Reggie Thompson
The Paw Print
The Adams State College Concert Band, led by conductor Dr. Jamie VanValkenburg, held their annual Fall Band Performance on Friday, Oct. 28, in Richardson Hall playing for many students, citizens, and relatives of the musicians.
The band put together a total of seven composed pieces, originally written by well known musicians such as Czech composer Julius Fucik(1872 – 1916) , English composer Gordon Jacob (1895 – 1984), and American composer Randall Standridge.
The evening began with Fucik’s Florentiner. The upbeat tempo and cheerful staccato melody made it a welcoming opener. This approximately five minute long marching piece introduced the audience to the band well as it utilized each section.
The concert slowed down a bit with the appropriately named second composition, “Rest,” by Frank Ticheli. This selection was very somber in the beginning, but as it progressed, the crescendos brought out a much more powerful emotion.
After “Rest,” the ASC Wind Ensemble took over performing a few pieces on their own, the first being parts one and two of Jacob’s Old Wine in New Bottles, separately titled “The Raggle Taggle Gypsies” and “The Three Ravens.”
After a 10-minute intermission, the Wind Ensemble returned with Serenade, Op. 44: “Moderato, quasi Marcia,” which was a well-layered piece and proudly exemplified each member of the ensemble.
In the third Wind Ensemble piece, percussionists Josh Whlrabe, Ben Paden, Nic Owen, and Kliff Holly joined in. The ensemble performed Serenade for Winds and Percussion part four- “Nocturnal Life Forces.” This particular selection brought about unconventional percussion techniques that would catch one’s eye; for instance, a bow was briefly used to play what appeared to be a xylophone. It was a fairly unusual number at times, but came together nicely.
The full band was reunited for the last two pieces: “Spangled Heavens: I. Holy Manna, II. Restoration” by Donald Grantham and Standrige’s “Danse Bohemien”. “Spangeled Heavens…” took the audience on a journey for over 10 minutes. The song underwent some changes as it went along. It started out somewhat cheerfully, then progressed to a dark, legato melody, almost resembling “Rest,” then returned to a positive, happy sound.
“Danse Bohemien” was a fitting closer. The piece was energetic with its fast tempo and greatly showcased the talented percussion section.
The music department will be gaining quite a bit of momentum in November with four events coming this month; the Choir Concert at Sacred Heart Church (Nov. 4), Jazz Concert in Richardson (Nov. 17), Paul Kobe Senior Recital in Leon (Nov. 19), and the Percussion Spectacular in Richardson will close out the music filled month (Nov. 30).
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