Season 8 is a wrap!  Wonderful music, new stations, and countless new listeners around the world have made this year a milestone year for Wind & Rhythm. The best part of it all, though, is the chance to continue to build the gathering place for people who love band music!

Thank you to all.

Summon the Heroes
  John Williams
  Michigan State Wind Symphony, Kevin Sedatole
Blow, Eastern Winds
  Joseph Spaniola
  Eastern Wind Symphony, Todd Nichols
Three Extraordinary Journeys
  Philip Sparke
  The G.U.S. Band, David Stowell
The Ringmaster's March from
"The Soul Has Many Motions”
  John Mackey
  Shujitsu Wind Ensembles, Takumi Kobayashi
Cane River Murals
  Martin Ellerby
  Showa Wind Symphony, Shintaro Fukumoto
Under the Willow
  Julie Giroux
  US Army Field Band, Jim R. Keene
The Gael
  Dougie MacLean
  Fountain City Brass Band, Joseph Parisi

The part of Manhattan that provides so many happy memories is known the Broadway Theater District. When the Empire State Building was built in 1931, it stood as the tallest building in the world for the next 40 years. It was during this time that Broadway's "Golden Age" had its most enduring impact on the world of entertainment.

Broadway Curtain Time
  arr. John Krance
  Northshore Concert Band, John Lynch
George M. Cohan on Broadway
  George M. Cohan, arr. Rayburn Wright
  Canadian Brass
Someone To Watch Over Me from “Oh, Kay!”
  George Gershwin
  Canadian Brass
There's No Business Like Show Business
​from “Annie Get Your Gun”
  Irving Berlin,
  US Air Force Band, Lowell Graham
Seventy-Six Trombones from “The Music Man”
  Meredith Wilson
  Empire Brass
The Lonely Goatherd from “The Sound of Music”
  Rodgers and Hammerstein
  Empire Brass
Macavity Cat from “Cats”
  Andrew Lloyd Webber
  Empire Brass
Man of la Mancha
  Mitch Leigh
  Empire Brass
Medley from “A Chorus Line”
  Marvin Hamlisch
  Dallas Wind Symphony, Frederick Fennell

There is a general fascination with all things bass: String Bass, Bassoon, Bass Trombone, Bass Clarinet, Bass Drums, the Bass knob on your stereo, and of course, Tuba.  It has to do with those long frequencies that help the bass tones envelop the listener and travel much farther out. {thump}

On this episode of Wind & Rhythm, we explore this fascination and answer the question "How low can you go?".

Tuba Tiger Rag
  Luther Henderson
  Canadian Brass Friends & Colleagues, Cameron Walter
Reflections on the Mississippi
for Tuba and Symphonic Band
  Michael Daugherty
  University of Michigan Symphony Band,
  Michael Haithcock
Hammersmith Prelude and Scherzo, Op.52
  Gustav Holst
  North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon
Cyrano for Tuba and Brass Band
​  Philip Wilby
  Black Dyke Band, Nicholas Childs

Often called England's national poet, and the "Bard of Avon", William Shakespeare was a poet, playwright, and actor, and widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world's pre-eminent dramatist.  Scholars have identified more than 20,000 pieces of music linked to Shakespeare's works, and on this episode of Wind & Rhythm, we'll explore some of most notable ones. ​

Rosalind in the Forest of Arden
  Alfred Reed
  Eastern Wind Symphony, Alfred Reed
Music for Hamlet
  Alfred Reed
  Eastern Wind Symphony, Alfred Reed
Scherzo from "Midsummer Night's Dream”
  Felix Mendelssohn
  US Army Field Band Chamber Ensembles,
  Colonel Jim R. Keene
Suite No.2 from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64ter
  Sergei Prokofiev
  Eikanger-Bjorsvik Band, Bjarte Engeset
The Enchanted Island
​  Alfred Reed
  Eastern Wind Symphony, Alfred Reed

