The Greenwich Performing Arts Center will be filled with excitement when the ensembles of GHS Band Program, under the direction of John Yoon and Ben Walker, take the stage at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, April 3, the eve of the Band Program’s much awaited Ireland tour.
Many of the pieces featured this evening will be performed on their cultural and educational exchange trip to Ireland, which is scheduled for April 4 through 12.
The concert is open to the community and free of charge.
The performance begins with the Percussion Ensemble playing First Circle by Pat Metheny and Free Will by Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson. Both pieces were arranged by Associate Director, Ben M. Walker.
The Combined Concert and Symphony Bands will perform Sòlas Ané (Gaelic:
Yesterday’s Joy) by Samuel R. Hazo, An Irish Interlude by Warren Barker and
Incantation and Dance by John Barnes Chance.
Next the Wind Ensemble will delight us with Fanfare and Allegro by Clifton Williams. This piece begins with a dynamic flourish that leads into the allegro section. The second piece, Jesus Wept, by William Schuman, was inspired by William Billings’ beautiful hymn. This was first made into an orchestral piece in 1956; the band version was transcribed by the composer in 1958. Their performance of this beautiful piece is dedicated to the memory of Haley E. Anderson, the daughter of Western Middle School’s Band Director, Karen Anderson.
The Wind Ensemble will then play Shepherd’s Hey by Percy Aldridge Grainger, La Belle Helene Overture by Jacques Offenbach, and as their finale, The Washington Post March by John Philip Sousa. This is a night of music that should not be missed!