“Art inspires art.” For centuries music composers have used works of literature to create their own works. That is the idea behind the winter concert of the Sterling College Symphonic Band with the title “From Words to Music.” The concert is set for Sunday, February 23, at 3 p.m. in Culbertson Auditorium on the Sterling College campus. 

Sterling College Band Director Larry Brownlee said, “All great literature is built on stories. These stories have inspired classical, Broadway, jazz, and band composers through the years to create their own works based on the original stories or literature. Through this concert we hope to evoke emotion in our audience to tell a meaningful story just as literature does”

While preparing for this concert, Brownlee talked about the challenges behind the chosen music pieces. “This concert will feature the most challenging music that we have performed since I’ve been at the College,” said Brownlee. “It is pushing us in our musicality, and I have been pleased with the growth. It’s a good thing to be challenged. They definitely can rise to the occasion.”

When asked about a favorite piece from the concert set, Brownlee put forth the entire “Divine Comedy Suite,” which includes four sections and is based on Dante’s great book “The Divine Comedy.” The music suite is by renowned band composer Robert W. Smith.

“It is dramatic, emotional, and very challenging,” said Brownlee. “It includes narration from the books, singing, piano, and lots of energy.” Narrating the piece will be recent Sterling College graduate Bryson Brownlee.

Dr. Mark Watney, assistant professor of language & literature, will serve as emcee for the concert.  

The concert will include many other literary-inspired highlights including “I Dreamed A Dream” from the Broadway musical classic “Les Misérables,” based on the novel by Victor Hugo as well as “Quixotic Episode” by Robert Sheldon based on the Cervantes novel “Don Quixote.” 

The Sterling College Jazz Band will also take a page out of literature as they perform “The Mad Hatter” from the musical “Wonderland” featuring Sterling junior Mary Little as vocalist. The work is based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice in Wonderland.” 

Musical works inspired by Jules Verne’s “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and Homer’s  “The Odyssey” will be performed. Even a Bram Stoker-inspired vampire story based on the film “Nosferatu” - will be on the program. 

As this concert draws closer, the Sterling College Symphonic Band is excited to perform their array of pieces and hopes the audience walks away feeling connected to the music and the emotions it evokes.

Admission to the concert is free of charge for everyone to enjoy. The concert will be live streamed on the Sterling College Music Facebook page. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m.

Sterling College is a Christ-centered, four-year college located in Sterling, Kansas, with a mission to develop creative and thoughtful leaders who understand a maturing Christian faith. For more information, visit www.sterling.edu.