Free Trunk-or-Treat and Halloween concert returning to LCCC

CHEYENNE, Wyoming – Families and music fans are invited to Laramie County Community College Oct. 26 for this year’s Trunk-or-Treat event and Things That Go Bump in the Night IV concert. Both events are free and open to the public.

The trunk-or-treat will take place from noon – 2:30 p.m., beginning in the Crossroads Building, which is in the central part of campus just south of the Clay Pathfinder Building. Everyone is encouraged to wear costumes, and children can collect candy as they walk through LCCC’s campus to the Fine Arts Building. Children can also enjoy games, face painting and balloon art. A large turnout is expected, so trunk-or-treaters are encouraged to arrive early to ensure they can catch the concert afterward.

“We look forward to this event every year – it’s become such a fun Halloween tradition for our campus and community,” said J O’Brien, Communication & Creative Arts Pathway coordinator. “Trunk-or-treat is our way of saying thank you for the community’s support of LCCC. Families always have a great time, and we love being part of it. Everyone is invited to come in costume, fill their bags with candy and stick around for an evening of great music and Halloween fun.”

The Things That Go Bump in the Night IV concert will begin at 3 p.m. in the Surbrugg/Prentice Auditorium, featuring performances by the LCCC Wind Ensemble and Chamber Orchestra. Concert-goers can expect a spirited mix of spooky fun, a world premiere and exceptional student performances.

“It’s going to be a really fun, slightly spooky Halloween event with a great mix of classical and contemporary music,” said Frank Cook, LCCC music instructor and ensemble director. “The whole atmosphere will be perfect for fall – entertaining, but with just enough of an eerie vibe to remind you it’s Halloween. It’s one of those events where you’ll feel the fun and excitement of the season.”

The Wind Ensemble will present a program blending whimsy and artistry, beginning with “Cameos” by Gordon Jacob, a lively suite of vignettes for bass trombone and ensemble featuring student soloist Ricky Winters.

Another highlight will be the world premiere of “The Raven” by Colorado-based composer Morgan Denney, a new wind band arrangement inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s haunting poem. Narration of Poe’s text will be performed by LCCC theatre instructor Jason Pasqua.

Closing the Wind Ensemble’s set, the group will perform Leroy Anderson’s playful classic “Clarinet Candy,” showcasing the college’s full clarinet section – and possibly a few sweet surprises for the audience.

The Chamber Orchestra will continue the afternoon with a captivating lineup beginning with Karl Jenkins’ “Palladio,” a piece many audience members will recognize even if they don’t know it by name. Originally commissioned by De Beers for their 1993 “A Diamond is Forever” advertising campaign, the work was later expanded into the concert version performed today.

Following “Palladio,” the orchestra will explore two musical interpretations of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Kirt Mosier’s “Two Scenes from the Hollow” depicts the story’s hero and villain in separate movements, while Richard Meyer’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow” retells the tale in full, using recurring melodic themes to represent its characters.

Cook said the concert will run about 50 minutes and is free and open to the public. A full house is expected, so guests are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating.