Symphonic Band to Present Concert Tuesday Oct. 14

October 9, 1997

by Richard Veit

Baylor University's Symphonic Band will present its first concert of the 1997-98 school year at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14, in Jones Concert Hall. The Symphonic Band performs under the leadership of Michael Haithcock, professor of conducting and director of bands.
The 51-member ensemble will open the program with the first movement, "Gandalf," from Johan de Meij's Symphony No. 1. This symphony, written in 1988 and subtitled "The Lord of the Rings," is based on the famous trilogy of that name by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Composed in 1995, Ron Nelson's Courtly Airs and Dances consists of an introduction followed by five Renaissance dances from European countries-Basse Danse (France), Pavane (England), Saltarello (Italy), Sarabande (Spain), and Allemande (Germany).
Storyville is James Syler's depiction of the sad, violent and disturbing Red Light District of New Orleans, as it existed prior to World War I. Storyville was written just last year and blends many of the characteristic styles of music that were prevalent in New Orleans at the turn of the century.
Vincent Persichetti composed his Divertimento for Band in 1950. It is a lively bit of musical entertainment, filled with catchy rhythms, tongue-in-cheek humor, and lyrical nostalgia.
Two pieces by Aaron Copland will be played-Merlin Patterson's setting of Down a Country Lane, and the Mark Rogers arrangement of "Hoe Down" from the ballet Rodeo.
Concluding the program will be John Philip Sousa's The Black Horse Troop, dedicated to the men and mounts of Cleveland's Ohio National Guard Cavalry. This march dates from 1925.
The Symphonic Band concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Baylor School of Music at 710-3991.