NSU Communiversity Band practices for concert

Kelsey Pipes

TNE Writer

The NSU music department strives to reach the Tahlequah community in every way possible.

Communiversity band is one of the many ways in which this goal is reached. Although only

having been a group for five years, it is made up of community members and NSU students who

work together to create music that everyone can enjoy.

“When I arrived in 2007 several community members approached me about the existence of a

community band,” said Norman Wika, director of bands. “After a little research I determined

there was not enough interest for a stand-alone community band, but by moving the rehearsal

time of the NSU band to the evening, we were able to include community members.”

For someone to participate in the Communiversity band all they have to do is have previous

musical experience and attend the communiversity practices.

“When I first found out about the group I was excited to know that all I had to do was just bring

my trumpet and come to rehearsal,” said Richard Goforth, district route manager for the Tulsa

World. “I don’t get many opportunities to play anymore so it was going to be a lot of fun.”

The music selected for the Communiversity Band range in selection and style so that it gives the

group an opportunity to expand their musical knowledge. There are not a certain number of

pieces given to the group but it is common to have about an hour’s worth of music to play.

“I am for 40-45 minutes of music for each concert,” said Wika. “This seems to be the amount

that the group can handle based on ability and rehearsal time.”

For the music students who attend NSU and are in the Communiversity Band, this is a time

where they can explore their talents on different instruments and enjoy playing with community

members they may not otherwise get a chance to meet.

“My favorite part about playing in the group is that it allows me to play secondary instruments,”

said Ashley Sallee, Westville junior. “It also helps improve my playing overall while staying

stress free and making good music with a fun group of people.”

For someone who is nervous about joining the group but is interested in playing music, the

Communiversity Band members encourage anyone to come try it out. There are all kinds of

levels of talent in the group so the chances of someone fitting in are very high.

“Come try it out, there are a variety of ability levels so chances are that you will fit right in,” said

Wika.

The group is currently working towards playing a concert on April 26, 2015 at the CPA and

invites everyone to come with friends and family to listen to NSU students and the community

members play some great music.

“I’m most looking forward to the general public getting a chance to hear the group play and hear

all the hard work of the community band members,” said Sallee.

For more information e-mail Norman Wika at wika@nsuok.edu.

Published 4/09/15

Cutline: The Communiversity trumpets play their part while practicing with the Communiversity

Band. This group meets every Tuesday night during the spring semester leading up to a concert

at the end.