More on ARHS Winter Instrumental Concert

Contributed by Linda Brenckle

Please join Algonquin’s instrumental music students and teachers for an entertaining evening of classical, jazz, and contemporary music at the Algonquin Regional High School Winter Instrumental Concert.  Included in the repertoire is the premier of “Granodlithic March”, an original score by Algonquin graduate, Keane Southard.  The event will take place on February 9^th at 7:30pm in the Algonquin Regional High School auditorium.  The performance will feature the 9^th Grade Concert Band, the Symphonic Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Ensembles I and II.  Tickets will be available at the door and cost $1 for students and children, $3 for senior citizens, and $5 for general admission.

The 9^th Grade Concert Band, under the direction of Eric Vincent, will perform “The New World Symphony” by Antonin Dvorak who based the piece on symphonic themes he heard in Native American music and African American spirituals when he visited America in 1893.  The band will also perform “Buffalo Jump Ritual”, written by Daniel Bukvich. This more contemporary piece written in 2000 and based on buffalo hunting rituals, also has a Native American theme.

The grades 10 though 12 Symphonic Band, also under the direction of Eric Vincent, will perform “An American Elegy” by Frank Ticheli, composed in memory of the victims of the Columbine High School tragedy.  In addition, they will play the popular “Lexington March” composed by Karl L. King, and the classical suite, “Pictures at an Exhibition”, composed  by Modest Mussorgsky.

Under the direction of Amy Collins, the Wind Ensemble will premiere “Granolithic March”, composed by 2005 Algonquin graduate and award-winning composer, Keane Southard.  The Algonquin Regional High School Wind Ensemble commissioned the piece in 2008.  This contemporary work was inspired by Mr. Southard’s experiences performing as a clarinetist in Algonquin’s instrumental ensembles, where he experienced the use of extended performance techniques in the contemporary music they performed.  The Wind Ensemble will also feature Eric Whitacre’s “Ghost Train” and David Holsinger’s “Havendance.”

The Algonquin Jazz Ensembles, under the direction of Amy Collins and Eric Vincent, will perform a varied repertoire of music from all different genres of jazz.  The music of Gordon Goodwin, Miles Davis, George & Ira Gershwin, Charlie Parker and others will be played.  There will be several students solos featured.