The University of North Florida Concert Band performed on the green this past Wednesday, with “A Walk Down Broadway.” According to the UNF events page, this performance was “an outdoor concert featuring some of the most beloved songs from iconic Broadway musicals.” 

The performance included musical theater-themed medleys from “The Phantom of the Opera”, “Les Misérables”, “West Side Story”, “Annie”, and “Beauty and the Beast”. 

Adjunct professor Sarah-Anne Albritton conducted with UNF graduate student Alexander Washington and undergraduate William Mullen-Martinez.

An Outdoor Concert

The UNF School of Music is no stranger to outdoor concerts, with its most recent documented performance dating back to 2021.

While some audience members expressed concern about the concert due to the day’s overcast, rainy weather, they felt the skies opened up perfectly for the outdoor concert.

Sarah Sullivan, a family friend to one of the performers, explained that the morning weather almost deterred her from attending the concert.

“It was so muggy and dark, I was worried it’d get canceled or something,” said Sullivan. “I’m glad it got nicer though, and getting to see it right on the grass too, it was beautiful.”

UNF sophomore Bryce Schnitt suggested the UNF School of Music host more outdoor concerts, given their accessibility and enjoyable atmosphere.

“Sometimes it gets stuffy inside a theatre or auditorium or whatever, so it was a nice environment to listen to music,” said Schnitt.

As for the favorite pieces of the evening, Albritton prepared the audience before the performance of “The Phantom of the Opera” medley that it “might be on the band’s favorites.”

Audience member Meghan Andrews shared this fondness, calling it her favorite part of the performance.

“I really liked “The Phantom of the Opera”, I’ve loved the movie forever, so it was super cool to see them [concert band] do it,” said the UNF freshman.

In her closing remarks, Albritton thanked the audience for attending despite the unexpected rain earlier in the day.

“It turned out to be a lovely evening, so we’re happy about that after the rain, and we hope that you will join us for more [performances],” said Albritton.

The UNF School of Music hosts many events and concerts each month, with an upcoming Symphony Concert on Friday, Feb. 18.  

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