Below you can find a list of all the music we've listened to in class throughout the school year! You will find the title, composer, a link so you can listen to the music, and a link to read more about it. Enjoy!
Aurora Awakes, John Mackey
Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ulk28Z4bwk
Read about it here: http://ostimusic.com/blog/aurora-awakes-program-note/
Pallas' Notes
This piece is a favorite of mine, and I was re-introduced to it this past summer. My grad school roommate was playing it on her computer while we were studying one night, and I remembered how much I love it. I find this piece hopeful and uplifting and always enjoy listening when I need a "pick-me-up."
Suite of Old American Dances, Robert Russell Bennett
Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ritBkqX4HIw
Read about it here (bottom of page 2-top of page 3):
https://music.ku.edu/sites/music.ku.edu/files/docs/ProgramNotes/2016-2017/KUSBMay2program%20Notes.pdf
Pallas' Notes
I got to perform this piece twice in college, but played different parts both times. It is rhythmically challenging and rhythmically unpredictable when you're listening or reading it for the first time. Fun and light-hearted, this was a favorite of mine to play as a student and is a classic in the wind band repertoire.
First Suite in Eb, Gustav Holst
Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-TPBH_dFj0
Read about it here: http://windliterature.org/2010/12/14/first-suite-in-e-flat-by-gustav-holst/
Pallas' Notes
In my opinion, no word better describes this piece than "classic." We performed it often in college, mostly for graduate conducting students who needed to conduct it for a class. At one point, I got a little tired of it because we'd played it so many times. Now when I listen to it, it just feels comfortable and familiar, like the welcoming feeling of coming home after being away for a little while. This is one of the most famous works in the band literature and it is important for you to be familiar with it!
Symphony No. 3, Mvt. 3, James Barnes
Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yERWzzT2eE&list=PL5C0F962A677D826E&index=4
Read about it here: https://www.andreistrizek.com/blog/2010/10/26/barnes-symphony-3-for-natalie.html
Pallas' Notes
This was one of my favorite pieces that I've ever had the opportunity of performing, and the third and fourth movements of this 45-minute, four movement symphony were my very favorite. The third movement is gorgeous and filled with emotional moments. The fourth movement is technically challenging but also fun to play.
O Magnum Mysterium, Morton Lauridsen, arr. by H. Robert Reynolds
Listen to it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKGBuwISjCg
Read about it here: http://windliterature.org/2010/11/23/o-magnum-mysterium-by-morten-lauridsen/
Pallas' Notes
I love the simple beauty of this piece. It always makes me feel peaceful and, in my opinion, it has one of the most magical climactic moments in all of wind band literature because it takes so long to build to it and it almost catches you off guard. If I listen to this piece with the right mindset, it still has the power to move me to tears.