WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., April 27, 2021 — The hills will come alive with the sounds of music Weekend of April 30 – May 2 as West Liberty University music students perform in a variety of outdoor performances at Oglebay.
“Due to the pandemic and the concerns for safety, we proposed a three-day music festival for spring to Oglebay Resort events director Andy Brown and we’ve been working with him to schedule the concerts. The outdoor venue is ideal and the entire music department is participating,” said Dr. Ryan Keeling, WLU’s director of Choral Activities.
Performances will take place in the Anne Kuchinka Amphitheater and are free and open to the public. Donations will be accepted.
About 50 students will take part in the performance and all will be socially distanced.
Live music has been difficult this academic year for music students who have been forced to practice outdoors or in different indoor spaces to allow for the required six feet of social distance and the masked orders.
“Normally concerts would be different but we wanted to do something bold and allow our students this performance opportunity. Oglebay was welcoming and pleased to have live music to offer its guests,” added Keeling, who also is a WLU alumnus.
The April 30 – May 2 schedule begins with a 7 p.m. Friday, April 30 concert performed by the WLU Wind Symphony, under the direction of Dr. Gretchen Pohlman.
Saturday, May 1 includes five different groups performing music.
• 1 pm, Electronic Music Ensemble, directed by Dr. Matthew Harder
• 2 pm, Steel Band, directed by Dr. Mitch Greco
• 3 pm, Percussion Ensemble, directed by Greco
• 4 pm, African Drum and Dance Ensemble, directed by Greco
• 6:30 pm, WLU Choirs, directed by Keeling
Sunday, May 2
• 1 pm: Hilltop Opera, directed by Dr. Linda Cowan
• 2 pm: Flute Choir, directed by Dr. Gail Looney
The musical performances conclude at 3 p.m.
WLU’s Department of Music and Theater is housed within the College of Arts and Communication. It offers the Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance degree, the Bachelor of Arts in Music Education degree and the Bachelor of Music Technology degree programs. Students also may choose to minor in music. For complete information, please contact the music department at 304-336-8006.