Omar de Jesus Morales to Conduct
By Daniel Fanning
Omar de Jesús Morales
The UW-Superior Symphonic Band will be featuring Maestro Omar Morales of Panama as guest conductor for the concert on Thursday, Dec. 10 at 7: 30 p.m. at Thorpe Langley Auditorium. Morales served as one of the coordinators of the 2015 UW-Superior Symphonic Band and Jazz Band International tour to Panama in May. The Symphonic Band will perform pieces that were included in the 2015 International Tour to Panama along with pieces that celebrate the music of other Latin American cultures.
In May 2015 University of Wisconsin-Superior students and faculty from the symphonic band and jazz band traveled to Panama for 10 days to tour in three different locations – Panama City, David, and Santiago – performing and teaching master classes at schools. They were led by Dr. Pamela Bustos, associate professor and director of bands.
UW-Superior group outside the Urraca Institute, Santiago, Panama
At each city, UW-Superior students taught instrument-specific classes, performed symphonic band and jazz band pieces and performed in conjunction with each school’s band. Both UW-Superior and Panamanian students practiced joint pieces for months before coming together in Panama to perform.
Before UW-Superior students traveled to Panama, many participated in a culture class, where they explored and learned about the language, music, culture, dance, and history of Panama. A Superior resident and native of Panama visited the class during the year, giving students a real glimpse into Panamanian culture and life before they left the United States.
Every four years, students have this opportunity to tour internationally to different countries across the globe as they gain a world vision, expand their perspectives and gain an understanding of other cultures.
Getting students there
Bustos and the students worked closely with the UW-Superior Foundation office to fundraise to support their trip to create an affordable and accessible international experience for students. Through a letter-writing campaign, the Foundation office raised scholarship funds to provide one third of the students with financial aid. Students receiving financial aid took part in a Panamanian culture class the semester before the tour.
UWS Music Dept. Presents Symphonic Band Concert
Panama in Superior
Thursday, December 10 | 7:30 pm | Thorpe Langley Auditorium
Featuring Omar de Jesús Morales P., Guest Conductor
Admission is $5.00 for Adults and $3.00 for Students and Senior Citizens.
Free admission for students with a school ID
For more information contact: Pamela Bowen Bustos 715-394-8115 (Office) pbustos@uwsuper.edu
