The Kent State Wind Ensemble and Kent State Concert Band will play a spring concert at 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Cartwright Auditorium.

“They are two of the top groups at the university,” said H. Scott Curfman, director of the wind ensemble. “This concert represents the efforts they put into weekly rehearsals and is their reward for the work they’ve done.”

Marcus Neiman, director of the concert band, said the band would start the concert with “Overture to Tancredi” by Gioachino Rossini, “Undertow” by John Mackey, “Azrael” by Antonio Lotti, “Emblem of Unity March” by Joseph John Richards and “Elements” by Brian Balmages. He said Adrian Martinez, graduate assistant conductor, would be featured with the band.

“We try to have pieces that represent different styles,” Neiman said. “We try to give a balance of music in the programs, and want to give the students a chance to play a variety.”

The wind ensemble will follow the concert band with “Florentiner March” by Julius Fucik and “Escapade” by Joseph Spaniola. Curfman said they would feature three pieces, “Mock Morris,” “Australian Up-Country Tune” and “Country Gardens,” by Percy Grainger in recognition of the 50th anniversary of his death.

“He was one of the most well-known and respected wind composers of all time,” Curfman said. “He was the most innovative and creative (composer) for wind groups, and we wanted to pay tribute.”

Neiman said the students have been working on the concert since the beginning of the semester, and he is excited to see the final product.

“I’m very impressed with what the wind ensemble is doing,” Neiman said. “Both (bands) are outstanding groups, and it’s a joy to listen to them.”

Contact Brooke Bower at [email protected].