Musicians play pieces specifically composed for woodwind
James Martin raised his hands. The orchestra grew quiet.
With the flick of his conductor’s baton, the orchestra swung into action to start the Webster Wind Ensemble concert in the Community Music School. The concert took place Monday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.
The music department hosted the concert, which marked the 35th presentation for the 2011-2012 Concert Series. The performers, a mix of Webster students and professional musicians, played five pieces specifically composed for woodwind instruments.
“They were really different pieces, and they were hard,” Martin, adjunct faculty member and show director, said. “There was no place to hide. It’s a different kind of playing, from being in the practice room playing, to coordinating with colleagues. They (the musicians) did a good job.“
Martin told the audience one of the pieces performed, “The Immovable Do,” was written as composer Percy Aldridge Grainger’s inside joke. Grainger tuned the piece “to a drone” and dedicated it to his wife, Martin said.
The concert ended on a high note, with the beat-driven “Sinfonia in B-flat minor, op. 153,” by Amilcare Ponchielli.
“The concert had its ups and downs, but the last song was my favorite,” Lauren McDaniel, a sophomore undecided major, said.
Martin said all students, not only music majors, are welcome to play for his ensembles. Audio production and accounting majors asked to join Martin’s ensemble this semester.
The New Music Ensemble will perform next for the concert series at the Community Music School at 7 p.m. on Dec. 2.
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