Fauquier High School’s Addison E. Lightfoot Auditorium
Thursday, May 16, 2024
7:00 pm
The
Choral Ensemble,
Symphonic Band,
&
WIND ENSEMBLE
Seasons
Music By Ola Gjeilo
Lyrics by Charles Anthony Silvestri
Performed by the Choral Ensemble
Program Notes by Ola Gjeilo
Seasons is my first piece for children’s choir (although it’s suitable for SSA groups of any level), with lyrics written by frequent collaborator Charles Anthony Silvestri. I was searching for a text in four stanzas that was timeless and could be performed at any time of year, so a poem about the unfoldment and yearning of each of the four seasons felt like a good match. Tony then created the beautiful text, which ended up forming the basis and inspiration for this piece.
Seasons was commissioned by Manhattan Concert Productions for their 2014 National Children’s Festival Chorus events at Carnegie Hall, conducted by Henry Leck and Emily Ellsworth.
About the Composer
Composer and pianist Ola Gjeilo was born in Norway in 1978 and moved to the United States in 2001 to begin his composition studies at the Julliard School in New York City, where he currently resides.
Ola’s recordings include the Decca Classics albums Ola Gjeilo (2016) and Winter Songs (2017), featuring Tenebrae, VOCES8, and the Choir of Royal Holloway. His choral and piano works are published by Walton Music, while his wind band works are published by Boosey & Hawkes.
Seasons
By Charles Anthony Silvestri
Bright the sun in bluest shining; Summer spreads in valleys greenly. Lovers sing their new-found pining; Time itself slows down to greet me.
Autumn air comes crisp and blowing Leaves from green to golden turning; Hearts are full, and eyes all glowing Gather round the hearth-fire burning.
Night grows longer, darkness deeper, Cold winds howl when comes the Winter; White of snow by moonlight tempered, Bearing hope for Spring to enter.
Flowers bloom with showers falling, All the world reveals its yearning; Nature sings – I hear her calling: Round and round the seasons turning.
Danzon from "Fancy Free"
By Leonard Bernstein
Arranged by Jay Bocook
PERFORMED BY THE Combined Symphonic Band & WIND ENSEMBLE
Program Notes
Leonard Bernstein and Jerome Robbins first collaborated in the mid-1940s on the instantly popular ballet FANCY FREE, commissioned by the American Ballet Theatre. First performed on April 18, 1944, this work, a piece about three sailors on shore leave in New York City, served as inspiration for their next endeavor, the smash hit Broadway musical ON THE TOWN, which was a critical success and launched a long-lasting creative partnership between Bernstein and Robbins.
The plot of the 1944 musical comedy ON THE TOWN (not the music) was inspired by the ballet which had preceded it by nine months: FANCY FREE. 1944 was a big New York year in Leonard Bernstein's composing life.
The seven scenes of FANCY FREE are actually symphonic pieces, but ballet audiences do not react to them as such, so well integrated is the music with the inventiveness of the choreography. Only in concert performances or on recordings does the symphonic character become more evident, acting as a foil for the carefree high jinks of the plot. Like the city it celebrates, FANCY FREE is not only boisterous in its jazziness but cool in its sophisticated control; its seemingly improvised and foot-loose fun is unified by the use of a piano as a soloistic instrument.
Simple Gifts (Shaker Song)
Adapted by Aaron Copland
Transcribed for Chorus by Irving Fine
Performed by the Choral Ensemble
Program Notes
...“Simple Gifts.” You probably know this song. You might also know that it’s a piece by one of the most emblematic American classical composers of all time, Aaron Copland. But did you know that it was actually originally a Shaker tune?
In 1848, Elder Joseph Brackett wrote “Simple Gifts” in his Shaker community in Maine. The Shakers (or United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing) were a small group that left England to find religious tolerance in North America. The Shakers believed in simplicity, equality, celibacy, communal living, and interestingly enough some very similar ideas about music bringing the community together.
Shakers Dancing - The main goal of Shaker songs was to unite the community. This meant that even though they were a religious group, they sometimes drew inspiration from secular folk tunes because people were familiar with them, so it was easy to sing along. Shakers also preferred melodies that were uncomplicated and clear so that everyone could join in. One of the most important aspects of a song is the ease with which everyone can sing it.
So, this brings us to “Simple Gifts.” This song was completely unknown to the masses until Aaron Copland heard the melody and decided to include it in his ballet APPALACHIAN SPRING in 1944. Copland then arranged the song a second time in his first set of OLD AMERICAN SONGS; where he literally collected and arranged an assortment of old American songs.
“Simple Gifts” is now such a ubiquitous American folk song it was performed at President Ronald Reagan’s second inauguration, President Bill Clinton’s first inauguration, President Richard Nixon’s funeral, and most recently President Barack Obama’s first inauguration.
Program Notes by Raina Sayer From the website www.TheMusicClass.com
Pablo!
By Richard Meyer
Performed by the Combined Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble
Program Notes
This colorful and highly original work depicts the various stages of creativity in the life of the world-renowned artist Pablo Picasso. The piece is divided into five distinct sections:
The Main Theme is based on the “Malaga” movement from Isaac Albeniz’s masterwork IBERIA (Book IV). Picasso was born in Malaga, a provincial town in Southern Spain, in 1881.
