Wind Ensemble Wonders Takes Center Stage with Senior Trumpeter Rachel Hart

As the Ursinus College Wind Ensemble prepares for its final performance of the season, one senior is getting ready for a farewell as a student of Ursinus College. 

Rachel Hart, a trumpet player who has been a dedicated member of the ensemble since her first semester on campus, will take the stage for the last time as part of “Wind Ensemble Wonders” on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 PM in Bomberger Hall. The concert promises a powerful journey through works by J.S. Bach, George Gershwin, Gustav Holst, and more—a perfect capstone to a season filled with growth, artistry, and camaraderie.

Rachel has witnessed firsthand the evolution of the ensemble during her time at Ursinus.

“When I was a freshman, it was very small,” she recalled. “It’s grown so much over the past four years. We’ve had different directors come through, but now it feels like we’re in a great spot—more people are involved, and we’re playing higher-level music. We’re really starting to listen to each other more. It’s been really cool to be part of that journey.”

Among the exciting repertoire for the evening, Rachel is especially looking forward to a standout solo in Gershwin’s An American in Paris.

“There’s a trumpet solo that actually requires me to play through a Crown Royal bag, which gives it this jazzy, muted sound. It’s such a cool, unique moment—I’ve never done anything like that before,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a big solo, very exposed, so it’s both nerve-wracking and exciting.”

Reflecting on how Ursinus has helped prepare her for moments like this, Rachel shared how performing with the Wind Ensemble helped her grow as a musician and person.

“I’ve never been good at speaking or performing in front of people. But trumpet has always come more naturally to me. Playing with the ensemble helped me get more comfortable in front of an audience. It gave me the confidence to realize that it’s not so scary being up there.”

Other highlights of the concert include Ticheli’s lyrical Shenandoah, the cinematic drama of Fate of the Gods by Steven Reineke, and Holst’s timeless Second Suite in F, a favorite of Rachel’s.

“I’ve played that one before, but it’s just such a great piece. There’s a reason why people keep performing it—it’s really good.”

As she prepares to graduate, Rachel had some heartfelt advice for future Bears interested in joining the music program.

Get involved as early as you can. I didn’t know much about the music program when I got here—I only joined Wind Ensemble at first. It wasn’t until my second semester that I joined Jazz Ensemble after Dr. Hubbs reached out to me. Knowing the professors and other students in music can really help you feel more connected, especially when you’re new to campus.

“Wind Ensemble Wonders” is your opportunity to see Rachel and her fellow musicians bring to life this wonderful repertoire in the beautiful and historical Bomberger Hall. Join us on Friday, April 11 at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable evening and help us cheer on Rachel Hart and the Class of 2025 as they take their final bows.