A Night of Nostalgia: UND University Band and Varsity Bards’ Final Concert
Last Thursday, May 1, the University of North Dakota (UND) University Band, alongside the Varsity Bards, captivated audiences during their final concert of the semester. Held in the Memorial Union ballroom from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event was a celebration of music that has shaped pop culture over the last 25 years.
The Theme: “Pop Culture in the 21st Century”
The concert, aptly titled “Pop Culture in the 21st Century,” showcased a diverse array of music that has left an indelible mark on contemporary culture. This was the second performance by the band this spring, and it promised an engaging experience for attendees. Conducted by Dr. James Popejoy, Emily Chasowy, and Casey Behm, the evening was led by Popejoy, who also served as the emcee, guiding the audience through the musical journey.
A Musical Journey Through Film and Television
The concert kicked off with an introduction titled “Overture to A New Millennium,” setting the stage for an evening filled with familiar tunes. The first section focused on music from film and television, featuring some of the most iconic scores of recent years. Highlights included a medley from “Wicked,” the beloved musical that transitioned to a Hollywood blockbuster, and the stirring main theme from “The Mandalorian,” a series that has captured the hearts of Star Wars fans.
The Film & TV segment concluded with a special performance by the Varsity Bards, who delivered a heartfelt rendition of “I’m Just Ken” from the hit movie “Barbie.” This moment not only showcased the vocal talents of the Bards but also resonated with the audience, who appreciated the blend of nostalgia and contemporary relevance.
The World of Video Game Music
Transitioning into the next section, the band explored the realm of video game music, a genre that has gained immense popularity in recent years. The performance began with a medley of tunes from various video games and anime, including pieces from “Assassin’s Creed III,” “Full Metal Alchemist,” “Skyrim,” and “Naruto.”
Two particular video games received special attention. Following a medley of “Epic Gaming Themes,” the University Band launched into the main theme of the legendary “Halo” franchise. This segment was a thrilling collection of themes from across the series, showcasing the band’s versatility and ability to capture the essence of the games. The excitement continued with jazzy numbers from the 1930s-inspired video game “Cuphead,” which added a unique flair to the evening. The Varsity Bards made their second appearance with “Sogno di Volare” from “Civilization VI,” further enriching the concert’s diverse repertoire.
Celebrating Popular Music
As the night progressed, the concert culminated in a celebration of popular music from the last quarter-century. The audience was treated to memorable hits, including Ed Sheeran’s romantic ballad “Perfect,” Mark Ronson’s upbeat “Uptown Funk,” and the nostalgic anthem “I Want It That Way” by The Backstreet Boys. The latter was particularly memorable, as the Varsity Bards performed it using an amusing assortment of toy instruments, eliciting laughter and applause from the crowd.
Acknowledging Dedication and Hard Work
Before wrapping up the concert, Conductor Popejoy took a moment to express his gratitude to the band members. He acknowledged the unique challenges faced by the ensemble, which primarily consists of non-music majors. “These students must make extra efforts to fit this [band] into their schedule,” he remarked, highlighting their dedication and commitment to the art of music.
Audience Reactions: A Shared Experience
The audience left the concert buzzing with excitement, each person carrying their own favorite moment from the evening. A junior in attendance shared, “My favorite piece tonight was probably the Avengers themes. I grew up watching those movies; it was really nostalgic, and I thought the band did a great job playing them.” Another student echoed this sentiment, stating, “It reminded me of when I was back in the theater and how I felt when I was watching the movie for the first time.”
One attendee expressed particular admiration for the “Skyrim” theme, calling it “one of the most iconic themes in gaming,” and praised the band for their faithful recreation.
Quinn Berg is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
