Soundscapes
The East Texas Chamber Winds (ETCW) performed their tenth annual winter concert, “Soundscapes,” on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in the Banita Ballroom of The Fredonia Hotel in Nacogdoches, TX. The performance was led by ETCW Founder and Artistic Director, Dr. Roy McLerran, and was attended by approximately sixty-five community members.
The concert showcased the talents of thirteen musicians and included works in the Classical style by Mysliveček, Spittal, Gipps, and Enescu. The final piece on the concert, Dixtour (Dectet) for Wind Instruments, was composed in 1906 by George Enescu (1881-1955), a Romanian composer, performer, and conductor. The piece lasts approximately twenty minutes and is divided into three distinct movements. The first, Doucement Mouvementé (“gently eventful”), is characterized by rich, flowing lines, like overlapping waves in the Seine River. Conversational figures echo through the ensemble and create a sense of anticipation. In Modérément (“moderately”), Enescu invokes the rolling landscape of the Northern region of France, with stripes of leafy vines leading to limestone structures. Like the warmth of the sun’s rays, the tonal center is constant and comforting. Finally, in Allegrettement (“quickly”), the mood becomes celebratory with delicate figures bubbling to the surface. The frequent juxtaposition of triple and duple figures adds to the excitement, and the piece concludes with a burst of energy. About the work, McLerran said, “…the way Monet paints with colors, Enescu paints with sounds […] you have these stunningly tragic musical themes that he takes and weaves together throughout and you don’t really know what’s coming next.”
“The way Monet paints with colors, Enescu paints with sounds […] you have these stunningly tragic musical themes that he takes and weaves together throughout, and you don’t really know what’s coming next.”
In keeping with its mission to enhance the accessibility of cultural events, the ETCW is proud to offer its biannual concerts free to the community. These events are made possible by the generous support of East Texas music lovers. The donors for this season included: Cade Cameron, David Campo, Diana Hood, Charles and Barbara Mitchell, Mitchell and Karen Lukin, Charles and Sharon Pollard, Betty Oglesbee, and Jan and Terri Wubbena. Special thanks to the current ETCW members (Solfège Donors): Christopher Ayer, Tracy Doss, Bobby McLerran and Cade Cameron, Patti and Rod McLerran, Jennifer Myrick, Rick and Sandi Russell, and Curtis and Amber Vanegas. Make a donation or learn more about the membership levels here.
Additional thanks to the SFASU School of Music for the use of their rehearsal facilities, Dr. Brad Meyer for providing the recording services, Tracy Doss for providing the decorations, San Augustine ISD for printing the concert programs, and Lufkin ISD for providing the music stands. The video of the performance will be available shortly on the ETCW Facebook page and the “Archive” page of the website.
*The ETCW will return to The Fredonia Hotel on Saturday, June 13, 2026. Follow the ensemble on Facebook or Instagram for regular updates (@EastTexasChamberWinds).
Full ensemble, Winter 2026