Monday, October 10, 2011

Program Notes

Wind Ensemble, Orchestra and Jazz Band students are required to write program notes for our Fall Concert.  These are due this Friday, October 14.  Program notes should include a bit about the composer and a bit on the composition.  Information should be engaging to a non-musical audience and provide a bit of background and some insight in what to listen to in the performance.

Here is an example of what one could write about Frank Ticheli's piece, Amen

Frank Ticheli is one of the most prominent contemporary composers for band.  His works include those from younger bands to the most experienced.  “Amen!” takes on an upbeat, somewhat bluesy, gospel style, suggesting an impassioned preacher sharing some bit of good news. After an introductory “call to order,” our preacher (here the clarinet section) gives us the main tune over a series of simple, bopping quarter-note chords.  Later, the full ensemble bursts out in a fit of joy- the choir and the congregation have joined in, dancing and shouting in full agreement.  The good news is driven home in the concluding coda over a series of plagal (“Amen”) chord progressions, and one final joyful shout.
-Frank Ticheli (adapted)
Students should also include a brief personal statement about themselves and music.  This could be why they chose to play, what they love about playing or anything along those lines.  For example-
I love band!  I’ve been playing trombone since the sixth grade and can’t imagine life without music.  My joy is seeing young people learn about music and grow in their musical skills and develop their own love for symphonic music.
Orchestra as follows;
Allegro- 1st violin
Shepherd's Hey- 2nd violin
Four Royal Dances- viola
Lullaby- cello/ bass

Wind Ensemble as follows;
Belgian Paratroopers- A - DiLeonard
Sleepers, Wake- Dueck- Macdonald
Symphony #5- Macon- Z

Jazz Band as follows;
I Remember Stan- Robert, Ryan S, Natalie T
Jazz Police- David, Erica, Joseph

Love for Sale- Justin Victor, Elliot
Malaguena- Tatiana, Carl, Maria
Nardis- Alex, Steven, Ryan A
A Night in Tunisia- Mina, Mac, Meghan
Street Music- Jake, Noah, Natalie K