Kicking the tires, lighting the fires, and feeling the need for speed is more than just an Airman's pre-flight ritual, it's their gateway to doing what most only dream; soaring like the eagles and seeing like the angels. ​

Beyond
  Wataru Hokoyama
  US Air Force Band of Liberty, Colonel Larry H. Lang
Pluto from "The Dwarf Planets”
  William White
  Chicago Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble,
  Rodney Holmes
Aurora Borealis
  Ronald Foster
  US Air Force Band, Colonel Alan C. Sierichs
To Walk with Wings
  Julie Giroux
  US Air Force Band Of The Rockies,
  Colonel H. Bruce Gilkes
Jupiter, the Bringer of Jolity from "The Planets, Op. 32”
  Gustav Holst
  Black Dyke Band, Nicholas Childs
Supernova: Dawn of the Veil Nebula
  Blake Birmingham
  Bixby High School Wind Ensemble, Jeremy Parker
From Kitty Hawk to the Stars
​  Martin Ellerby
  US Air Force Band of Liberty, Colonel Larry H. Lang

Every few decades the first full moon in June, the Strawberry Moon, falls on the Summer Solstice.  Before 2016, 1967's "Summer of Love" was the last time it happened. Astronomers and Astrologers aren't the only ones who notice. Composers love to create tone poems in which the moon is the subject. Wind & Rhythm honors Earth's moon and the wonder it imbues.

Crescent Moon Grand Overture
  Jan Van der Roost
  Philharmonic Winds Osakan, Jan Van der Roost
Moonrise from “Visions Of Light”
  Eric Ewazen
  Indiana University Wind Ensemble, Ray Cramer
Moon Song, Sun Dance
  Philip Sparke
  Cory Band, Philip Harper
Moon By Night
  Jonathan Newman
  UNLV Wind Orchestra, Thomas Leslie
The Crescent Still Abides
  David R. Gillingham
  Philharmonic Winds Osakan, David R. Gillingham
Moonlight from “Four Sea Interludes”
  Benjamin Britten
  US Navy Band, Captain Brian Walden
Moon Dance from “New World Dances”
​  Martin Ellerby
  North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon

The words of our Declaration of Independence are some of the most eloquent ever written. John Adams, and the committee of five who drafted it, shaped a country with their prose. This week on Wind & Rhythm we celebrate America's birthday, with what John Adams expected succeeding generations to remember as the great anniversary festival of our independence.

The Star-Spangled Banner (A Love Song to Our Country)
  arr. Jack Stamp
  DePauw University Band, Craig Paré
American Salute
  Morton Gould
  Northshore Concert Band, John P. Paynter
Revolutionary Fantasy 
  Ernest Williams
  University of Central Oklahoma Wind Symphony,
  Brian Lamb
Shenandoah
  Frank Ticheli
  US Air Force Band, Colonel Dennis Layendecker
American Overture for Band
  Joseph Wilcox Jenkins
  US Army Field Band, Colonel Finley R. Hamilton
Liberty Fanfare
  John Williams
  US Coast Guard Band, Commander W. Kenneth Megan
Suite of Old American Dances
  Robert Russell Bennett
  Michigan State Symphony Band, John Madden
Overture and March "1776"
  Charles Ives
  US Marine Band, Timothy Foley

​There was a time when new music for symphony orchestras outnumbered new music for wind bands. That time has passed. Now, there's a tidal wave of exemplary new music written exclusively for wind band. But what about all those great works that were written before the tide turned? Many have been transcribed and have now become essential literature in the wind band world. On this episode of Wind & Rhythm we’ll explore several of these "Quintessential Transcriptions".

