Post concert review

This past Saturday was the first youth brass band concert of the 2012-2013 season. The TYBE had some very difficult music in front of them and I thought they did a great job. Our first piece was Strauss's Festmusik der Stadt Wien. It is a short fanfare that has quite a few notes. It was a bit faster than we had rehearsed it but it held together just fine and was exciting. Next was the Suite from the Hymn of the Highlands by Philip Sparke. This is a long (18 min) piece that has a Scottish feel to it. The band did an exceptional job considering it was over most of their heads. We are continuing to work on it for our trip to NABBA. Tony did a wonderful job on his solo, He Wipes the Tear From Every Eye. It was great to share the stage with Tony, since he has done so much for the youth band program. Our last piece was Hinode by Peter Graham. The piece has a Japanese sound to it and features many soloists throughout the group and has a big Hollywood style ending.

The band has improved tremendously since I took over in 2009 and the only credit I will take is that I have set a standard for the band. The kids have met the standard every concert and have worked really hard to make the band what it is today. I will be sad when I move up to the TYBB next year. Hopefully, we get someone who can keep it growing.

Posted in: Brass Band