Grace College Community Wind Ensemble Presents Spring Concert March 21
Posted
Staff Report-
WINONA LAKE – John Philip Sousa’s name was magic; he was one of the greatest drawing cards of the concert stage anywhere, according to a press release from the Grace College Community Wind Ensemble. Few entertainers in the history of performing arts or of show business, even international figures of his time appeared before more people. The Grace College Community Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Martin Becker, will present its spring concert “Sousa Salute” March 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rodeheaver Auditorium. Becker will portray Sousa as he leads the 70-piece concert band in a “Sousa-style program.” During the time of Sousa’s popularity there was no radio, television, movies or even automobiles. And the phonograph was just coming into use. One could hardly walk the distance of a city block without hearing a Sousa march being played on the piano of other instrument. If there was ever a American institution it was the Sousa Band, according to the release. In the times of war, the pulse of Sousa’s marches fired the hearts of his countrymen. The fiery and contagious patriotism was spread throughout America and beyond. In addition to being called the “March King” Sousa was also referred to as the “Pied Piper of Patriotism.” Sousa’s opinion that the formula for a successful concert program was that “music was played for entertainment; it combined skill, variety, and showmanship.” His success as a bandmaster is testimony to the wisdom of this simple but effective philosophy, the press released stated. The Grace College Wind ensemble Spring concert will follow this Sousa philosophy. The Sousa-styled program will consist of four of his popular marches. In addition to the spirited marches, the wind ensemble will perform a inspired and difficult work by Cesar Franck. “Le Chasseur Maudit” (The Accursed Hunter) written in 1882 is a challenging but rewarding composition that will excite the audience, as well as the musicians that perform the tone poem, the release stated. Adding variety to the program, Becker has chosen a couple of lighter pieces in ragtime style titled “Carolina Clambake” by Paul Yoder, and “With Pleasure” written by Sousa in 1912. The program will also feature a popular piece written for the Boston Pops by Leroy Anderson, “Rakes of Mallow.” Concluding the program will be a selection originally written for the piano by Louis Moreau Gottschalk titled “Tournament Galop.” Its galloping figures and fast tempo may take the audience on an imaginary trip to a horse race. “Sousa Salute” will be presented March 21 at 7:30 p.m. in the Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake. Admission is free but a offering opportunity will be available.
