Concert band to perform Oct. 18
The GC&SU Concert Band is scheduled to perform its annual Fall Band Concert on Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. Russell Auditorium.
The Concert Band has been performing since 1990. The 55-member student band is represented by each school on campus, and it is the largest of all student musical groups on campus.
The concert’s program consists of five different selections and a wide variety of music.
“All five selections are different from each other,” said Dr. Todd Shiver, Director of Bands. “Everybody that comes will probably like at least one piece of music.”
The Fall 2001 Concert Program will be performed in the following order: “El Capitan” by John Phillip Sousa, “Prelude and Celebration” by James Curnow, “Florentiner – Grande Marcia Italiana” by Julius Fucik, “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli, and “Abrahm’s Pursuit” by David R. Holsinger.
“El Capitan” was produced in 1896 and is the best known of Sousa’s fifteen operettas. The plot is about a Peruvian viceroy of the sixteenth century, Don Medigua, who disguises himself as a notorious bandit. The theme of “Prelude and Celebration” goes all out to musically capture the desolate but beautiful surroundings of the Central Plains, home to Eastern Illinois University for one hundred years. “Florentiner-Grande Marcia Italiana” opens with a short bugle fanfare and proceeds directly into a strain of repeated notes, which seem to picture a flighty Florentine signorina chatting to her gentleman friend. The piece is continued with another fanfare; a light and beautiful trio melody; an interlude; and a triumphant repeat with a challenging piccolo part. According to Techeli, “An American Elegy” is, above all, an expression of hope.
It was composed in memory of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999 and to honor the survivors. Hope, serenity and sadness become intertwined throughout the entire work and define its intricate and meaningful character. “Abram’s Pursuit” is a biblical story told through the instruments of music. “The piece, `An American Elegy,’ will be a special part of the program dedicated to those who have been effected by the tragedy on September 11, 2001,” said Shiver.
The band has been working hard on the program since the beginning of the semester. The concert is expected to be an excellent performance. Remember, the show will start at 8 p.m. on Oct. 18 in Russell Auditorium. The house will be packed, so everyone is urged to arrive early to grab a good seat. Admission is free!
The GC&SU Concert Band’s next performance will be held March 15. A guest conductor/composer has been invited to feature his music.
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Oct 5 2001. Filed under Features.
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