With St. Patrick’s Day around the corner, students can get in the Irish spirit when the Brock McGuire Band performs at 7:30 p.m. tonight at the School of Music Recital Hall.
The school brings a wide variety of musical experiences for students, and the band’s traditional use of banjos, accordion, fiddle and piano blend Celtic, French-Canadian and American bluegrass sounds to create their music.
The touring band offered to visit the University and play a show, and Director of the School of Music Stephen David Beck took the opportunity. This is the first time the band will visit the University.
“It’s something that’s completely different, something students will enjoy,” Beck said.
Beck said the school aims to host bands and musicians that go beyond students’ area of study. Regardless of the style, musicians play the same instruments and can take inspiration and notes on technique from other musicians.
“It’s still a part of the music language we can all share and relate to,” Beck said.
He said students who play the same instruments can still learn, enjoy and connect with Irish music.
The band will have an open presentation with students at the recital hall today from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. to answer questions and discuss their traditional music style.
The Irish music of the Brock McGuire Band has links to American folk music with its similarities of ideas, themes and storylines through the music. European settlers brought their instruments and musical talents to different areas of the U.S. and though the music changed, the influence remains, Beck said. In the South, Celtic musical inspiration is often heard in Cajun tunes through their melodies and songs with a narrative.
“It’s still a part of the music language we can all share and relate too.”