Most recent upload: June 26, 2020 01:30 p.m.
American Band Music is Invigorating / Exciting / Spirited / Enjoyable to hear / Challenging to play Mentally healthy to hear / Physically healthy to perform / Wonderful to direct / Great program for schools
and Written by great American composers and arrangers / MAKING BAND GREAT AGAIN
and Written by great American composers and arrangers / MAKING BAND GREAT AGAIN
This page contains videos / pics (and a few comments) of the great sound of the concert/marching bands from our nation's schools and communities all across America. While some folks are trying hard to Make America Great Again, I also dream of Making BAND Great Again.
During my band directing days since the 70's, I have seen schools cut more and more band programs; I have seen communities lose their wonderful community band; I have observed kids who don't have the time or even take the time it takes to develop those band instrument performance skills. While they have little desire now, I have even seen in more and more cases, kids who truly have lost 'what it takes' to even learn to play in a band.
I have seen the wide world of sports turn to a 'canned music' that pounds the ears and shuts down the brain of their fans in the name of pumping up the players and crowd - something the 'live' band could do far better and far safer than any canned music. (John Philip Sousa coined the phrase 'canned music' and said the record player that was going to destroy America - little did people then know how correct he was.)
The sound of the American concert/marching bands and wind ensemble is disappearing - and in some places, it is totally absent. So, for that reason, I am putting this page together - it won't be complete, but hey... I hope it makes a few of us old timers smile and for those rare kids 'who care' - I hope enjoy it, too.
During my band directing days since the 70's, I have seen schools cut more and more band programs; I have seen communities lose their wonderful community band; I have observed kids who don't have the time or even take the time it takes to develop those band instrument performance skills. While they have little desire now, I have even seen in more and more cases, kids who truly have lost 'what it takes' to even learn to play in a band.
I have seen the wide world of sports turn to a 'canned music' that pounds the ears and shuts down the brain of their fans in the name of pumping up the players and crowd - something the 'live' band could do far better and far safer than any canned music. (John Philip Sousa coined the phrase 'canned music' and said the record player that was going to destroy America - little did people then know how correct he was.)
The sound of the American concert/marching bands and wind ensemble is disappearing - and in some places, it is totally absent. So, for that reason, I am putting this page together - it won't be complete, but hey... I hope it makes a few of us old timers smile and for those rare kids 'who care' - I hope enjoy it, too.
More comments to follow but for now, here are some videos I believe some folks would 'enjoy' as they would have fond and often tearful memories of the great band days; I believe there are even a few of you who were even THERE during those days. I also know of a few rare-bird band members who participated with these great band directors of the past!
If you have any links that you believe would belong on this page, please send them to me with a little explanation / comment, etc. and if you want to be included on any recent updates as I do them to this particular page, email me and I will contact you when I put new music up!
My email is sousaman2020@outlook.com and my other contact information is located under the home page heading on this website.
My email is sousaman2020@outlook.com and my other contact information is located under the home page heading on this website.
Joseph Willcox Jenkins
Joseph Willcox Jenkins (15 February 1928 – 31 January 2014) was an American composer, professor of music, and musician. During his military service in the Korean War, he became the first arranger for the United States Army Chorus. He ended his teaching career as Professor Emeritus at the Mary Pappert School of Music, Duquesne University, where he had been a professor since 1961 and composed over 200 works.
American Overture
...is a high-energy expression of bold optimism that puts every section of the band in the spotlight.
...is a high-energy expression of bold optimism that puts every section of the band in the spotlight.
James Swearingen
Swearingen is an American composer and arranger. He holds a Master’s Degree from the Ohio State University and a Bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University and is Professor of Music Emeritus, Department Chair of Music Education at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio. The music he writes is part of a small genre played in American high school band classes as Concert Literature, generally two- to six-minute-long pieces played for high school band concerts.
Swearingen is currently one of several resident composers at Capital University and is also a staff arranger for the Ohio State University Marching Band. Prior to his appointment at Capital in 1987, he spent eighteen years teaching instrumental music in the public schools of central Ohio. His first teaching assignment was in Sunbury, Ohio. He spent 14 years as Director of Instrumental Music at Grove City High School teaching marching, concert and jazz bands.
Swearingen is also a guest conductor, adjudicator and educational clinician in the US and internationally. He has traveled throughout the United States, Japan, Australia, Europe, Canada and The Republic of China.
With over 600 published works, he has written band compositions and arrangements in a variety of musical forms and styles. Many of his pieces have been chosen for HS music contests and festivals.
Swearingen is currently one of several resident composers at Capital University and is also a staff arranger for the Ohio State University Marching Band. Prior to his appointment at Capital in 1987, he spent eighteen years teaching instrumental music in the public schools of central Ohio. His first teaching assignment was in Sunbury, Ohio. He spent 14 years as Director of Instrumental Music at Grove City High School teaching marching, concert and jazz bands.
Swearingen is also a guest conductor, adjudicator and educational clinician in the US and internationally. He has traveled throughout the United States, Japan, Australia, Europe, Canada and The Republic of China.
With over 600 published works, he has written band compositions and arrangements in a variety of musical forms and styles. Many of his pieces have been chosen for HS music contests and festivals.
Blue Ridge Saga - James Swearingen
The Millbrook High School (Raleigh, NC) Symphonic Band performs James Swearingen's "Blue Ridge Saga"
at the March 26, 2019 NC Bandmasters Association Central District 2019 High School Music Performance Adjudication in the Garner High School (Garner, NC) auditorium under the direction of Mr. Avery Payne.
