While COVID has taken a toll on all types of live musical concerts, Ball State University’s Wind Symphony still expects to deliver a quality performance when it showcases six pieces, including “This Cruel Moon” by John Mackey and “Dancing Fire” by Kevin Day.

“This Cruel Moon,” adapted from the second movement of “Wine-Dark Sea: Symphony for Band,” is an emotional piece that follows nymph Kalypso who falls in love with Odysseus and cares for him, but ultimately loses him. In contrast, “Dancing Fire” is a fun and energetic piece with a contagious melody that Day says made him think of a group of people singing, dancing and having fun around a campfire at night.

Preparation for the April 20 livestreamed event at Sursa Performance Hall has had its challenges, says Caroline Hand, associate director of bands and assistant professor of music performance. But Hand says she and her students are committed to producing great work.

“I am really passionate about ensemble music making, meaning people getting to make music together in a big group,” said Hand. “I think there’s something very electric and energetic and exciting about that.”

Due to coronavirus restrictions, rehearsals have taken place in small groups, but Hand says that has its benefits.

“The type of music that we’re playing, chamber music, is really making us stronger. People are coming into their own more as soloist,” Hand said. “They’re having their ears trained in ways that they wouldn’t get the opportunity to if they were playing in a large group.”

General admission for the 7:30 p.m. event is $5. Students with a Ball State ID can get a free ticket at the Emens box office. Tickets also can be purchased by phone at 765-285-1539 or in person at 1800 W. Riverside Ave. More information about the performance is at:  https://www.bsu.edu/calendar/events/academics/school-of-music/2021/04/20/wind-symphony

Shiyi Sun is a reporter for a Ball State University arts journalism class.