Waynesburg University’s Wind Ensemble, directed by Jeremy Olisar, continues rehearsals for their second Chamber Works Concert that will take place on April 13 in the Marsh Center beneath Roberts Chapel.

Wind Ensemble differs from regular Symphonic Band in that there is normally only one instrument on each part, which helps to challenge a student’s performance.

“The Chamber Works concert is just a really nice opportunity for our students to perform music that they’ve been working on in a small-ensemble setting,” Olisar said.

Waynesburg’s Wind Ensemble includes three flutists and one oboist, occasionally featuring an alto flute during performances.

Olisar said that this setting helps to expose students to opportunities such as performing solos and on an instrument different than their primary one.

This Chamber Works concert will feature a few contrasting musical pieces by the Wind Ensemble: “Sea Shanty,” a popular melody used in social media, and “Be Thou My Vision,” which features a slow hymnal melody.

“We hope the campus community comes out because it’s a great opportunity for the students, staff and faculty alike to experience music right here in our home community,” Olisar said. “And it’s at a nice time where they can enjoy their lunch and music at the same time.”

Eric Brewer, the director of Waynesburg University’s Music Program, said that, alongside the Wind Ensemble, the Kiltie Band and Percussion and Brass Ensembles will be performing at the concert as well.

“And there will be soloists,” Brewer said. “So that’s another opportunity for students to perform pieces that they wouldn’t get to play in band.”

Brewer said that the exposure that performing in smaller ensembles provides helps to further a musician’s education. Working in smaller groups challenges student musicians to not rely on the conductor.

Not only is this experience within music ensembles, but within the fine arts themselves.

“No area in most colleges knows creation better than the fine arts,” Brewer said. “And so, having the arts, having small ensembles play together teaches creativity, confidence and independence of thought so that they can tackle more difficult questions in the future.”

Tricia Sarada, a junior Psychology major attending Waynesburg University, is one of the flutists participating in the Wind Ensemble. Sarada said that the Chamber Works Concert has the most variety of musical styles.

“You can find anything from hymns to sea shanties,” Sarada said. “The Woodwind Ensemble is back, and is stronger than ever.”

The second Chamber Works concert will be held in the Marsh Center beneath Roberts Chapel at 12 p.m. on April 13. The concert will be free of charge, and everyone who is able to attend is welcome.