The Ohio Northern University Department of Music will present the 41st Annual Spring Band Festival on Sunday, April 24, at 4 p.m. in the Freed Center for the Performing Arts’ Biggs Theatre. The performance will feature a world-renowned guest artist, the Ohio Honors High School Honors Band and the Ohio Northern University Symphonic Band.

Nationally renowned composer Patrick Burns will serve as guest composer. Burns’ compositions for symphonic band are performed by bands of every level throughout the country. The United States Army Band, “Pershing’s Own,” has performed his music in Washington, D.C., and at Carnegie Hall. His music has appeared on “Bandworld” magazine’s top 100 list of band compositions five times. The “Instrumentalist and School Music News” have printed numerous favorable reviews of Burns’ band music and “The Classical New Jersey Society Journal” has praised his chamber music. His music for symphonic band has been performed at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago and has been recorded for the educational series Distinguished Music for the Developing Band. 

The Northern Winds, a 60-member ensemble, will perform an exciting concert which features one of the most anticipated wind-band pieces in recent memory, “Symphonic Suite from Star Wars: The Force Awakens” by John Williams. An exciting work entitled “Let the Future Begin,” by Burns also will be performed. The highlight of program will be the All Ohio Honors Band which features more than 120-gifted instrumentalists from across the state. 

Tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for ONU faculty and staff, and $5 for students. The Freed Center box office is open Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Phone orders are accepted with American Express, MasterCard, VISA or Discover by calling 419-772-1900. Tickets also are available online at www.freedcenter.com