Symphonic band displays prowess

Sweeping dynamics and technical skill exhibited in all pieces performed Thursday

Posted on Dec. 07, 2009, at 12:58 a.m.

The University of Maine Symphonic Band, directed by Curvin Farnham, held its fall semester performance Thursday, in the Collins Center for the Arts. Instruments shimmered in the bright lights as more than 60 tuxedoed and gowned musicians played a variety of music styles.

The band’s sound was clean and refined. From the first piece until their rousing encore rendition of “The Stein Song,” the Symphonic Band played with precision and class.

Graduate student trombonist Steve Norris, who prefaced each piece with just enough information to engage the listeners, narrated the evening.

It was off to the circus with composer Joseph J. Richards’ “Emblem of Unity March,” as bouncy and carefree as a turn of the century carnival.

To counter was the floating “Watchman, Tell Us Of The Night,” composed by Marck Camphouse, an ethereal epic that swelled and diminished for what seemed to be an eternity. The band’s dynamics were exceptional, going from a whisper to an auditory assault seamlessly.

The band tackled an adaptation of the folk song “Cora Is Gone,” arranged by Winterport, Maine composer Ben Aldridge. Aldridge is the owner of the Maine music publishing company AWM and suitably adapted the folk tune.

Farnham was a solid leader and never missed an opportunity to thank the audience with a gracious bow and smile. Energetic and lively, he knew just what he wanted out of the band and elicited this with emphatic gestures.

Guest conductors abounded throughout the night. Assistant directors Trevor Marcho and Scott Burditt, and sports bands director Christopher White all led the band proficiently.

Bass trombone soloist Dan Barrett, a nationally recognized performer, showcased his virtuosity on “Tuba Concerto Movement III,” composed by Edward Gregson. The musical banter between Barrett and the band was lightning fast as they traded staccato lines.

The University of Maine Woodwind Quintet gave a great performance during “Quintet for Wind Intstruments, Op. 24, No. 2,” composed by Paul Hindemith. Their dissonant lines were abrasive, but beautiful, creating an uncanny sound with the five instruments. Its primary melody resembled the “Imperial March,” composed by John Williams for “Star Wars.”

The final two pieces were particularly engaging. “Ride,” composed by Samuel R. Hazo, and “El Camino Real,” composed by Alfred Reed, were both technically challenging pieces that were exciting to listen to. “Ride” was aptly titled, giving the audience the feeling they were tied to the roof of a car speeding down the road. The Latin-infused “El Camino Real,” or “King’s Highway” as it is translated, was a fiesta with more of the band’s great expression and dynamics.

After a standing ovation from the audience, the band played a rousing rendition of “The Stein Song” to close the night.

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