Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween concert returning to LCCC

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Fun-filled activities fit for the whole family are coming to Laramie County Community College Oct. 29 with a Trunk-or-Treat event and The Return of the Music That Goes Bump in the Night concert. Both events are free and open to the public. 

Trunk-or-treat begins at 1:30 p.m. in parking lot A near the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium. Everyone is invited to wear costumes. A large turnout is expected, so trunk-or-treaters are encouraged to arrive early so they can make sure to catch the concert afterward.

“Trunk-or-treat is one way for us to say ‘thank you’ to our community for supporting LCCC,” said J O’Brien, Communication & Creative Arts Pathway coordinator. “It’s always an excellent time for the families who come out, and we enjoy it just as much. So, the whole LCCC family invites you to come get a boatload of candy and enjoy some fantastic music.” 

The concert begins at 3 p.m. in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium. The Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, Cantorei Choir, Collegiate Choir and Chamber Orchestra are all slated to give spooky and fun performances. 

“It’s a little bit of everything from the Music Department,” said Frank Cook, LCCC music instructor and ensemble director.

It should be noted that last year’s performance was a full house, so Cook said it is imperative that those wishing to find a seat for the performance arrive early. 

The Wind Ensemble’s performance will include composer Jerry Goldsmith’s score from the 1984 Christmas-themed horror film “Gremlins,” as well as an obscure piece titled “Halloween” by famous composer Morton Gould. Cook said he found the Gould piece, published in 1948, randomly in LCCC’s library, assuming it was donated years ago and forgotten. Cook’s discovery has caught on beyond LCCC, with performers now making the forgotten piece accessible to music lovers everywhere.  

“Now other bands have access to this piece that was not accessible six months ago,” Cook said. “It’s beginning to have a resurrection.” 

The Jazz Ensemble is performing three tunes, including “That Old Black Magic,” with music by Harold Arlen and arranged by Mark Taylor, and “Creepin’ In” by Horace Silver and arranged by Chuck Israels. The third tune is a world premiere, “Growth” by Logan Vanderlaan, Pine Bluffs High School band director.

The Collegiate Chorale will perform “Double Trouble” from the smash hit film “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” and the Cantorei will sing the famous Sheb Wooley tune “Purple People Eater.” 

“Last year, the choirs performed some really obscure music for the Halloween concert, so this year I'm really excited to have them perform music that will be recognizable to audience members of all ages,” said Beth Smith-Jacobs, LCCC choir instructor. 

Finally, selections from the Chamber Orchestra set will include “The Haunted Ballroom” by Chris Thomas and “This Is Halloween” by Danny Elfman from the 1993 beloved classic film “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” Ensemble director John Fritz said the Halloween show is always a special one to put together. 

“It allows us to play ‘spooky’ music that we wouldn't normally program for our concerts,” he said. “It's also a way to hopefully draw in new audience members from our community by including a Trunk-or-Treat event beforehand. There are many talented high school students in the orchestra, and they are excited once again to be able to perform in costumes instead of the usual attire.

For more information on the events and LCCC’s music programs, contact Dr. Frank Cook at fcook@lccc.wy.edu or 307.778.1306. Those needing assistance to attend events can contact the LCCC Office of Student Accommodations at 307.778.1359.