Musical melange at Waubonsee

Waubonsee Community College is offering a series of free concerts that will satisfy every musical taste from Caribbean to classic rock in December.

If the first blast of wintry weather has you shivering, Waubonsee's steel drum band will be warming up the college auditorium at 7:30 p.m. today.

The concert isn't holiday oriented, but there may be one or two Christmas classics performed, said music professor Gib Monokowski, who also coordinates the performing groups.

Waubonsee's steel drum band is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, he said, and will have copies of its CD for sale.

On Sunday, eight students studying composition will have their original works performed in a 6 p.m. composers recital. The variety of musical styles will range from electronic and pop to experimental.

That unique recital will be followed several days later with the jazz band concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday.

Waubonsee has a 20-piece jazz band with a full complement of saxophones and trumpets to get the auditorium swinging.

The jazz band has been in existence sine the beginning of the college about 40 years ago, Monokowski said. The night of the concert the group also will release its new CD, which will be for sale.

A more recent addition to the lineup is the college's two rock bands. One group, which meets during the day, usually attracts younger musicians. They will perform some Beatles, Ozzie Osbourne and a few of original pieces, Monokowski said.

The second rock band, which is usually made up of older musicians, sticks to classics such as Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jimmy Buffett and some other eclectic classics.

Both rock bands will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8.

Having a variety of performing bands is nice for the community, but it's a practical matter for the students, Monokowski said.

Many will go on to become professional musicians, and they need to be able to play a variety of styles at a moment's notice, he said.

All of the concerts are free and will be held in the auditorium, which is located in the north cluster of buildings next to Collins Hall. No reservations are needed.

Waubonsee Community College is on Illinois 47 between Sugar Grove and Interstate 88. More information is available by calling the campus at (630) 466-2500.