Samford University senior music performance major Richard Wangler of Centreville has been chosen for the National Collegiate Wind Ensemble, which will perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City on May 25, 2008.
Wangler, a trombonist, was chosen from candidates nationwide to participate in the elite ensemble. For his audition tape, he played Handel's Concerto in F Minor and Brahms' O Tod, wie bitter bist du.
The son of Donna Kay Wangler and Richard Wangler, he is a 2001 graduate of Bibb County High School, where he was a member of the wind ensemble.
At Samford, he is principal trombonist for the school's wind ensemble, Samford Orchestra, brass quintet and Vulcan Bones trombone choir. He has also performed with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Red Mountain Chamber Orchestra.
Wangler, who studies with Samford School of Performing Arts adjunct professor and Alabama Symphony Orchestra principal trombonist Jay Evans, will present his senior recital Feb. 28 at 7:30 p.m. in Samford's Brock Recital Hall.
The May concert will be conducted by H. Robert Reynolds, longtime director of bands at the University of Michigan. Reynolds is now principal conductor of the wind ensemble at the University of Southern California's Thornton School of Music.
National Collegiate Wind Ensemble musicians will arrive in New York several days prior to the concert for a series of rehearsals and other activities. They will also enjoy a post-concert celebration cruise around Manhattan harbor.
