The NIU Wind Ensemble performed a concert entitled “Suite Dreams” at Boutell Memorial Concert Hall Tuesday evening.

Conductor Ronnie Wooten directed the ensemble with great enthusiasm. He gave very distinct cues that were always on time.

The acoustics within the concert hall brought out the full sound of the ensemble.

The first piece, “Old Wine in New Bottles,” a four-movement piece, was performed by a small portion of the ensemble.

The beginning brought an oboe solo, followed by flute that carried a light sound throughout the concert hall. There was a lot of echoing of sound between the bass and wind instruments.

Toward the end of the piece, trumpets and trombones opened with energy, carrying the rest of the ensemble through the faster-paced movement, which featured many tempo changes.

A shorter piece was next, titled “Dedication Overture.” The full ensemble was brought out for this selection and performed chords with a rich, full sound. The beginning of the piece was slower and mellow but was very well-balanced.

More action and a buildup of sound projected within the middle of the piece. Percussion was added; although simple, it added emphasis to the performance while the bass added depth. Many crescendos during the piece created loud and soft moments and the ensemble grew through them effortlessly.

“William Byrd Suite” was the third selection of the night, a six-movement piece. It started with percussion in the background and a military tune. At times, the drums were a little overpowered by the other instruments. The second movement was slower, but had a similar sound to the first selection.

After the intermission, Wooten thanked a woman who has come to almost every ensemble concert for the last three years. It was her 80th birthday, so the ensemble performed “Happy Birthday” for her.

The last three pieces were much shorter. The fourth piece, “Suite in B-flat,” consisted of two movements performed by a small portion of the ensemble. Both movements were of a medium tempo, and again held much echoing.

The final piece of the night, “Suite No. 1 in E-flat,” started with a tuba intro that lead to blaring trombones and trumpets. The two-movement piece consisted of mellow and fast pulsating beats.

The rising conclusion of the show ended the concert on an adventurous note, much to the audience’s delight.