Sounds of Home Spring Concert & Pre-Concert Lecture

2:15 – 2:45pm Pre-Concert Lecture: Regional Accents: How the way we speak shapes our music –

3:00pm Spring Concert: Sounds of Home –

Enjoy the “Sounds of Home” spring concert, a heartwarming musical journey brought to life under the direction of our Artistic Director, Kim A. Williams Melby. This year’s performance is imbued with the spirit of Ireland, featuring several enchanting Irish pieces that promise to transport you to the rolling hills and vibrant culture of the Emerald Isle. From lilting melodies to rousing dances, experience a celebration of community and heritage through the universal language of music. Don’t miss this captivating evening of camaraderie, tradition, and the enduring sounds of home. A native Oregonian, Kim is has collaborated with the US Air Force, Marine’s President’s Own, and several regional composers and musicians to host performances, master classes, and premiere original compositions for both Wind and Jazz ensembles in the Eugene area. After serving in the US Navy for ten years, Kim returned to Oregon and took the position as the Band Director at South Eugene High School.

Before the concert begins, join Michael Merrill, an award-winning composer, for “Regional Accents: How the way we speak shapes our music,” a captivating pre-concert lecture that delves into the rich interplay between linguistic diversity and musical expression. Discover how our spoken word profoundly influences the music we hold dear. Michael’s musical journey began in childhood, spanning performances in bands and choirs through school, church, and community organizations. Holding a Ph.D. in Music from the University of Aberdeen, where he studied with Prof. Phillip Cooke and assisted Royal Composer Paul Mealor, Michael is the founder of Two Bridges Music Press, a music publisher focused on promoting emerging composers. He continues to enrich the mid-Willamette Valley as a dynamic performer and as the Assistant Director of the Willamette Valley Concert Band.