Wind Band Concert Report Sample

On February 12, 2016, at 7:00 P.M., I attended the Symphonic Wind Band concert at Bob Jones University. The concert was conducted by Dan Turner, and the name of the performance was named European Travelogue. It consisted of a predominant woodwind ensemble, with some percussion throughout. It had the instruments one would expect in a woodwind performance: flutes, piccolos, oboes, etc. The concert consisted of mainly short pieces, with a one longer piece midway. The first piece of the first movement of the concert is named A Moorside Suite. It contains three movements and was composed by Gustav Holst. The first movement, named Scherzo, starts off very quiet, then begins to alternate between loud and soft dynamics with its repeating sections.

The next one is called Three Revolutionary Marches, and it symbolizes the political unrest in Czechoslovakia during the 19th century. Bedrich Smetana is the one responsible for this piece. March of the Revolutionary Guard is the name of the first movement, and it immediately strikes you with very loud brassy instruments and percussion. The movement gives off a victorious aura, like achieving a huge accomplishment in something. The second movement, March of the Students' Legions, gives off a more elementary approach than that of the first one. It is very bouncy as well in its structure. The last movement, March of Freedom, has a big volume and instrument contrast; playing the same melody, one part has the full orchestra playing, while another just has the woodwinds and small percussion

Both Jacques Offenbach's Galop, from Genvieve de Brabant, and Darius Milhaud's Ile-de-France from Suite Francaise remind me of the fast-paced marches of composer Smetana. These pieces, however, remind me greatly of old cartoon chase scenes, like the ones from the very popular Tom & Jerry and Looney Tune shows. Since I am a personal fan of both of these cartoons, it was very interesting and unexpected to be reminded of such a thing in an orchestra. Having the connection helps me remember the particular pieces and entices me to replay it to be reminded