Frostburg State University to Present Wind Ensemble Concert “CLUTCH!” Nov. 21
Oct 27, 2026 8:00 AM
Frostburg State University’s Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will present “CLUTCH!,” a concert by the FSU Wind Ensemble, on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Pealer Recital Hall of FSU’s Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center.
The concert will feature music by Vincent Persichetti, Andrew David Perkins, Kevin Day, Percy Grainger and FSU Department of Music, Theatre and Dance faculty member Dr. Mackenzie LaMont.
The concert takes its name from Andrew David Perkins’ “CLUTCH,” a work inspired by the sights, sounds and smells of a Formula One racetrack. This fast-paced, high-energy overture will raise listeners’ heart rates as the music races along at nearly 200 beats per minute. Shifting gears and Doppler effects create the sensation of cars speeding past in a thrilling musical journey. Hold on tight for this exciting concert opener.
Percy Grainger’s music is a staple of the wind band repertoire, known for its artistic and technical challenges. His “Shepherd’s Hey,” a short setting of a traditional Morris dance tune arranged and published in 1918, is no exception. The clever arrangement features counterpoint, chromatic colors and a syncopated countermelody, allowing listeners to imagine individual dancers entering and leaving the scene.
“Not from Void or Fire,” a new work composed and arranged this year by LaMont, creates an ethereal musical landscape for wind ensemble. Originally written for bass trombone, saxophone and accordion, the piece was adapted by LaMont for the larger ensemble. Reflecting on the work’s unusual title, LaMont said, “When I was asking if the trio wanted me to think about any themes or inspirations while writing the piece, I was told ‘just stare into the void or a fire or whatever you composers do to come up with this stuff,’ and I thought that was a hilarious response, so it became the title.”
Vincent Persichetti’s music played an important role in the development of the wind ensemble repertoire. His distinctive compositional techniques are on display in “Divertimento for Band,” which features polytonality, rhythmic diminution and two contrasting sound groups: woodwinds and brass. The percussion section seamlessly blends the two groups together. Written in 1949 and premiered by the Goldman Band in 1950, the composition consists of six short movements. It remains one of Persichetti’s most popular works, celebrated for its humor and lyrical nostalgia.
Kevin Day’s “Havana” explores the diverse dance styles of Cuba, including salsa, mambo and cha-cha. The composition reflects Day’s appreciation for Cuban music, the country’s beautiful landscapes, its people and the city of Havana. The work is infused with the romance and rhythmic energy synonymous with Cuban music.
For more information, visit www.frostburg.edu/concerts.