Centennial celebration honors musical talent

Cheers to 100 years!

Lenoir-Rhyne University celebrates its first century of bands on the Hickory campus with a performance and reception beginning at 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 19, in P.E. Monroe Auditorium.

Music students and community members will perform a variety of traditional and contemporary band works, including Wagner’s “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” Fisher Tull’s “The Final Covenant” and “El Camino Real” by Alfred Reed. The concert will also feature an evening of stories from decades past to celebrate the music program’s dedication, talent and vision.

Passionate about his work with students, Neil Underwood, music instructor and director of LR’s Spirit of LR marching band and wind symphony, is excited to celebrate this significant achievement.

“Music finds a place in our soul, and it contributes to our quality of life,” Underwood said. “That is one of the reasons I think it’s important that we celebrate this milestone that LR has achieved. The fact that LR has made it to 100 years of having bands on campus is a testament to LR’s commitment to the arts and the strong leadership at the university over the years.”

Underwood, along with Christopher Nigrelli, professor of music and music program coordinator, will be conducting a variety of music with LR’s Wind Symphony in honor of the celebration. The Bears community will also celebrate LR’s musical achievements and honor those that have been a part of it through the years, including the recognition of Daniel Kiser, LR’s former director of bands.

Reagan Womack, sophomore biochemistry student and dedicated member of the Bears marching band, wind symphony and wind ensemble, is eager to participate in the centennial celebration with her peers. Initially, Womack chose LR to be part of the inclusive community. Her passion for music inspired her to join LR’s musical groups.

“Band at LR is a huge thing, not only to me but to everybody on campus,” Womack said. “Many people love the marching band, and this event allows everyone to celebrate what music does for people. Many of our members in the different ensembles are like me, not a music major or minor. They’re just here because they love music. While LR may have a smaller music program, the music program is such a huge part of everybody’s lives.”