Missouri University of Science and Technology’s band program will team up with the St. James High School Band and members of the 399^th Army Band to perform two free concerts this February.

The first concert will feature the University Wind Symphony, directed by Dr. David Samson, combined with the St. James High School Band, directed by Derek Limback and assistant director Roger Payne. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 23 in the auditorium at John F. Hodge High School in St. James.

“In addition to our traditional concert with the 399th, we’re thrilled to be working with another great band,” says Samson. “This is the first time in my tenure that we’ve taken the University Wind Symphony on the road, and we’re honored to share the stage with Mr. Limback and his fine band at St. James High School.”

The second concert will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 in Leach Theatre in Castleman Hall, located on the Missouri S&T campus at the corner of 10th and Main streets in Rolla. The concert will feature performances by community members and students in the Missouri S&T Symphonic Band, directed by Samson, and the University Wind Symphony joined by members of the 399th Army Band from Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, directed by Samson and CW4 Jared DeLaney.

“The University Wind Symphony is excited to once again be teaming up with the 399th Army Band,” says Samson. “This combined group along with the S&T Symphonic Band will present what we know will be an excellent afternoon of music. We’re especially excited to present the world premiere of a brand-new piece. ‘To the Stars’ is a fantastic work that pays homage to the music of science fiction movies. The fact that it was composed by S&T’s own Director of Orchestra, Dr. Kyle Wernke, makes this premiere even more special.”

Both concerts are free to attend, and no tickets are required.

For more information about the concerts or Missouri S&T’s performing arts programs, call the arts, languages, and philosophy department at 573-341-4185 or email alp@mst.edu.

About Missouri University of Science and Technology

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu.