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FSU’s Wind Ensemble Will Present Concert, “Collaborations”

Frostburg State University’s Department of Music will present the FSU Wind Ensemble, conducted by Dr. Ash Glenn, in its concert, “Collaborations,” on Sunday, May 7, at 3 p.m. in the Pealer Recital Hall of FSU’s Woodward D. Pealer Performing Arts Center. The guest conductor will be Joshua Bishop. The concert is free and open to the public. This event will also be livestreamed; click the “Join Stream” button on this page a few minutes before the recital is scheduled to begin, or anytime during the recital, to view the live performance.

This theme for this concert is collaborations – everyone is capable of doing good things individually, but great things happen when people work together.

The program will include “Commando March” by Samuel L. Barber; the three movements, “March: Seventeen Come Sunday,” “Intermezzo: My Bonny Boy” and “March: Folk Songs From Somerset,” of “English Folk Song Suite” by Ralph Vaughan-Williams; “October” by Eric Whitaker, “The Sky Has Changed” by Dr. Mackenzie LaMont; and “Amen!” by Frank Ticheli.

Barber composed his “Commando March” shortly after being enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943. His only work for winds, this piece is utterly original with a great march theme and a weirdly orchestrated, gesture-developing middle section that makes one forget that the piece is supposed to be a march. “Commando March” gives Bishop a chance to expand his collegiate experience beyond brass ensembles and into the world of wind band.

The venerable classic, “English Folk Song Suite” (1923), was born of collaboration; Vaughan-Williams worked with local story singers to pass down their songs and stories, recording folk songs to wax cylinders before they were lost to time. An important part of core literature for concert band, “English Folk Song Suite” treats traditional melodies with remarkable originality and subtle charm.

Whitaker’s “October” (2000) was commissioned by 30 Nebraska high schools. He penned this work based on the emotions he experiences as the temperatures cool down and the leaves change in his favorite month of the year. The simple, pastoral melodies and subsequent harmonies were inspired by the great English Romantics, as this style was also perfectly suited to capture the natural and pastoral soul of the season.

“The Sky Has Changed” is an opportunity to showcase LaMont, another member of FSU’s Music Department faculty. In addition to his work as a composer, LaMont is experienced in the music industry and production; he is also a teaching and performing percussionist.

The concert ends with a fun and lighthearted work, “Amen!” The inclusion of Ticheli’s piece honors his contributions to wind band music. The song itself is also a tribute to his high school friend and fellow trumpet player Tracy McElroy on the completion of 30 years of teaching music in Texas public schools. “Amen!” takes on an upbeat, somewhat bluesy, gospel style, suggesting an impassioned preacher sharing some bit of good news.

FSU is following CDC guidance based on current area conditions. For current health and safety guidelines, visit www.frostburg.edu/COVID19.

For more information, contact FSU’s Department of Music at 301-687-4109.

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  • Rachel Gordon

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