The Lubbock Christian University (LCU) Symphonic Band presented their third annual benefit concert for the Haven Animal Shelter, raising hundreds of dollars of food for the shelter.
The Symphonic Band, directed by Dr. Lisa Tatum, performed an outdoor concert on the steps of the McDonald Moody Auditorium, and food trucks were lined up so that people could grab dinner and enjoy some wonderful music outside. Representatives from the Haven were also in attendance, with a few of their star animal residents that are up for adoption. The concert was free to attend, and guests were encouraged to bring cat and dog food and treats as a donation to the Haven.
The Symphonic band performed exciting music by composers Kevin Day, Frank Ticheli, Cait Nishimura, Jennifer Jolley, and Julie Giroux. "Beneath the Canopy" (Nishimura) celebrates the beauty of the outdoors, and Day's "A Hymn for Peace" brings a beautiful melody. Ticheli's "In C-Dorian" draws exciting motives together to create something new in each performance. The concert concluded with "Ash" (Jolley) and the closing number, "A Time to Dance" (Giroux).
"I am so thrilled with how our third annual benefit concert for the Haven turned out,” Dr. Tatum shared. “The students in the symphonic band worked so hard to prepare for this concert, and I thought they performed beautifully. We have seen significant growth and progress with the band here at LCU, and I gave them some really challenging and beautiful pieces for our first concert cycle. They really stepped up to the challenge, and I am looking forward to making more music with them this year."
The Haven is a no-kill, non-profit animal shelter just east of Lubbock that provides a home for over 100 dogs and cats. They shelter a wide variety of adoptable dogs and cats in need of loving homes, as well as caring for animals with special needs. The LCU band began their benefit concerts in 2022 to help build awareness about the Haven, and hopefully pair some animals with their forever homes, and their goal remains the same today.
Learn more about LCU’s instrumental ensembles and the Department of Visual and Performing Arts.