Variation I depicts Pcasso’s somber “Blue Period,” which was started as a result of the death of his friend and fellow artist Carlos Casagemas. Casagema’s musical name (C-A-A-G-E-A) is heard throughout this haunting variation.
Variation II represents Picasso’s lighter “Rose Period.” Paintings were much warmer and more cheerful during this time, most often depicting acrobats, harlequins, and jugglers. Picasso and his friends attended the Cirque Medrano several times a week during this period.
Variation III employs minimalist techniques to represent Picasso’s highly innovative “Cubist” technique in which images were broken down into small fragments and then newly reorganized.
Variation IV depicts Picasso’s love of bullfights. The virtuosic melody that opens this section is eventually combined with the original main theme to bring the work to an exciting conclusion.
Dawn
Music and Additional Text by Jacob Narverud
Text by Francis Ledwidge
Performed by The Choral Ensemble
We are pleased to have members of the 8th-grade choirs joining us for this performance of "Dawn." Let's welcome these students to Fauquier Music!
About the Poet
Francis Ledwidge (1887 - 1917) was an Irish poet from Slane, County Meath. Ledwidge started writing at an early age and was first published in a local newspaper when he was fourteen years old. Ledwidge left the local national school shortly after and worked as a farmhand, road surface mender, and copper minor at Beaupark Mine near Slane. Ledwidge became friends with a local landowner, the writer Lord Dunsany, who gave him a workspace in the library of Dunsany Castle and introduced him to literary figures, including William Butler Yeats and Katherine Tynan. Some of Ledwidge’s manuscripts are held in the National Library of Ireland. The main surviving collection, including his early works and personal letters, are in the archives of Dunsany Castle.
About the Composer
Jacob Narverud (b. 1986) is as an American Composer, Arranger, and Conductor. A native Kansan, Jake is the Founding Artistic Director of the Tallgrass Chamber Choir, a professional ensemble of musicians from across the Great Plains. Dr. Narverud is a frequent guest lecturer at universities and conferences and is the Editor of Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Inc. As a sought–after composer, Jake has been commissioned to new works for over fifty choral organizations nationwide, as well as ensembles in Australia and Japan. Many of Narverud’s pieces are publisher Best Sellers, and are performed worldwide by choirs of all levels.
Ancient Fires
By Carol Brittin Chambers
performed by the combined symphonic band & wind ensemble
We welcome the 8th Graders from our middle schools to perform this piece with us. We hope to see these wonderful 8th Graders over the next four years on our stage!
Program Notes
Though the surroundings appear calm at first, there seems to be a bit of uneasiness and suspense all around. It is not long before ANCIENT FIRES’ mysterious introduction erupts into a volatile, wild dance!
The dance is fueled by driving rhythms and various articulations that give a syncopated feel, as well as an array of unique and fun percussion instruments, such as Tom-Toms, Bongos, Sizzle Cymbals, crackling fire paper, and more! The mixed meter, involving measures with 2, 3, 4, and 6 beats also adds to the high intensity and energy.
Skylark
Words by Johnny Mercer
Music by Hoagy Carmichael
Arranged by Kirby Shaw
Performed by the Choral Ensemble
Special Guests Brigid Ruff; Flute, Annabelle Grady; Bass, and Andrew Homenik; Drum Set
Program Notes
Even if you're unaware, you’re probably already familiar with Johnny Mercer's music. From the light-hearted “You Must Have Been A Beautiful Baby” and “Jeepers Creepers” to the romantic “Laura,” “Dream,” and “I Remember You”…from the big band “And The Angels Sing” to the dramatic “Blues In The Night,” “Come Rain Or Come Shine” and “One For My Baby”…from the sassy “Satin Doll” and “Tangerine” to the cinematic “Hooray for Hollywood” and “On The Atchison, Topeka And The Santa Fe”…not to mention the timeless standards of “That Old Black Magic,” “Glow Worm,” “Days Of Wine And Roses,” and “Moon River.” With their wide range of musical styles, these songs have been heard by millions worldwide on recordings, radio, films, television programs, and Broadway shows over the past century.
Throughout his acclaimed career, Johnny wrote over 1,400 songs. He wrote songs for 100 motion pictures. He won four “Best Song” Academy Awards and was nominated 18 times. He wrote 23 theatrical productions, including St. Louis Woman and Li’l Abner. He was a top radio personality and recording artist. He was the co-founder and President of Capitol Records. Nurtured the talent of artists like Margaret Whiting, Jo Stafford, Peggy Lee, Frank Sinatra, and Nat “King” Cole. Established the Songwriters Hall of Fame with Abe Olman and Howie Richmond.
Evidence of Johnny’s Southern roots, his appreciation for nature, and love of family resonate through his work. Born and raised in Savannah, Georgia, his love affair with music didn’t come from the glitter of Broadway or Hollywood. His influences were drawn from the scenic countryside, the sounds of regional African-American music, the concerts he attended in Forsyth Park, and dances on Isle of Hope and Tybee Island.
