I went over to Pick-Staiger...

...Concert Hall (above) on the campus of Northwestern University last night to see the final performance of the year of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Mallory Thompson. The evening consisted of five pieces, including a song, Here from Pomp and Circumstance, sung by Northwestern alum Jarrod Zimmerman, in honor of music professor Dr. Frederick L. Hemke, who is retiring after 50 years on the Evanston campus.

The other four pieces were Short Ride in a Fast Machine (1986) by American composer John Adams (1947- ); Andante Pastorale from Symphony No. 3 (1911) by Danish composer Carl Nielsen (1865-1931); Millenium Canons (2001) by American Kevin Puts (1972- ) -- he's young! -- and Music for Prague 1968 (1969) in four movements by the Czech composer Karel Husa (1921- ).

As I mentioned, this was the last performance of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble for the season, but there is still plenty of music -- plenty -- at Northwestern through the summer. (Here's a link if you're interested.)

Really, if you live anywhere near Northwestern you should really check it out sometime. For six bucks (and free parking) it's much better than a movie.