Polovstian Dances from Prince Igor
  Alexander Borodin
  US Army Field Band, LTC Timothy J. Holtan
El Salón México
  Aaron Copland
  Cincinnati Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon
Selections from Pictures at an Exhibition
  Modest Mussorgsky
  Banda Sinfónica Juvenil Simón Bolívar, Thomas Clamor
The Sorcerer's Apprentice
  Paul Dukas
  US Army Field Band, Colonel Timothy J. Holtan

All transcriptions by Mark Hindsley

Wind & Rhythm marked the beginning of a new adventure in April of 2016. Not exactly live radio, or even radio produced live in front of an audience like some of the other NPR programs, but rather, a new, unique adventure. Host Doug Brown walked onto the stage at Michigan State University’s Wharton Center for the Performing Arts with the MSU Wind Symphony, and what follows on this week's show will give you an idea of that experience.

Summon the Heroes: John Williams
Ballad for Band: Morton Gould
  Arris Golden, conductor
Symphonic Songs for Band: Robert Russell Bennett    
  Serenade  •  Spiritual  •  Celebration
Concertino for Tuba and Concert Band: Rolf Wilhelm
  Moderato deciso  •  Andante lirico  •  Allegro comodo
  Joe LeFevre, tuba soloist
  Daniel Kirk, conductor
Aegean Festival Overture: Andreas Makris
  Michigan State Wind Symphony, Dr. Kevin Sedatole

Performing at the annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic is the penultimate opportunity for musicians of any age. And if you watch closely, you can see the next generation of wind band musicians making life choices about what really challenges them and what engages their attention. Here's to the future of the gathering place for people who love band music.

North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon
A Step Ahead March
  Harry L. Alford
Riften Wed
  Julie Giroux
Three Preludes 
  George Gershwin, arr. Nicholas Enrico Williams

Avon High School Brass Choir, Matthew Harloff
Avon High School Saxophone Choir, Karl Hartman 
Horizons
  Paul Lovatt Cooper
Devil's Rag
  Jean Matitia
Clair de Lune from "Suite Bergamasque”
  Claude Debussy
The Melody Shop
  Karl King
  
Southwest High School Wind Symphony, Stacey Dunn
Rondo from Concerto No. 1, Op.73
  Carl Maria von Weber
Symphony No. 3 "Slavyanskaya" Mvt. I
  Boris Kozhevnikov, arr. John Bourgeois
Heavenwards
  William Owens
Don Hanna
  Gabe Musella and Rick Rodriguez

I​n a world that consumes music as files and in playlists, looking back at 78 rpm phonograph records is not just a journey down memory lane, it is a technical challenge that forms the basis of this special presentation of Wind & Rhythm. 

This story starts in London with the discovery of vast treasury of old recordings. The treasure trove of old shellac records from the early part of the 20th century has been virtually hidden away, waiting to be discovered. And, faithfully recorded on them is the music of the Bands of the Coldstream Guards, of the Grenadier Guards, and of the Welsh Guards to name a few. ​

The Band of The Coldstream Guards
Steps of Glory
  arr. Aubrey Winter
Wipers
  Herman Darewski
No, No, Nanette
  Vincent Youmans, arr. Dan Godfrey
In a Clock Store
  Charles Orth

The Band of the Welsh Guards
Flash of Steel
  Colin
Washington Post
  John Philip Sousa
Changing of the Guard
  Flotsam & Jetsam
Wedding of the Rose
  Leon Jessel

The Band of The Grenadier Guards
H.M. Queen Elizabeth's March
  Adele Verne
Savoy Hunting Medley
  arr. Debroy Somers
The Voice of the Bells 
Silver Trumpets

It’s fun getting out to the state and city parks, and into the woods to hike. It's a revival of sorts for those who venture forth. There's much evidence on how good hiking can be for one's health. From John Muir, Our National Parks, 1901: “Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”

Mountain Song
  Philip Sparke
  Brass Band of Battle Creek
Sinfonia IX, A Concert in the Park
  Timothy Broege
  The College of New Jersey Wind Ensemble,
  William Silvester
MacArthur Park
  Jimmy Webb
  Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Frank Renton
Of Skies, Rivers, Lakes and Mountains
  Philip Sparke
  Rundfunk-Blasorchester Leipzig, Thomas Doss
A Moorside Suite
​  Gustav Holst
  Grimethorpe Colliery RJB Band, Garry Cutt

There have been giants in the wind band community. Examples include composers Samuel Barber, Aaron Copland, Gordon Jacob, and Alfred Reed, and all wrote for string ensembles too. But on Wind & Rhythm our focus is on music expressed by the very air we breathe. So on this episode we’re not going to play transcriptions, but rather music written specifically for winds. These are works considered cornerstones of our library. They were written by the giants. So much so that we’ve named our episode "On the Shoulders of Giants".

