For his fortieth consecutive year at Northland College, Professor of Music Joel Glickman will take the stage and conduct the Chequamegon Symphony Saturday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the Alvord Theatre. The theme: “Travels for Orchestra.”
“I expect this concert to transport the audience to distant lands and places,” Glickman said. “That’s the idea, anyway.”
In addition to the theme and to celebrating forty years, Glickman looks forward to Saturday for yet another reason: Norman Gilliland, Wisconsin Public Radio’s commentator and host, will introduce the symphony.
Gilliland hosts daily classical music broadcasts and is a fan of the symphony orchestra. “A symphony orchestra provides an experience that all members of a community can share and discuss, a way to deepen and broaden their experience with music that lasts a lifetime,” he said.
Glickman has directed Northland’s music program for forty years, serving on faculty committees, conducting individual lessons and large ensembles. Glickman’s colorful addition to Northland’s music program has developed collaboration between students, faculty and alumni.
Glickman directs three large ensembles including Jazz band, Chequamegon Symphony, and Northland Winds. These ensembles incorporate college students, Northland alumni and community members.
“A combination of community and friends, the ensembles create bonding opportunities for a supportive and cooperative environment,” said Glickman, “to make the best music together we are less competitive and like to have fun.”
Glickman finds Northland to be as unique of a community as it was when he started in 1974. Glickman is currently offering “Soviet Art and Music.” “I try to teach new courses so it gives me the opportunity to learn,too,” he said.
When Glickman is not in the classroom, conducting, directing or giving personal studio lessons, he is creating his own work.
“Being a conductor, I am part of trying to make music come to life. Working at Northland has given me the opportunity to recreate and to create. Conducting and performing is all really important to me—academic freedom is a gift,” he said.
Glickman grew up in Green Bay and received his Bachelor of Music from UW-Madison and his Master of Music from Indiana University.
“I practiced as much as I could — who knows when you are a master of anything?” he asked. “Music has given me continuity throughout my life.”
Gilliland says that symphony orchestra can provide an example for young musicians and help get them started. “If they’re lucky enough to have music education in their schools or homes, they’re better, well-rounded students and can aspire to joining their community orchestra or performing wherever their careers take them.”