Southeastern’s Wind Symphony celebrated in the Columbia Theatre to celebrate Louisiana jazz and traditional music. 
The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit

Laissez les bon temps rouler or Let the good times roll is a simple message given to celebrate our Louisiana culture, including traditions like Mardi Gras and New Orleans jazz. 

Guests were gifted with Mardi Gras beads as they entered Southeastern’s Wind Symphony last Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m. in the Columbia Theatre to celebrate Louisiana jazz and traditional music. 

The symphony included seven composed songs; “Night In The Tropics,” “Cajun Folk Songs,” “Cumulus Over Tangipahoa,” “Carnaval!,” “Bayou Breakdown,” “Fantasie” and “J’ai ete au bal.” All songs were composed by various artists including professor of music director of bands Glen J. Hemberger and artistic director and conductor Richard Rosenburg.

Professor of music and composer Dr. Stephen C. Suber included his world premiere addition of “Cumulus Over Tangipahoa.” 

“The group had an amazing performance,” said Suber. “I cannot describe the feeling of having something from your imagination come to life successfully, these guys nailed it. We have an awesome ensemble, a wind symphony world class. We want to invite everyone to come to these events, we have such a talented department and they deserve to be noticed.” 

The Louisiana theme took a hold of the hearts of the musicians, where they could connect through jazzy beats. 

“I loved the experience of playing in a cultural based symphony,” said sophomore trumpet player, engineering technology major Zachary Guy. “There is so much culture here in Louisiana and we have the privilege to experience such a variety of music and art. My favorite song of this event was ‘J’ai Ete Au Bal’ or ‘I Went to the Ball.’ This song has such high energy, it really gets the crowd going and reflects what Louisiana culture is all about.” 

Sophomore assistant musician of symphony and music performing arts major Tyler Pertuit stated his love and devotion to this event. 

“The Louisiana theme is a lot different from other symphony performances,” said Pertuit. “It is very non-traditional and defines New Orleans jazz to a completely different perspective. My favorite piece is “Carnival!,” it is very circus like and fun to play.”

Senior industrial technology major Nicholas Usey, found this event highly satisfying. 

“I loved it, the experience being here was extravagant,” said Usey. “It is very rare for me to come out and enjoy events like these, but to see something like this you can definitely tell that these musicians have much passion for their work, you can definitely feel it.” 

If you would like to find out more about the wind symphony, visit the university website.

Southeastern’s Wind Symphony celebrated in the Columbia Theatre to celebrate Louisiana jazz and traditional music. 
The Lion's Roar/Tiffany Nesbit