Katrina Axtell is among the 54 members of the Northwestern College Symphonic Band who toured Cuba as guests of the National Band of Cuba during spring break March 2 -12.
Northwestern’s group was the first full symphonic band from the United States to perform in Cuba. The Northwestern students spent a lot of time with members of the National Band, rehearsing together and presenting one or two joint concerts. The Symphonic Band also performed at high school and college music conservatories and a church.
Axtell is a sophomore and is majoring in biology health professions at Northwestern. She plays the flute in the Symphonic Band. Axtell is the daughter of Treg and Denise Axtell of Hovland.
The Northwestern band brought a significant amount of supplies— including mouthpieces, reeds, mutes, musical scores, and valve and slide oil—to the Cuban musicians, who can’t easily access them because of U.S. economic sanctions. The band exceeded its fundraising goal, bringing in $60,000, enabling it to deliver more supplies than originally planned.
The band is partnering with Ray’s Midbell Music of Sioux City to contribute many items. Blair Dake, a technician at Ray’s who graduated from Northwestern in 2003, joined the students on the trip and provided instrument repairs for Cuban musicians. The ensemble also delivered more than a half dozen musical instruments that have been donated.
The Northwestern group played a wide variety of music, all written by American composers. The repertoire included Leonard Bernstein’s Overture to Candide and Frank Ticheli’s Blue Shades as well as arrangements of sacred pieces such as Amazing Grace and Be Thou My Vision. The band performed its concert program and shared stories of the tour during its home concert on Friday, March 15, at 7:30 p.m. in Christ Chapel.
The Northwestern entourage traveled under cultural visas. The trip was arranged by Harmony International, a mission touring organization that has coordinated several concert tours to Cuba.
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