Article by Liv Dodge
It’s that time of the year again! University of Northwestern’s Homecoming is right around the corner, and that calls for the annual Showcase of the Arts. The Showcase consists of performances by the symphonic band, orchestra, and choir. We hear from David Kozamchak (Director of UNW Orchestra) and Tim Sawyer (Director of Choral Activities), as they share their thoughts and experiences about the Showcase.
How long have you been part of the Homecoming Showcase?
David Kozamchak
“My first Showcase concert was back in 2004 when it used to be held in the Erickson Center and the audience enjoyed eating desserts while sitting around tables listening to the concert.“-Kozamchak
Tim Sawyer
“Since its beginning (I think 2001 or 2002). We used to hold it in the Ericksen Center, with tables and chairs and dessert seating. We kind of outgrew that and brought it back into Knight Hall and took the party to The Billy afterward!“ –Sawyer
What do you enjoy most about it?
“My favorite part of the Showcase is the ability to program music for the orchestra that I normally wouldn’t get a chance to program on other concerts throughout the year.“ –Kozamchak
“I love seeing so many alumni come back for the concert, and also the alumni who join the choir for part of the program.“ –Sawyer
What is your favorite piece that you are performing this year and why?
“The orchestra will be performing three pieces on the Showcase concert. I love all of them, but I guess if I had to choose a favorite it would be A Salute to the Big Bands. I love jazz, the history of jazz, and especially the swing era. It’s been fun teaching the students about the swing era in our rehearsals leading up to the concert and I hope that the audience will enjoy this arrangement of some of the most popular hits from the big band era as much as we enjoy playing it.“-Kozamchak
“I’d have to say the pieces the Northwestern Choir is doing called Animal Crackers by Eric Whitacre, set to fun poetry by Ogden Nash. It’s really classical “dad humor” at its finest! As a purveyor of dad humor myself, I really love these!” -Sawyer
Why is the Showcase so important? Why should people attend?
“The annual Showcase concert is a great way to kick off the year during Homecoming weekend at Northwestern. All of the music on the concert tends to be of a lighter fare and is very appealing to all audiences.“-Kozamchak
“It’s a great opportunity to get a sampling of all of the incredible arts and music that Northwestern has to offer, and also to hear our ensembles do a wide variety of music that is entertaining, fun and even unusual.” -Sawyer
The Homecoming Showcase of the Arts takes place on October 4th at 7:30 PM in the Beverly and John Knight Performance Hall at University of Northwestern.
We hope to see you there!
