Band delights in the beat
The clang of a cymbals, the beating of a drum, the note of a trumpet, and the melodious sound of the flutes harmonizing was the first thing you heard when walking in the doors of the Russell Auditorium Thursday, Oct. 13, 2007. The GCSU Concert Band performance featured the works of famous composers such as Alfred Reed, Clifton Williams, and P.I. Tchaikovsky.
Many students, local residents and parents were present for the concert. From the first sound to the last triumphant climactic note, the performance was a masterpiece of composition and a skilled show by talented students.
Dr. Todd Shiver, the conductor of the GCSU Concert and Jazz Band, began the band off with Alfred Reed’s “A Festival Prelude.” This piece had a modern feel that incorporated the woodwind section often and separated the brass into three groupings. “A Festival Prelude” began the night with two fanfare-like figures, which were notably exceptional.
A real delight, “Symphony No. 6” by P.I. Tchaikovsky infuses natural emotional articulacy. This is a historical song that reflects much of the composers own life, at parts exuberantly loud, and near the end it is quieter and more reflective. Overall, it is a celebration of life and the composer’s triumphs.
“This show was really challenging. I liked it though, because it was a different flavor than the rest. I enjoyed the whole concert,” Erin Gilstrap, a GCSU sophomore Flute instrumentalist, said.
Cory Tanner, a senior Music Education major, was an impressive euphonium soloist to the Irish Traditional called “All Those Endearing Young Charms.”
Playing an instrument not to be considered his “specialty,” he amazed the audience. He received a standing ovation for his incredible performance.
“Cory had a hard solo, and he did well. We have got a lot of talented students at GCSU- and that’s a blessing,” Shiver said.
The Concert Band’s most anticipated song was the “El Camino Real:A Latin Fantasy” by Alfred Reed.
Based on the Spanish flamenco guitarists who are known globally for their passionate style of playing, “El Camino Real” was a captivating song.
The music was established around two forms of dance: the Jota and the Fandango. It was a lively song with the portrayal of an authentic Spanish resonance.
“I felt the show was a good mix. My favorite was ‘El Camino Real’; it was a fun piece to play,” Chris McKenzie, a freshman Trumpet player, said.
Shiver said, “Alfred Reed has always been one of my favorite conductors and I intentionally sought pieces I have never done before.”
Shiver conducted all new pieces except “The Ramparts” by Clifton Williams. The song refers to the Rampart Range in the Rocky Mountains near Colorado Spring, where the United States Air Force Academy was located. The song was written specifically for the academy.
Overall, the Concert Band performance was another in a line of astounding success and musical celebration.
In association with the Concert Band, the Jazz Band has also performed as well.
“Just about everybody who is in Concert Band are in Jazz Band. Some of the students in both are my main players, we really couldn’t do without them,” Shiver said.
Coming up for the GCSU Bands is the Jazz Band Holiday Performance on Nov. 29 and 30. Best to get your tickets soon because the show was sold out last year! Plus, on Dec. 1, for the first time, GCSU is performing at the Capital Theater in downtown Macon.
“I really enjoyed performing with this band. I came from a high school with a band of about 20 people. I enjoyed playing with a larger ensemble” McKenzie said.
Shiver was also very pleased with the show: “I feel our students excel here at GCSU. We have many talented students here. I don’t ever want to take that for granted.”
Posted by Colonnade Archives
on Nov 1 2007. Filed under Features.
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