October 30, 2019

Trombone performance to put SVSU band director in musical spotlight

A Saginaw Valley State University educator perhaps most publicly known for directing SVSU’s marching band will share one of his other musical talents in an upcoming concert on campus.

The trombone skills of Norman Wika, SVSU associate professor of music, will be on display Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 7:30 pm in SVSU’s Rhea Miller Recital Hall. The performance is free and open to the public. 

In addition to teaching classes in the music department, Wika serves as director or bands. He leads the university’s wind ensemble, concert band and Cardinal Marching Band groups.

Wika began playing the trombone in the fourth grade after joining his school band in Kansas City. He continues to play today, holding recitals and participating in ensembles such as the Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra. 

Amanda Stamper will accompany Wika on the piano during the Tuesday concert. Musical pieces for the performance include "Cortège” by Pierre Max Dubois, "Lieder eines fahrenden Gesellen" by Gustav Mahler, and "Mystic with a Credit Card” by Michael Colgrass. 

Wika earned a doctorate degree in musical arts and a master's degree in music education, both at the University of Connecticut.  

For more information about the performance, call the SVSU Department of Music at (989) 964-4159 or visit www.svsu.edu/music.