Commando March
​  Samuel Barber
  US Air Force Heritage of America Band,
  Major Larry H. Lang
Emblems
  Aaron Copland
  Northwestern Symphonic Wind Ensemble,
  Mallory Thompson
An Original Suite
  Gordon Jacob
  North Texas Wind Symphony,
  Eugene Migliaro Corporon
Suite Francaise
  Darius Milhaud
  US Army Field Band,
  Colonel Jack H. Grogan
Armenian Dances - Set I
  Alfred Reed
  University of Illinois Symphonic Band,
  Harry Begian

Both music and poetry have rhythm, both too have cadences. In fact, there are so many touch points between music and poetry that we just take them for granted. So what would happen if looked at the connection, musically of course, because that’s what we do here at the gathering place for people who love band music.

Poet & Peasant
  Franz Von Suppé
  Fodens Band, Russell Gray
From Every Horizon - A tone poem to New York: 
  Norman Dello Joio
  Keystone Wind Ensemble, Jack Stamp
The Song of the Bell - After a poem by Friedrich Schiller:    
  Philip Sparke
  Johan Willem Friso Band, Hans Leendners
Poeme Montagnard
  Jan Van der Roost
  The Royal Military Band of the Netherlands,
  Pieter Jansen
Poème Héroïque, Op. 33
​  Marcel Dupré
  Michael Murray & Empire Brass

When Leonard Bernstein hosted the Young People’s Concerts in 1958, he opened with the William Tell Overture. What did we see? Children with huge smiles. He stopped the New York Philharmonic Orchestra at the end of a phrase, turned around and asked the audience what the music was all about. In the moments that followed, music and the enjoyment of music changed. Some have said that he re-shaped the way we listen.

Symphonic Suite from "On The Waterfront" 
  Leonard Bernstein
  US Marine Band, LtCol Jason Fettig
Profanation
​  Leonard Bernstein
  Auburn University Symphonic Band, Johnnie Vinson
Symphonic Dances from"West Side Story” 
  Leonard Bernstein
  Lone Star Wind Orchestra, Eugene Migliaro Corporon
Slava! 
  Leonard Bernstein
  Saxon Wind Philharmonic, Thomas Clamor

While destinations often get headlines and accolades, we all know that the journey is what is most important.  It defines the experience and shapes the memory of those on the trek.  Here at the gathering place for people who love band music, we’ll take you on six musical journeys, all of them extraordinary.

Three Extraordinary Journeys: Philip Sparke
  The G.U.S. Band, David Stowell
Journey To The Centre Of The Earth: Peter Graham
  Osaka Municipal Symphonic Band, Kazuhiko Komatsu
Journey Through Orion: Julie Giroux
  University of Texas at El Paso Wind Symphony,
  Ron Hufstader
Mazury Rhapsody - A Journey to Poland:
  Alfred Bösendorfer
  Harmonie De Charlesbourg, François Dorion
Passage: Scott Lindroth
  Oklahoma State Wind Ensemble, Dr. Joseph Missal

They come in brown cardboard boxes and bubble packs, mostly from the music labels and distributors, but a lot of ensembles send us their album releases too. Each package is an unexpected present! 
 
Diamond Concerto: Philip Sparke
  Cory Band, Philip Harper
  Matthew White, Euphonium soloist
Rocky Point Holiday: Ron Nelson
  Michigan State Wind Symphony, Kevin Sedatole
Wine-Dark Sea: John Mackey
  University of Texas Wind Ensemble, Jerry Junkin

Musical memories can be really vivid, especially when one is given such a wide range of content to experience. Perhaps the familiar tonality of Bach can captivate. Or perhaps one's musical imagination helps envision a sweeping operatic scene, or one's sense of rhythm and energy. Any of these compelling memories can be said to be hallmarks of the annual Midwest Clinic.

