SJAWE: Come Sunday!

SJAWE: Come Sunday!

The South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble's December 8th, 2024, concert, titled “Come Sunday!” and directed by Dr. Keith W. Hodgson, presents a diverse musical journey filled with both classical and contemporary selections. The performance opens with Eternal Father, Strong to Save by Claude T. Smith, a majestic homage to seafaring, followed by the energetic Catch Me If You Can by John Williams, featuring saxophonist Ron Kerber. The concert continues with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ English Folk Song Suite, a beloved tribute to British folk music, followed by Go Tell It on the Mountain, conducted by Assistant Conductor Jennifer Hodgson.

After the intermission, Anthony Pinardo takes the stage with a trumpet feature in Gospel John, conducted by Ron Poorman, followed by the emotive How Sweet the Sound by Brian Balmages. The program’s centerpiece, Come Sunday! by Omar Thomas, celebrates the spirit of gospel music with Kerber returning as the saxophone soloist. The spirit of gospel reaches new heights in the program’s centerpiece, Come Sunday! by Omar Thomas where Kerber shines as the saxophone soloist. Special guest Dr. Christian Wilhjelm leads Holst’s Christmas Day and Hodgson will close the program with JaRod Hill’s lively Toboggan. Encores will include Sousa’s Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company and Anderson’s which presents Auld Lang Syne and the beloved Sleigh Ride, conducted by Poorman to cap off the evening. This diverse program promises a joyful and uplifting celebration of music and the holiday season.

Host or Publisher South Jersey Area Wind Ensemble