The bands performed in their first concert of the semester with a captivating and diverse lineup of pieces.
MU’s University Band and Symphonic Band both performed for the first time this semester on Feb. 23 at the Missouri Theatre from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Listeners were treated to a wide variety of pieces, each of which showcased unique composers and themes.
Before the show, the audience was encouraged to read the program notes to understand and connect with the music they were hearing.
University Band, conducted by Christian Noon, opened the night with the jaunty and energetic “Overture for Winds,” a three-part composition by Charles Carter. Next, the band played “Spring Festival” by composer Chen Yi. Written for the Chinese New Year, “Spring Festival” is heavily influenced by Chinese folk music. With dynamic percussion parts for instruments like the cymbals and gong, this piece made for a spirited contribution to the concert.
University Band’s final pieces were “Remembrance” by D.I.D. Choi and “Salt March” by Aakash Mittal.
“Remembrance” was melancholic, a sharp contrast to the previous songs. Choi describes the intention for this piece in a written statement: “In remembrance of what it took for us all to be here.” Through intentional playing, the band was successful at conveying this theme.
Guest conductor and MU graduate student Allison Davis conducted the band’s last piece, “Salt March.” Mittal wrote “Salt March” as a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi’s historical protest of the same name. Gandhi himself loved music, once saying “in true music there is no place for communal differences and hostility.” The piece was an energetic close to University Band’s set.
Symphonic Band, conducted by Amy Knopps, began its set with “Origin” by Cait Nishimura.
Nishimura writes that this composition is “an uplifting, empowering piece that evokes the feeling of returning home to a significant place in one’s journey, reflecting on all that has changed and all that remains.”
“Origin” begins strong and fast, eventually slowing down to a peaceful interlude. It was a remarkable piece that displayed the ensemble’s musical fortitude.
Graduate student Zachary Nenaber guest conducted “Fields of Gold” by Julie Giroux. It tells the story of Superman from his early life as a child on a farm to his struggles of being a superhero. The piece gets its name from the iconic scene of Superman standing in the golden wheat fields on the farm where he grew up. “Fields of Gold” is a breathtaking and beautiful composition.
Symphonic Band’s final piece was Gustav Holst’s iconic “First Suite in E flat for Military Band.” It is Holst’s crowning achievement, and it is widely considered a symphonic band classic.
“First Suite in E flat for Military Band” is divided into three separate movements: the “Chaconne,” the “Intermezzo” and the “March.” The three parts infuse this piece with a whirlwind of emotions. From the gloomy start in “Chaconne” to the frantic energy of “Intermezzo,” there isn’t time for boredom. “March” was an exuberant end to the piece and the concert overall.
Throughout Symphonic Band’s performance, soloists added layers of artistry and immense talent to each piece. The following soloists were featured: Lauren Marino and Nicole Tinsley on flute, Emily Stokes on clarinet, Nick Stover on French horn, Maggie Howell on euphonium, Nathan Leslie on alto saxophone and Nathan Lowry on trumpet.
Overall, the concert was a successful and compelling opening to the semester.
Edited by Savvy Sleevar | ssleevar@themaneater.comCopy edited by Sam Barrett and Lauren Courtney