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Two free concerts at Laramie County Community College this May bring movie soundtracks, prize-winning band works and classic jazz to Cheyenne — and one program will debut a new composition by a graduating student. These events offer accessible, live music on campus and spotlight both established repertoire and emerging local talent.
When and where
The performances take place at the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium on LCCC’s Cheyenne campus. The first concert is scheduled for 3 p.m. on May 3; the second begins at 7 p.m. on May 6. Both are open to the public with no admission charge.
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Film scores and award-winning band works
On May 3, the program billed as And the Winner Is… combines cinematic favorites with notable wind-band literature. The campus’s Chamber Orchestra, under conductor John Fritz, will present familiar cues drawn from major film scores — selections include music associated with Star Trek, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park and Phantom of the Opera.
At the same time, Dr. Frank Cook will lead the Wind Ensemble through pieces by composers recognized for their contributions to band music. The ensemble’s set lists works such as Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Rhythm Stand and Newsreel in Five Shots, offering both energy and contrast to the orchestral film program.
Dr. Cook notes the afternoon’s mix is intended to pair tunes audiences already know with compositions they might be hearing for the first time, a balance that serves both casual listeners and concert-goers seeking new repertoire.
Spring Jazz Showcase: standards, soloists and a premiere
The evening performance on May 6 highlights big-band arrangements and classic jazz tunes. The Spring Jazz Showcase will feature standards including “On Green Dolphin Street” and “Seven Steps to Heaven,” alongside vocal interpretations like “Cheek to Cheek.”
Featured soloists include trumpet and flugelhorn player John Barrett and vocalist Danielle Beightol. Additional singers scheduled to appear are Moss Archiquette, Matthew Cook and Julie Koenig, each taking turns with different numbers across the set.
Notably, the showcase will host the world premiere of “Monstruo,” a new work by Logan Vanderlaan. The piece spotlights graduating bass trombonist Ricky Winters, giving a student musician a prominent role in the program’s close.
- Date & times: May 3 at 3 p.m.; May 6 at 7 p.m.
- Venue: Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium, LCCC Cheyenne campus
- Programs: Film-score selections and award-winning band literature (May 3); big-band jazz, standards and a world premiere (May 6)
- Highlights: Chamber Orchestra and Wind Ensemble performances; guest soloists; student composer premiere
- Admission: Free and open to the public
For residents of Cheyenne and visitors, the concerts represent an opportunity to hear a wide range of repertoire in one venue — from Hollywood themes to contemporary band pieces and freshly written jazz — without cost. They also serve as a public showcase for LCCC students and faculty as the academic year wraps up.
