Playing a collection of rich classical and contemporary tunes, N.C . State’s wind ensemble held its winter concert Tuesday night.

Headed by the N.C . State music department and Director Paul Garcia, the ensemble performed an organized musical show for a crowd of public and student onlookers.

In a packed theater, the wind ensemble, known for its rhythmic variety and great amount of student talent, showcased its most recent compilations and arrangements of melodies. The program comprised six pieces, with one piece boasting four separate parts.

Kevin Quick, a first-year string bass player and freshman in nuclear engineering, said he was pleased with how the concert turned out.

“I absolutely loved it,” Quick said.

Quick and fellow ensemble member Michael Scanlan , a horn player and freshman in meteorology, said they were happy to be a part of the performance and have the opportunity to work alongside pianist Tom Koch.

“He’s fantastic. It’s amazing playing with him,” Scanlan said.

Quick said he enjoyed playing with Koch because he is such a talented player.

“He’s such a fantastic pianist,” Quick said.

Scanlan , also a first-year member, said the group required many practices to prepare for Tuesday night’s show, including a handful of rehearsals with Koch.

“We had practiced before, but when he came in we just started following what he was doing,” Scanlan said.

The group began the performance with the “Tannhauser Overture,” and with help from the piano soloist, music professor Koch, continued with the “Petite Suite” that carried the audience through a medley of sections.

The tunes featured a variety of sounds, pitches, rhythms and tempos. “Petite Suite,” which contained En Bateau, Cortege, Menuet and Ballet, started with calming flute sounds and a smooth riff from the clarinets.

As “Petite Suite” progressed, the tempo became more upbeat, though maintaining mellow undertones. During the piece, the tubas added complimentary sounds that were pitch-perfect. And with the holiday season looming, the Menuet , “elves at play,” that was full of cheery flute parts, provided a holiday feeling for audience members.

“Petite Suite’s,” conclusion with Ballet was a fast-paced, energetic collection of melodies that featured flutes and French horns.

Following an intermission, the ensemble played three additional pieces including “Symphony for Band” and “Cloudburst.”

Charles Townes , a senior in business administration, said he attended the event because he was interested in hearing the ensemble’s new pieces.

“The whole ensemble was great. And Dr. Koch was spectacular. When he played ‘Dangerous Moonlight’ it seemed like it belonged in a movie. It was very suspenseful,” Townes said.