Shannon Rantala performs in Wind Ensemble Concert

2014 Nov 17

Shannon Rantala of Rocky River performed in the Cornell College Wind Ensemble concert on Nov. 7 in King Chapel.

The wind ensemble hosts about 55 students and performs both original wind band music and transcriptions of pieces for this specific instrumentation. This ensemble has performed works by Holst, Vaughan Williams, Dello Joio, Persichetti, and Rorem, as well as marches by composers such as Sousa, Alford and King.

The Wind Ensemble, directed by Dr. Martin Hearne, offer performance opportunities in vibrant, well-respected groups to all students by audition. Approximately 80% of members are non-music majors.

Cornell's small size allows students to become soloist or concerto performers. Students also enjoy leadership roles for their own parts and those of their section, giving a feeling of ownership of the ensembles in which they participate.

One of the 40 "Colleges That Change Lives," Cornell College in Mount Vernon, Iowa, is a national liberal arts college with a distinctive One Course At A Time curriculum. The One Course schedule provides students the chance to dive into their studies, focus more intensely on the disciplines of their choice, and learn authentically with the unique freedom to shed the confines of the traditional classroom to study off-campus, pursue research, or accept an internship--all without missing out on other classes.

Cornell has been recognized by numerous publications for the value its education offers and for academic excellence. This year it was named one of the 20 "Best Buys" in higher education by the "Fiske Guide to Colleges," and one of the 100 best values in liberal arts education by Kiplinger's. It has also been called a "Great School at a Great Price" by U.S. News and World Report. Ninety-three percent of Cornell graduates earn their degrees in four years, compared to the national average of slightly more than five years. In 2013 Cornell was named one of the 25 colleges with the best professors by the Center for College Affordability and Productivity.

For more information, visit www.cornellcollege.edu.