Composer and musician Michael Kibbe relocated from Los Angeles to the North Coast a few years ago and has become a prominent member of the local music scene. He wrote The Poseidon Overture specifically for the HSU Symphonic Band, and will perform on oboe for the world premiere of this piece.
Symphonic Band also performs “Chester” by American composer William Schuman, and several movements of “Lincolnshire Posy” by Percy Grainger. Both pieces are high on any list of wind band classics, said director Paul Cummings. “Chester” evokes the American Revolution, and “Lincolnshire Posy” is based on authentic folk melodies from Yorkshire, England.
The Band plays the final movement of Aaron Copland’s lyrical “The Promise of Living,” also based on folk music sources. “Xerxes” by contemporary composer John Mackey is a concert march that exemplifies Mackey’s signature use of rock music and jazz fusion as well as classical styles. “The instrumentation favors percussion,” Cummings said.
For their half of the program, the Jazz Orchestra performs several originals by current and recent HSU students: “Positive Sweat” by student Kyle McInnis, “Jibber Jabber” by alum Ryan Woempner, and “Omar” by alum Dan Fair.
The Orchestra also honors the 50th anniversary of the New York-based Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Big Band with a Thad Jones tune, “Big Dipper.” This band “played its first Monday night at the Village Vanguard in February of 1966,” said Jazz Orchestra director Dan Aldag. “It’s been playing there every Monday night ever since.”
HSU Symphonic Band and HSU Jazz Orchestra perform on Saturday, February 27 at 8 p.m. in Fulkerson Recital Hall on the HSU campus. Tickets are $8, $5 seniors and children, free to HSU students with ID, from HSU Box Office (826-3928) or at the door. More information: http://HSUMusic.blogspot.com. Directed by Paul Cummings and Dan Aldag, produced by HSU Music Department.