An upcoming performance of the Southeast Missouri State University Wind Symphony and Concert Band seeks to embrace differences in a time of stressed cultural relations.

“Across the Cultural Divide” will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 28 in the Donald C. Bedell Performance Hall. The program will feature several pieces of music, with each piece representing different nationalities and cultures.

“Even though there’s not a common musical motif, there is a common idea or concept through the whole thing,” Dr. Martin Reynolds, Director of Bands, said. “We’ll be stressing that in our performance that in this time and our opportunity to explore cultural diversity, what better time to do that with this type of program?”

Some of the music that will be showcased in the performance has influences from the Middle East in “Arabian Dances,” northern Europe in “Valdres March” and the southern United States in “Dixie.”

Reynolds understands the controversial nature of “Dixie,” but stressed that “Across the Cultural Divide” seeks to reach across boundaries, he also commended the Wind Symphony for being open to playing it.

“For us to kind of represent what’s going on in other cultures and try to see what are the commonalities and what are the differences, it breaks down barriers,” Reynolds said. “It lets people know that maybe they shouldn’t be so concerned about the differences. Maybe we should embrace the differences instead of pushing away.”

The concept of embracing differences isn’t exclusive to culture, it can also be applied to Southeast itself. Senior trombone player Erin Vargas said there is a divide between the main campus and River Campus.

“I like to show my friends all the music that there is on campus because most of my friends, unless they’re in marching band, they have no idea what goes on,” Vargas said.

Even though the main campus and River Campus are a mile away from each other, Reynolds said he often runs into students who have never been to the River Campus, which is something he wants to change.

“What we’re trying to convince our students and our faculty and staff to come enjoy firsthand the experience of live music,” Reynolds said.

General admission tickets for “Across the Cultural Divide” are available for $12, and Southeast students can get a ticket for $3 with a valid Southeast ID. Tickets can be purchased at RiverCampusEvents.com or the River Campus Box Office at 518 S. Fountain St., is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.