The Millbrook High School (Raleigh, NC) Symphonic Band performs James Swearingen's "Blue Ridge Saga"
at the March 26, 2019 NC Bandmasters Association Central District 2019 High School Music Performance Adjudication in the Garner High School (Garner, NC) auditorium under the direction of Mr. Avery Payne.
In All It's Glory - James Swearingen
Cape Fear HS Concert Band Mike Williams, Director Southeastern District Band Directors Association Music Performance Assessment 3/25/15 West Johnston High School, Benson, NC
Cape Fear HS Concert Band Mike Williams, Director Southeastern District Band Directors Association Music Performance Assessment 3/25/15 West Johnston High School, Benson, NC
Francis McBeth
Chant and Jubilo by Francis McBeth
UTEP Symhony Band 11-23-11
UTEP Symhony Band 11-23-11
Francis McBeth is an internationally recognized composer and conductor who began his career in 1957 as professor of music at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia. After retiring in 1996, McBeth began touring the world, conducting in 48 states plus Europe, Japan, Australia and Canada. His works have totaled more than 100 compositions for orchestra, band, choral piano, organ, voice and chamber performances. He is credited for making the symphony more appealing to the greater populous by sparking an interest in classical music in the average person. Click on the following link for a very enjoyable and interesting from one of Arkansas' greatest kept secrets... Dr. Francis McBeth!
https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/programs/menandwomenofdistinction/francismcbeth
https://www.myarkansaspbs.org/programs/menandwomenofdistinction/francismcbeth
Frederick Fennell
Them Basses
Performed by the Eastman Wind Ensemble under Frederick Fennell. Recorded 2008.
"Them Basses" March is subtitled "A March in which the Basses have the Melody throughout."
Performed by the Eastman Wind Ensemble under Frederick Fennell. Recorded 2008.
"Them Basses" March is subtitled "A March in which the Basses have the Melody throughout."
Frederick Fennell - (July 2, 1914 – December 7, 2004) was an internationally recognized conductor and one of the primary figures in promoting the Eastman Wind Ensemble as a performing group. He was also influential as a band pedagogue, and greatly affected the field of music education in the USA and abroad. In Fennell's New York Times obituary, colleague Jerry F. Junkin was quoted as saying "He was arguably the most famous band conductor since John Philip Sousa."
Karl King
The Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge: 100th Anniversary Concert 1891-1991
This 1991 Iowa Public Television production recognizes the 100th anniversary of Iowa composer Karl L. King's birth featuring the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge, Iowa.
This 1991 Iowa Public Television production recognizes the 100th anniversary of Iowa composer Karl L. King's birth featuring the Karl L. King Municipal Band of Fort Dodge, Iowa.
Many listeners, at least American listeners, associate only the iconic John Philip Sousa with band music, but Karl L. King was a formidable, if less-imposing rival. He wrote many band pieces to honor schools and universities and for use at circuses, his most famous being Barnum & Bailey's Favorite.
Melody Shop - Them Basses
The finale of the Grand Concert at the 2011 US Army Band Tuba - Euphonium Conference. The Trio of "Melody Shop" contains the hardest euphonium part of any march, because the composer Karl L. King was himself a euphonium virtuoso.
WILLIAM D. REVELLI (1902-1994)
FORMER CONDUCTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SYMPHONY BAND
FORMER CONDUCTOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN SYMPHONY BAND
William D. Revelli (February 12, 1902 – July 16, 1994) was an American music educator and conductor best known for his association with the University of Michigan, where he directed the university's bands including the Michigan Marching Band 1935 to 1971. During his 36 years as director, the Michigan Marching Band won international acclaim for its musical precision. Revelli is also credited with innovations that moved college marching bands across the country away from rigid military formations. Among other things, Revelli’s Michigan Marching Band was the first to synchronize music and movement and the first to use an announcer.
Rare footage of legendary conductor William D. Revelli in PBS documentary
"If You Knew Sousa".
"If You Knew Sousa".
William D. Revelli on the Pursuit of Perfection
Legendary conductor William D Revelli conducts Hobart Indiana's High School Band 1926-1935
Johann Strauss: Overture to die Fledermaus
Johann Strauss: Overture to die Fledermaus
William D. Revelli's Last Michigan Stadium Appearance - Homecoming 10/23/93
"GOD BLESS AMERICA"
"GOD BLESS AMERICA"
William D. Revelli Conducts the University of Michigan Symphony Band
"THE HUNTRESS" by Karl King
"THE HUNTRESS" by Karl King
William D. Revelli Conducts University of Michigan Symphony Band - 1967
"MARCH MILITAIRE FRANCAISE" by Saint- Saens -
"MARCH MILITAIRE FRANCAISE" by Saint- Saens -
William D. Revelli Conducts University of Michigan Symphony Band - 1967
"FESTIVE OVERTURE" by Shostakovitch
"FESTIVE OVERTURE" by Shostakovitch
William D. Revelli conducting University of Michigan Symphony Band
"CHESTER OVERTURE" by William Schuman
This is another great example of the band's warm, beautiful sound, rhythmic precision and balance.
The percussion instruments are also amazing.
"CHESTER OVERTURE" by William Schuman
This is another great example of the band's warm, beautiful sound, rhythmic precision and balance.
The percussion instruments are also amazing.
More coming - and this page will be 'under construction' for quite awhile.
I tearfully enjoy hearing these recordings of when community / school band programs were great in our great nation!
I tearfully enjoy hearing these recordings of when community / school band programs were great in our great nation!
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