2008 Woodie Awards
Symphonic Winds wind the winded
Jimmy Faseler
Issue date: 4/13/07 Section: Gallery
- Page 1 of 1
The Southwest Baptist University Symphonic Winds, directed by Director of Instrumental Studies Dr. Brian K. Hopwood, preformed "Songs and Dances" April 10 in Pike Auditorium.
"Songs and Dances" is a music compilation of pieces written from 1814 all the way to 1996. The styles of music were broad, and the songs were many.
Starting with the "Star-Spangled Banner" and with two other Americana pieces, including a rendition of "Yankee Doodle" as a closer, the night definitely had a patriotic feel.
Along with patriotic tunes, so-called "Belgian gypsy dances" and a Latin American tune accompanied as well.
The most impressive song was the "Symphonic Dance No. 3, 'Fiesta.'" It was an exciting song that was very pleasurable to listen to. Senior Jason Clough performed a very impressive trumpet solo.
Another enjoyable song was "Blessed Are They" by Johannes Brahms. This piece was intended to mimic the beatitudes in Matthew 5, when Jesus teaches that those who mourn are blessed.
The song was very dark, but at the same time, had this hint of optimism or hope that one could find in-between the notes. But this could all be in my head. Perhaps reading the description of the song before the performance aided me in hearing this.
The night did lack a lot of energy, and it was noticeable in how well the players could keep with the tempo and with odd notes here and there.
With the lack of energy, the weighty amount of songs made the night seem to drag a little too long. The songs were good, but there were a few that would not have been missed had they vanished from the program.
However, all was not lost. The SBU Percussion Ensemble broke up the evening with a whole lot of energy when they performed "Prologue and Fight." The all-percussion fan-fare was very enjoyable and kept the audience attentive and ready to listen to more winds.
The night was enjoyable and there was no regret in listening to the show, however, the night could have been much more enjoyable with a little more energy and a little less song.
"Songs and Dances" is a music compilation of pieces written from 1814 all the way to 1996. The styles of music were broad, and the songs were many.
Starting with the "Star-Spangled Banner" and with two other Americana pieces, including a rendition of "Yankee Doodle" as a closer, the night definitely had a patriotic feel.
Along with patriotic tunes, so-called "Belgian gypsy dances" and a Latin American tune accompanied as well.
The most impressive song was the "Symphonic Dance No. 3, 'Fiesta.'" It was an exciting song that was very pleasurable to listen to. Senior Jason Clough performed a very impressive trumpet solo.
Another enjoyable song was "Blessed Are They" by Johannes Brahms. This piece was intended to mimic the beatitudes in Matthew 5, when Jesus teaches that those who mourn are blessed.
The song was very dark, but at the same time, had this hint of optimism or hope that one could find in-between the notes. But this could all be in my head. Perhaps reading the description of the song before the performance aided me in hearing this.
The night did lack a lot of energy, and it was noticeable in how well the players could keep with the tempo and with odd notes here and there.
With the lack of energy, the weighty amount of songs made the night seem to drag a little too long. The songs were good, but there were a few that would not have been missed had they vanished from the program.
However, all was not lost. The SBU Percussion Ensemble broke up the evening with a whole lot of energy when they performed "Prologue and Fight." The all-percussion fan-fare was very enjoyable and kept the audience attentive and ready to listen to more winds.
The night was enjoyable and there was no regret in listening to the show, however, the night could have been much more enjoyable with a little more energy and a little less song.
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