Thankful for the joy brought by the University & Community Band's winter concert! On November 25th, this ensemble filled the Young Auditorium to the brim. Composed of over 30 students, recent alums, UW-W staff, and community members, it showcases the diversity of musical talent. Musicians range from 18-year-old freshmen to those in retirement age.

Alumna Kayla Glaser: A Lifelong Connection

Kayla Glaser, a UW-W alumna, has been part of the ensemble since 2013. After graduating, she remains actively involved in the Whitewater community. Alongside playing clarinet in the Community Band, she serves as the custom shop coordinator at the UW-Whitewater Bookstore. "I joined during my freshman year. Doctor Hayes told me it was a new and fun ensemble with less pressure than other bands. As a non-music major, not needing auditions or chair placements was very appealing. Everyone was accepted and encouraged to grow," she shared.

The sense of community within the band has been profound for Glaser. She has made several of her closest friends through this ensemble, and they have become integral parts of her life. She reflects, "It's wild to think about how our paths might not have crossed without band."

Professor Kris Curran: A Musical Outlet

Kris Curran, a biology professor at UW-W, has been a part of the ensemble for the past five years. As a busy professor with limited free time, the Community Band provides a much-needed outlet for her passion for music. "It's a wonderful break from other things. Science and music work well together in life. Einstein played the violin, and many of my scientist friends from college were also good musicians," she explained.

For Curran, being part of the band allows her to use her brain in a different way. It's a chance to engage with music and connect with others who share the same love.

Senior Sam Behling: Fun and Inclusion

Sam Behling, a French horn player and current UW-W senior, emphasizes the importance of the ensemble. "This group is important to me because it allows me to have fun and keep music in my life. I also love that we welcome members of the community, whether they are alumni, music teachers, or just instrument owners," he said.

Playing in the band gives Behling an exhilarating experience. He describes it as similar to listening to a favorite song on repeat, but with the added sensations of hearing the music all around and feeling the vibrations through the floor. It's a unique and unforgettable feeling.

As we enter winter and the holiday season, the sense of community strengthened by the concert is truly remarkable. Hundreds of family members and friends filled the auditorium, sharing their time, gratitude, and passions. The excitement was palpable both on and off the stage.