There's music in the air this fall at UNG

For jazz lovers, there is a Big Band concert at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12 in Hoag Auditorium on the Dahlonega Campus.

"The Nighthawk Big Band will present a concert of new and old big band selections that includes some transcriptions of classic pop charts. The concert will feature the talents of UNG Music students as well as those from across a myriad of other majors and disciplines," Steven Walker, director of percussion studies, said. "The band is open to all UNG students with instrumental experience and an interest in jazz music."

Dr. Ashley Jarrell, associate professor of music and director of bands, said the UNG Wind Ensemble and Symphonic Band will present an exciting evening of music all about the pervasive impact of technology at this critical moment in time. The concert, "Tomorrow, in Concert," is at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Dawson County Performing Arts Center in Dawsonville, Georgia, and will include a brand-new piece by James David called "Pulsing Onward." Another piece on the program is a "tongue-in-cheek" tribute to how much smartphones have changed our lives (and concerts). "Concerto for Cell Phone and Wind Band" by James Stephenson will feature a cellphone soloist playing various familiar ringtones that the ensemble will imitate and accompany.

"The concert will conclude with John Mackey's 'Foundry,' which contains lots of 'unique percussion instruments' that imitate the sounds of a steel factory," Jarrell said. "This piece will be a collaboration between the combined UNG bands and our wonderful hosts for the evening, the Dawson County High School Band. Conducting this finale will be Miss Atira Murawski, a 2026 spring graduate and the director of bands at Dawson County High School."

Jarrell appreciates how the event feels so timely.

"I can honestly say that I am more excited about this concert than most because of its theme. Advances in technology have disrupted the course of human history both negatively and positively. These musical selections are expressions of each composer's thoughts about technology and how much it has impacted us all, both collectively and individually. With the recent developments in artificial intelligence, it is beneficial to reflect on how much technology has changed and will continue to change, and how we as a society feel about its role in our lives," Jarrell said.

Another UNG Wind Ensemble concert will be at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 17. It will feature Dr. Yue Yin, professor of voice, and is also at the Dawson County Performing Arts Center.

The UNG Chamber Choir and Le Belle Voci will be joining the Lanier Chamber Singers in a student-community collaboration at 4 p.m. Oct. 11 at Gainesville First United Methodist Church. Tickets are available online.

Emily Hobson-Gallardo, assistant professor and director of choral activities, said the concert will feature various selections by the UNG Chamber Choir and Le Belle Voci and conclude with Gabriel Fauré's "Requiem."The concert will feature a professional orchestra and Yin and Schoening as soloists.

Octubafest will be at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 at the Gloria Shott Performance Hall at UNG's Dahlonega Campus and 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Dahlonega Methodist Church.

Dr. Sanghie Lee will be presenting a chamber concert as part of the "A Little Night(hawk) Music" series at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Ed Cabell Performance Center at UNG's Gainesville Campus and again at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9 in the Gloria Shott Performance Hall. The events will feature Joseph Skerik (Vega String Quartet and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra), Boyu Li (Alabama Symphony Orchestra) and Ray Kim (Atlanta Symphony Orchestra).

Alexandria Burkingstock, a senior from Dacula, Georgia, pursuing a degree in marketing with a minor in music, has been performing for three years, two under Hobson-Gallardo. Among her accomplishments are solo performances of the national anthem at six commencements, three 9/11 vigils and one Nighthawk Preview. The Holiday Choral Festival at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 30 at Grace Episcopal Church in Gainesville will be her final performance as a student.

"Thinking about my final performances is bittersweet," Burkingstock said. "Participating in the choirs has been a rewarding part of my time at UNG. Performing in the choirs has been a wonderful outlet for my creative energy that's not specific to my major. It gives me a chance to not only use my talents but also build community with other amazing performers."

The festival is entitled "A Winter Pilgrimage," and it will feature all the UNG Choirs as well as several students from the instrumental division.

More performance information can be found on the UNG Music events webpage.