You Win by Sid Wyche & Mayme Watts, arranged by Sammy Nestico, which featured sophomore Bree Carey for a vocal solo.

As a whole, the concert was just a glimpse into what’s to come from these departments and displayed  the dedication to the arts and to the memory of Lloyd and Mildred Sundin.

Anyone interested in hearing any of the ensembles, their winter concerts are coming up! On Dec. 2 at 2 p.m., the Wind Ensemble will be playing in Sundin Music Hall. The following day, Dec. 3, at the Hamline United Methodist church, the A Cappella Choir will be performing at 4 p.m. On Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., the University Chorale will be performing in Sundin Music Hall. Dec. 9 will feature the Hamline University Orchestra, who will be performing at 2 p.m. in Sundin. Finally, on Dec. 17 the Jazz Ensemble will be showcasing their skills at Anne Simley Theatre at 4 p.m.

Attending these events is a great way to support your fellow Pipers and the various departments that produce these concerts.