Finale from "Symphony no. 9 in E minor, Op. 95
from "The New World”: Antonín Dvořák
Under the Willow: Julie Giroux
The Incredibles: Michael Giacchino
  US Army Field Band, Colonel Jim R. Keene
The Ringmaster's March from
"The Soul Has Many Motions”: John Mackey
Takajima: Hirotaka Izumo
Danse Diabolique for Wind Orchestra:
  Joseph Hellmesberger, Jr. arr. Kotao Kamei
  Shujitsu Wind Ensembles, Takumi Kobayashi
Just Flyin’: Julie Giroux
The Seal Lullaby: Eric Whitacre
Salvation Is Created: Pavel Tschesnokoff
  Tara Winds, Dr. Andrea Straus

Within Wind & Rhythm's vast music library, the word "fantastic" or "fantasy" appear numerous times. It’s almost as if composers of wind band music want to transport listeners out of the ordinary world and into an extraordinary one; one that is illusionary. Let's explore some dazzling imagination.

Suite #2 in F: 4. Fantasia on the “Dargason”: Gustav Holst
  Dallas Wind Symphony, Howard Dunn
Stubernic Fantasy from "Concerto For 3 Marimbas”:
  Mark Ford
  Messiah College Wind Ensemble, Bradley Genevro
Fantasy from Euphomium Concerto: Martin Ellerby
  Metropolitan Wind Symphony, Lawrence Isaacson,
  Adam Frey soloist
Fantasia For Euphonium: Gordon Jacob
  North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon
Rose Variations: Robert Russell Bennett
  US Air Force Band Of The Rockies, Philip C. Chevallard
Fantasy for Brass Band, Op. 114: Malcolm Arnold
  Grimethorpe Colliery Brass Band, Peter Parkes

Starting in the Middle Ages, music became central to the worship experience. Now, very few services exist without it and without the musicians who perform it. The “faithful” gave the “musical” a place to express themselves, and all have been rewarded ever since.
 
Liturgical Symphony: Fisher Tull
  Keystone Wind Ensemble, Jack Stamp
The Sleep of the Immortal One: Clark McAlister
  Avatar Brass Ensemble, Lowell Graham
Glorified: David Gillingham
  Messiah College Wind Ensemble, Brad Genevro
Mosaici Bizantini: Franco Cesarini
  Royal Military Band of the Netherlands, Jan de Haan
Worthy is the Lamb from the Messiah:
  arr. William Gordon
  Pasadena Tabernacle Band
​  (Salvation Army Staff Bands), William Gordon

Go outdoors and look at the early Spring growth on the tree branches.  The new buds are so much greener, so much more flexible.  And while it’s true that these buds are a bit more vulnerable when they’re young, they toughen up over time, enough to protect themselves from the elements.  That's just one way nature renews itself, and that amazing cycle of growth applies to music too, with wonderful new compositions and amazing new recordings.

Serenade "Songs of the Night”: David Gillingham
  Cincinnati Wind Symphony, Eugene Corporon
Spring Planting (Spiritual) from "Cane River Murals”:
  Martin Ellerby
  Showa Wind Symphony, Shintaro Fukumoto
The Last Spring: Edvard Grieg, trans. James Curnow
  Black Dyke Brass Band, James Watson
Glenbury Grove: Julie Giroux
  TAD Wind Symphony, Takayoshi "Tad" Suzuki
Peer Gynt Suite No. 1 Op. 46:
  Edvard Grieg, trans. John Bell
  Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
​  Wind Symphony, John Raymond Bell
The Hounds of Spring: Alfred Reed
  Philharmonic Winds Osakan, Hirosi Hosina

St. Patrick’s Day sometimes falls within the Christian season of Lent.  In those cases, the restrictions on drinking alcohol are lifted for the day.  But even if it doesn't, there's one tradition that all can celebrate; dance!  Jigs and Reels have been celebrated in Ireland for centuries, and the recent tours of Irish music and Irish Step Dancing have been huge hits all over the world.  So let’s devote some time to the dances of Ireland.

