WOOSTER, Ohio — The sights and sounds of Scotland will descend upon Roanoke when The College of Wooster’s Scot Symphonic Band performs in concert on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m. at the Colonial Presbyterian Church (3550 Poplar Dr., S.W.).

Directed by Thomas Roblee and assisted by Ned Brooks, the band has entertained audiences nationwide during its annual spring tour, which began in 1976. The ensemble’s distinctive uniforms consist of kilts with hand-sewn pleats made from the College’s MacLeod Tartan plaid, representing its Scottish Presbyterian heritage. Each Scot Band concert includes the traditional music of Scotland by the bagpipers, drummers, and Highland dancers.

The concert will open with Paul Hindemith’s “March from Symphonic Metamorphosis” followed by Healey Willan’s “Royce Hall Suite” in three movements.  Robert Sheldon’s “As a Wind from the North” Other selections include Norman Dello Joio’s Scenes from “The Louvre” based on Ancient Airs in five movements; “Untitled” by Jordan Key; George Gershwin’s “The Symphonic Gershwin,” arranged by Warren Barker; and John Philip Sousa’s “Sempre Fidelis.”The concert will conclude with the band’s rendition of “Amazing Grace.”  Following that, The College of Wooster Pipe Band and Highland dancers will perform a set of Scottish bagpipe music.

Thomas Roblee is in his fifth year as instructor of percussion and first year as director of bands in Wooster, having assisted with marching and symphonic bands for the previous four years.  He received a Bachelor of Music Education degree from SUNY Fredonia and Master of Music Performance degree from The University of Akron.

Ned Brooks is in his 17th year as an associate director for the band program at Wooster, where he assists with the Marching and Symphonic Bands.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in music education from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree from Kent State University.  He also serves as music director of St. James Episcopal Church in Wooster, where he coordinates a noontime Brown Bag concert series, which is now in its 35th year.

There is no admission fee for the performance, but a freewill offering will be taken. Additional information about the concert is available by phone (330-263-2048) or by email (bbrooks@wooster.edu).

Submitted by Sarah L. Stanley, Administrative Coordinator, College Relations and Marketing, The College of Wooster