Review: The wind ensemble and orchestra perform a phenomenal mid-semester performance
As the fall semester reached its halfway point, the wind ensemble and the orchestra put on their mid-semester performance. To start the concert, the wind ensemble took the stage with powerful, energetic music, featuring instruments ranging from beautiful flutes to rhythmic percussion.
For their third song, the ensemble brought out Camille Schmitz, a solo violinist, for an arrangement of “Amazing Grace.” As first-chair violin in the orchestra, Schmitz played the song incredibly, especially with the brass backing her melody.
The fourth song, “Undertow” by John Mackey, was a fast-paced, energetic start that transitioned into a deconstructed performance of each instrument. The flutes and clarinets took turns playing the melody before returning to the exciting feel.
The song played into heavy persuasion, utilizing all sorts of instruments. The performance made audiences feel like they were in a race against time.
After the wind ensemble received a round of applause, the orchestra took take the stage. The mood quickly changed from fast-paced adventure, to smooth and beautiful songs.
The second orchestral piece was Benjamin Britten’s “Simple Symphony.” The classic string arrangement showcased the best elements of each instrument.
The third movement in Britten’s Symphony was quite unexpected: the orchestra only used plucked strings to play for the first half, before strumming their instruments like a guitar. The abandonment of the bows created a very unique and interesting effect, almost reminiscent of raindrops with incredible rhythm.
The orchestra’s music brought emotion to the air every time they played. From joyful and upbeat to sad and slow, their music captivated the audience.
Just like the wind ensemble brought out a stringed instrument for one of their pieces, the orchestra also brought out percussion for an arrangement of “Molly on the Shore” by Percy Granger. Bells and drumrolls complemented the strings and made the song even more captivating.
After the final orchestra piece, the entire wind ensemble came onto stage to join the strings. The entire group played the “Iliad,” a piece that showcased the story of Achilles. A dramatic horn started the piece, before transforming into a wall of flowing sound in epic magnitude. Just like the story itself, the music took on many different styles as the audience followed the journey and hardship of Achilles through music. The best parts of both bands came together to create a masterpiece.
The last song of the night was “Man in the Mirror.” A Lipscomb percussionist, Phillip Walker, was given the opportunity to arrange a pop tune for the commercial ensemble. Walker then further arranged Michael Jackson’s hit to incorporate the entire wind and orchestral band. This last piece of the concert not only had both wind and orchestra playing together, but also students in the commercial ensemble singing and playing drums and guitar along.
The iconic pop classic never sounded better as Lipscomb students played with their whole hearts. Seven weeks of work came to a conclusion with this piece, and the students delivered a phenomenal performance.
Feature image of orchestra conductor Sam Litt courtesy of Kristi Jones.
