The first notes rose like a call to attention—clear, steady, and unmistakably American—echoing through Belk Auditorium on the campus of Presbyterian College. For a moment, it felt less like a concert hall and more like sacred ground, where memory, sacrifice, and pride stood shoulder to shoulder. On April 16, the Chamber Winds & Wind Ensemble didn’t just perform—they marched forward in sound, telling the story of a nation 250 years in the making.
Under the steady command of Dr. Giovani Briguente, the ensemble delivered a program rooted in both discipline and heart. This was precision patriotism at its finest. From the opening Color Processional to the enduring power of The Star-Spangled Banner, each note landed with intention, as if guided by something greater than the page.
The evening’s most powerful moments came in tribute to those who have served. During the Armed Forces medley, veterans in attendance were asked to stand as their service songs were played—a simple gesture that carried immense weight. One by one, they rose, recognized and honored, as the audience responded with heartfelt applause. It was a living reminder that the freedoms celebrated in song were earned through real sacrifice. That reverence deepened with the solemn, haunting tones of Taps, leaving few in the room untouched.
Serving as master of ceremonies, CJ Davis brought both poise and presence, guiding the audience through the evening while also lending his voice to Lift Every Voice and Sing, a performance that resonated with strength and unity.
Then came a moment of quiet command. Flute soloist Tanya Warren stepped forward—not with fanfare, but with purpose. Just like going into battle, the band was led by her command performance, each phrase delivered with clarity and resolve. Her playing didn’t overpower—it directed. And the ensemble followed, locked in step, creating a moment that was both intimate and commanding.
The program itself reflected the American journey—its beauty, its trials, and its triumphs. Works like America the Beautiful and God Bless America stirred pride, while A German Requiem offered reflection. Lighter yet no less precise, selections like The Crowning Glory and Emperata Overture showcased the ensemble’s range and discipline.
Percussionists Jim Adair and Emily Moore brought a different kind of intensity—sharp, rhythmic, and exact—in their featured rudimental performances. Their work echoed like cadence calls, grounding the evening in both tradition and technique.
And as the final notes rang out—fittingly honoring the legacy of John Philip Sousa—the audience was left not just with applause, but with a shared sense of pride.
Because on this night, these musicians were more than performers. They were patriots, one and all—carrying the spirit of a nation through every measure, every rest, every rising crescendo.
Two hundred fifty years in the making—and still marching forward.
Coming Up: Presbyterian College continues the music with the PC Orchestra’s “Are You Afraid of Classical Music?” concert on April 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Edmunds Hall—free and open to the public.
