Ali Luciani, Campus Carrier asst. arts and living editor

The Berry Winds performed their inaugural concert of the season, “Echoes Through Time,” on Tuesday, delivering a performance that took listeners on a journey through the evolution of music.  The concert featured pieces from the elegance of the Renaissance to the inventive sounds of modern era. The program highlighted the ensemble’s range of musical skills and their deep understanding of how music has changed and grown over time. 

Kate Jackson, a junior music education and clarinet player in Berry Winds, shared how much she enjoyed performing a wide range of music.

“I think it’s really interesting because we’re being exposed to different times and different eras,” Jackson said. “We start with a piece called ‘Circa 1600’ which is kind of like a replica of what the music would have sounded like during the Renaissance. It’s interesting because it’s very hard compared to some of the other pieces we’re playing, which are newer.”

The concert featured a mix of compositions that illustrated the evolution of wind literature across centuries. “Notezart,” a piece featuring music from the classical era, including themes inspired by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, was paired with modern pieces like “Flying Jewels” by James M. David. “Flying Jewels” was originally written for a U.S. military band.

“It’s interesting being able to play that piece because it’s like this top band played this and it was commissioned for them,” Jackson said. “It shows how music keeps developing and it’s a full circle.”

Autumn Harris, a junior saxophone player, said she enjoyed how the concert featured many styles.

“All of our pieces show different strengths that each instrumentalist has, and it’s just really cool because they’re all from different time periods,” Harris said. “One of our pieces is supposed to be based from the 1600s and another one from the early 2000s.”

Under the guidance of Assistant Professor of Instrumental Music Education Alyssa Grey, the Berry Winds approached the program with precision. The ensemble meets three times a week to rehearse and refine their sound through sectional practices and individual work. 

Jackson, who also serves as the section leader for clarinets, said that the preparation was both collective and individual.

“We meet Monday, Wednesday and Friday at noon and practice together in class, but we’re also expected to practice outside of rehearsal. In class, it’s important that everyone’s there because we can hear what needs to be fixed. Then we go back, work on it individually and come together again.”

For many members of the Berry Winds, “Echoes Through Time” was more than a concert, it was an educational experience. 

Jackson said performing historical pieces provided context for musical eras she had studied in her music classes.

“I’ve taken classes that talk about the 1600s and what was popular at that time and then all of these other things, but we don’t necessarily always get to look at them and experience that,” Jackson said. “It’s kind of been cool being able to put together like, ‘oh, this is actually what it feels like to play this’ and not just learning about it in class.”

Harris said that the experience deepened her appreciation for the evolution of music. 

“I think it’ll highlight the importance of the music from different time periods and all of the efforts that each individual has put into the music,” Harris said.  “And that music is hard.”

The concert provided program notes that helped guide the audience through the historical journey, offering insights into each piece, the composer and the structure. Harris said that these program notes help connect performers and listeners. 

“Program notes are essentially to let the audience know ahead of time, like, ‘this is what this piece is about, and this is kind of why we’re doing it,’” Harris said. 

While the performance demonstrated technical skill, the group includes students from many majors, not just music. Jackson said that this makes rehearsals more fun.

“Most people in Berry Winds are not music majors, they come from other classes,” Jackson said. “It’s mainly about being able to play music and enjoy life because we always get so stressed with other classes that we come to this class and it’s just fun.”

For Jackson, the experience is also connected to her career goals.

“Being a music ed major, I also work directly for Dr. Grey as her assistant, so I get a lot of experience in different ways from students,” Jackson said. “I’m able to apply what I’m learning in class to what Dr Grey asked me to do in her work and studies.”

Preparing for the concert required both mental and musical focus. Harris said she always tries to take care of herself before performing. 

“I normally always try and eat before I go to a concert and take a shower just so I can feel better about myself,” Harris said. “I always try to get there early so I can sit and focus; I want to be in a good headspace for it.”The “Echoes Through Time” performance showcased not only the musical talent in Berry Winds, but also their dedication to understanding music’s history. By playing pieces from different eras, the ensemble highlighted how music continues to evolve over the years. The concert reflected the hard practice and teamwork of the students. Through their performance, the Berry Winds gave the audience an enjoyable experience that celebrated both the past and modern styles of music.