Irish Folk Suite: J.L. Molloy, arr. Kevin Kaska
  Hollywood Epic Brass, Kevin Kaska
A Little Gaelic from “Tartan Suite”: Joseph Wilcox Jenkins
  Indiana University of Pennsylvania Concert Band,
  Jason Worzbit
Two Celtic Jigs: Kesh and Kid on the Mountain:
  Traditional
  Empire Brass
The Gael: Dougie MacLean
  Fountain City Brass Band, Joseph Parisi
Rose, Shamrock & Thistle: John Philip Sousa
  Royal Artillery Band, Keith Brion
Irish Tune (Elastic Scoring Version): Percy Grainger
  North Texas Wind Symphony
  Eugene Migliaro Corporon
Highlights from Riverdance:
  Bill Whelan, arr. Johan de Meij
  Simon Bolivar Youth Wind Orchestra, Johan de Meij
Gaelforce: Peter Graham
  Grimethorpe Colliery Band, Garry Cutt

Late every year, while many are taking care of last-minute Holiday activities, there are thousands of musicians and directors from all over the country attending the annual Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago. It is one of the largest gatherings of people who love band music in the world.

Walking with Heroes: Paul Lovatt Cooper
Song of Hope: Peter Meechan
We Seven: Derek Jenkins
  Fountain City Brass Band, Joseph Parisi
Rippling Watercolors: Brian Balmages
Handel in the Strand: Percy Grainger
  Broken Arrow High School Wind Ensemble, Darrin Davis
Blow, Eastern Winds: Joseph Spaniola
Ballad for Band: Morton Gould
Whirlwind: Steven Bryant
  Eastern Wind Symphony, Todd Nichols
House Plants in Terra Cotta Pots: Roy D. Magnuson
Honey Boys on Parade:
  Edward Cupero, ed. John R. Bourgeois
  Flower Mound High School Wind Symphony,
​  Brent Bishkup

Every four years, thanks to Leap Year, we get a bonus day.  Bonus means "something extra", or "something good".  What does this mean for Leap Day?  It means we have extra time to do something wonderful; listen to great Wind Band music.  Lagniappe!  Now, let’s consider what we want to hear on our bonus day.

A Real Slow Drag from “Treemonisha”: Scott Joplin
  The Great American Main Street Band,
  Mark Gould and Samuel Pilafian
Poseidon: Julie Giroux
  Osaka Municipal Symphonic Band, Kazumasa Watanabe
Stonehenge: Jan Van der Roost
  Nagoya University Of Arts Wind Orchestra
Dutch Masters Suite: Johan de Meij
  Orquestra De Vents Filharmonia,
  Jose R. Pascual-Vilaplana
We're Goin' Around from “Treemonisha”: Scott Joplin
  The Great American Main Street Band,
​  Mark Gould and Samuel Pilafian

The Enlightenment was an amazing time in human history, it opened the way for so many breakthroughs, and we've referred to music from that time as counter-enlightened, music that breaks rules of long standing methods.  It's also the music of the Romantic Era and it has been extremely successful.  One way to enjoy its success is to devote another episode to the Romantic Era; a reprise.

Overture from “The Force of Destiny”: Giuseppe Verdi
  Grimethorpe Colliery RJB Band
Sonatina No. 1 in F Major, "From an Invalid's Workshop” (Romance and Finale): Richard Strauss
  Armonia Ensemble, Clemens Röger
Selections from “Carnaval for Brass Quintet”:
  Robert Schumann
  Canadian Brass
Roman Carnival Overture: Hector Berlioz
  US Air Force Heritage of America Band,
​  Major Larry H. Lang