Ohio University’s former director of bands will be returning home with the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Wind Ensemble by his side.
John Climer, now the director of bands at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, is the current conductor of the UWM Wind Ensemble. He was also the conductor of the Wind Ensemble and the New Music Ensemble during his tenure at OU.
The UWM Wind Ensemble is traveling through Athens on its way to perform at The National Conference of the College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) in Greensboro, N.C.
The concert band is one of nine college groups throughout the nation to perform at the show, which is something special for the UWM ensemble, Climer said.
As a warm-up for Friday’s concert, the wind ensemble’s visit to OU will include classical works “influenced by some sort of jazz element,” Climer said.
“I wanted to put together a program … I thought it would be cool (to do) a different kind of performance,” Climer said. “It is a kind of program that everyone will find interesting.”
The UWM Wind Ensemble was asked to come play at OU after Richard Suk, the director of the Marching 110, visited Milwaukee at an honors band festival earlier this year, Climer said.
“Our appreciation goes out to Andy Trachsel and Richard Suk,” he said. “Those guys are just incredible for putting this together for us.”
Trachsel, the director of bands at OU, said anytime a visiting college band comes through Athens, it is a special occasion.
“We don’t get to see each other enough,” Trachsel said. “It is a good stopping off point for (UWM), and it makes sense since (the Climers) have experience and a lot of friends here … It is a great homecoming for him.”
The most exciting thing about performing at OU is coming back to a place that was special to his family, Climer said. The show will be the first time he will bring a non-OU ensemble to perform on campus, he added.
“It’ll be wonderful (to be back in Athens),” Climer said. “I spent 14 years (at OU) … It’s like coming home.”
ds834910@ohiou.edu
