Band Traditions

1. Band Bonding: At the beginning of each year the WCCBs join together for a weekend of music, fun, and fellowship. It serves as a get-to-know-you experience as well as a time to get a jump on the musical aspects.

2. Family: The Wartburg College Concert Bands strive to treat each performer as a member of a family. Although the members come from a variety of places and backgrounds this bond of family and love is something important to the ensemble.

3. Singing: The WCCBs believe that although they are an instrumental ensemble, they can sing also! There are several songs near and dear to the program and serve in specific capacities.

A. Table Prayer: This song is sung before every meal that the WCCBs share together. This includes band bonding, run-out weekends, and tours.

B. Wartburg Loyalty: This song is the official closer to every meal and gathering that the group holds.

C. Doxology: This traditional hymn is sacred to the group. It serves as a prayer before every concert the WCCBs give.

4. Nearer My God to Thee/ The Lord Bless You and Keep You: These two pieces are the traditional closers to every concert the group gives. Nearer My God to Thee is an instrumental work that signifies unity and love between each other and God. It serves as a thank you to God for a good concert. Sometimes the piece is played at rehearsals for band members and their families who are experiencing hard times. It is the group's way of praying for and letting them know that they are being thought about. The Lord Bless You and Keep You serves as a farewell blessing to those who have attended a concert given by the WCCBs. It is performed immediately after Nearer My God to Thee and is always the last thing audiences will hear.