By Jayson Edgerle

Reporter

 The CSU Bakersfield Concert Band gave the semester a final send-off with its Spring Concert.

 The concert brought out parents and students to support those in the band. Six pieces were played, including Mother Earth by David Maslanka, La Procession du Rocio by Joaquín Turina, Fantaisie by Geoges Hüe with a flute solo by Katelyn Willey, Eleanor and Estalee by Bakersfield native Doug Davis, Serenity by Ola Gjeilo, and The Wild Goose by Ryan George.

 Dr. Leo Sakomoto, a music professor at CSUB and the concert’s conductor, described how he chose the pieces the band performed for the concert.

 “First and foremost was the quality of each piece,” Sakomoto said. “If it was fun and meaningful to perform, fulfilling to listen to, if there was something to learn from performing the piece. It was especially meaningful to program the solo flute piece for music major Katelyn Wiley.”

 Katelyn Wiley, a senior who has been with the band for six years, shared in an email how she felt about performing the flute solo for Fantaisie.

  “It was just a wonderful opportunity and an amazing experience. I have wanted to perform a flute concerto my whole life and I am so grateful to Dr. Sakomoto for giving me the chance to perform with this group.”

 Wiley plans on finishing her bachelor’s in music education then pursuing a Graduate degree in Flute Performance.

 One of the most important things that a band must be able to do is to be in sync. But that can only be achieved with a lot of practice.

 Sakomoto said the band went through a lot of practice leading up to the concert.

 “Once-a-week rehearsals for about 14 weeks and a lot of individual practice outside rehearsals for the musicians, and a lot of score study for me,” Sakomoto said. “Tremendous progress was made, and it means so much to me that a large collective of individuals can come together bonded by their passion for music and performing to work towards a public performance.”

  But what is the dynamic between the entire group? Do they get along?

 Stan Gilford, a music education major who plays the saxophone, shared his experiences with the band.

 “My time with the band has been awesome. I appreciate the time and support the entire ensemble has for each other.”

  Sakomoto had some closing remarks.

 “If you attended the concert, many thanks! If not, we hope to see you support your fellow Runners in the future.”

Photo by Ana Canales/ The Runner

Katelyn Willey receives a bouquet of flowers from the audience after her performance
during the CSUB Concert Band Spring Concert on Saturday, May 5, 2018.