His lyrics came naturally from the colorful way the people around him talked: you gotta “Accentuate The Positive;” “Fools Rush In (Where Angels Fear To Tread);” “Any Place To Hang My Hat Is Home”; and you’re just “Too Marvelous For Words.” And from the sounds he heard: the clickety-clack of the railroad track, the wind whistling through the Spanish moss, and the rain like silver slivers racing along the horizon– “Now the rain’s a-fallin’, hear the train a-callin’ ‘Whoo-ee!’” Now the rain’s a-fallin’, hear the train a-callin’ Whoo-ee!
Johnny Mercer’s poetic genius continues to reflect the romantic yearnings, the wit, the energy, and the personality that is our American dream.
- from the Johnny Mercer Foundation's website
By Loch and Mountain
By Robert W. Smith
PERFORMED BY THE combined symphonic band & Wind Ensemble
program notes
Journey to the land of castles in the highlands with this stunningly beautiful composition. The opening features a silvery baritone solo on the traditional Irish folk song I Know Where I'm Going, and the piece paints a scene as magnificent to hear as it was for the composer to see. The energetic highland celebration is built upon the pulsing rhythms that Robert Smith is known for, and creates the vision of Gaelic dancers whirling in a display of exuberant joy.
Robert William Smith (October 24, 1958 – September 21, 2023) was an American composer, arranger, and teacher. Having local ties to JMU, especially with his wife having ties to Culpeper, we were honored to have both of them as the Tri-County Band Guest Conductors just before COVID. Robert W. Smith has composed countless works for the band, and we dedicate tonight’s performance to his memory.
Baba Yetu
From Sid Meier's "Civilization IV"
Music by Christopher Tin
Arranged by Roger Emerson
Swahili Adaptation of “The Lord’s Prayer” by Chris Kiagiri
Performed by the Choral Ensemble
Special Guests Maria Martella and Andrew Homenik; Percussion
Program Notes
“Baba Yetu” is the Swahili – language setting of “The Lord’s Prayer,” which, according to two separate books of the Bible, was taught directly to followers of Jesus himself. Passed down through oral traditions and the written word, the prayer commonly known as the “Our Father” has long been a defining facet of the Christian faith. In the mid–2000s, Stanford University alum Soren Johnson was finishing up production of the third entry in the acclaimed turn-based strategy video game series, Civilization. Remembering a conversation with fellow classmate Christopher Tin at an earlier class reunion, at which they shared their fondness for the Civilization series, Johnson recruited Tin to compose the title song for the then–forthcoming Civilization IV. Tin, an alum of the celebrated student a cappella group Stanford Talisman, drew upon the strong rhythmic and world music specialties of Talisman and recorded a demo of “Baba Yetu,” a choral setting of the text of “The Lord’s Prayer,” and submitted it to Johnson. An epic, rhythmic, and (literally) world-building choral work, “Babu Yetu” was accepted into the opening titles and proved to be the perfect companion to the game which would win numerous Game of the Year awards from the video game industry in 2005.
Christopher Tin, the Stanford-, Oxford-, and Royal College of music – educated native of northern California, has since become a notable and award-winning concert, film, and video game composer. “Baba Yetu“ became the first piece of video game music to be nominated for (and win) a Grammy Award, when it won in 2011 as part of its inclusion in the song cycle Calling All Dawns (which also won a Grammy that year). Calling All Dawns (2011), The Drop that Contained the Sea (2014), and To Shiver the Sky (2020) our classical music-influenced major orchestral and choral works that Tin has specialized in composing in addition to–and in conjunction with – his visual media composing. In 2018, To Shiver the Sky became the highest funded classical music Kickstarter project in history.
Symphonic Band & Wind Ensemble
Flute - Kimberly Santoyo
Clarinet - Gavin Hawkins, Mackenzie Knott, Jackson Mabra, Lucas Reingruber*, Dean Rose*, Reagan Skillman
Alto Saxophone - Hunter Ankeny, Lauren Fitzsimmons, Nathan Gibbs, Kazuho Hara, Victoria Perez Acosta
Tenor Saxophone - Luke Grim & Ethan Uzzle
Baritone Saxophone - Alek Moore & Lincoln Pauling
Trumpet - Caleb Crane*, José Herrera Gonzalez, Josh Mabra, Park Massey, Eoin O’Keefe, Noah Reyes-Gaines, Diego Sanchez
Horn - Benjamin Perkins
Trombone & Euphonium - Charlotte Funkhouser *
Tuba - David Ponn, Mordecai Tucker
Percussion - Miles Brown, Adam Cheek, Elle Crane, Colbey Dakon, Kingston Gerrick, Dane Hinrichs, Andrew Homenik*, Maria Martella
* - Indicates a member of the Class of 2024
Choral Ensemble
Soprano
Kayana Frisk, Sophie Gerleit*, Gillian Hall, Izabelle Melvin, Madison Rogers
Alto
Sarah Chipman*, Audrey Darvill, Natasha Gutierrez*, Savannah Horn, Grace Jones*
Tenor
Alec Crandall
Bass
Jake Miller* & Dean Rose*