From dinosaurs to Superman

North Idaho College will host a free concert "From the Pen of John Williams," featuring the NIC Wind Symphony at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Boswell Hall Schuler Performing Arts Center. All community members are invited.

The concert is an exploration of the diversity of one of America's most well-known composers, John Williams.

Performing as a special guest, the Lakeland High School Band directed by Mark Sescilla, will open the concert with "Critical Mass," by Todd Stalter, "Homeward Bound," arranged by Brant Karrick, and "Ghost Fleet," by Robert Sheldon.

The NIC Wind Symphony, conducted by Terry Jones, will play a variety of Williams classics from over the years, including:

"Liberty Fanfare"

On July 4, 1986, a celebratory concert was held to mark the re-opening of one of the countries most prized monuments, the Statue of Liberty. After years of extensive renovations, the Boston Pops Orchestra, conducted by John Williams, helped rededicate the Statue of Liberty with a wonderful concert. "Liberty Fanfare" was composed to honor that event.

"Jurassic Park Soundtrack Highlights"

Williams' score attempts to capture the feelings one might have when confronting live dinosaurs for the first time. From the excitement of the first sighting to the fear of being chased by a Tyrannosaurus, Williams' score covers the whole gamut.

"Viktor's Tale"

In another one of the great collaborations between Williams and Steven Spielberg, Williams' score for "The Terminal" captures the colorful ethnic background of the main character Viktor, who left his Eastern European country and finds himself stuck in a U.S. airport. Viktor's musical theme is reminiscent of the leitmotif of 19th century opera.

"Harry's Wondrous World"

Williams said it best himself, when he said "I felt a sense of privilege when I was given the honor of composing music for the film version of 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.' The story's imaginative array of wizards flying on broomsticks and mail-delivering owls, all occupying a wondrous world of magic, offered a unique canvas for music, and the prospect of sharing it with some part of the great army of readers who love these books is a great joy to me."

"Lincoln"

"Lincoln is one of the most honored men in American history. How would you capture not only the essence of the man, but the time as well?" Jones said. "I think you will find that Williams' score does a great job of doing both." Here again, Williams' music covers a wide array of emotions.

"Superman March"

Williams summed up his feelings on Superman when he said "Growing up in my generation meant that you avidly followed the exploits of Superman in the syndicated comic strips that regularly appeared in newspapers across the country. It was a time when Superman fired the imaginations of all of our youngsters, and I was no exception."

"???????"

There will also be well-known surprises in store for the audience from beloved scenes in American cinema. The night will end with a rousing edition of the country's national march with both the Lakeland High School Band and the NIC Wind Symphony.

The NIC Wind Symphony is a community group with more than 2,000 years of playing experience. The multi-generational group blends high school students, college students and community members into one ensemble to create art. The group is open to the public and meets one day a week during the college school year. The community is invited to join the 40-plus year tradition of the NIC Wind Symphony.

The concert is free and open to the public.

Information: (208) 769-3276