This is a free concert, but donations are always gratefully accepted.
Audiences will enjoy this richly varied program, which begins with the ‘National Emblem March’ and includes Schubert’s ‘Unfinished Symphony’ (Movement I) ; ‘Bugler’s Holiday,’ featuring a talented trumpet section; a classical favorite, ‘Toccata,’ by 17th century Italian composer G. Frescobaldi; and a very special arrangement of the beloved melody ‘Amazing Grace.’ The French horns absolutely soar in ‘The Triumph of the Argonauts,’ composer Robert Sheldon’s musical description of the mythical hero, Jason, off in search of the Golden Fleece.
For those mystified by the term – a ‘wind symphony’ is another name for a concert band, and distinguishes the LWS from a marching unit, jazz group or string orchestra. LWS is comprised of brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments rather than strings. The idea of writing music for a group of wind instruments was common in Europe around the time of Mozart. Here in America, the modern model of a wind ensemble originated in the early 1950’s with Frederick Fennell at The Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY. Today the designation, ‘wind symphony’ is often preferred by university concert bands.
The rapid growth of The Lowcountry Wind Symphony, since its founding in October 2014, has been a great source of joy. However it has also presented some unique challenges, such as finding a rehearsal home. Along came the Beaufort Arts Council (BAC), which offered a large and comfortable space at ArtWorks to use for weekly rehearsals. Steve Giove, LWS assistant conductor, was invited to sit on the Beaufort Arts Council Board. The artistic partnership with BAC has potential to benefit both organizations. The arts scene in Beaufort County is fairly bursting at the seams – all good news to those who live here as well as the many people who visit the area.
Growth in membership has impacted the LWS in a second way – locating performance venues. With a roster of nearly 60 musicians, the LWS outgrew the space for the concert planned in Bluffton. For that reason LWS is happily returning to St. John’s Lutheran Church on January 31; this was the site of the Veteran’s Day Concert in November.
At its inception in October of 2014, approximately two dozen players gathered to form the core of LWS. Music Director Donald F. Jemella chose music which suited this fledgling group. But soon the musicians’ abilities were demanding more challenging compositions. Maestro Jemella and assistant conductors Steve Giove and Debbie Hamner agree that this will never be a problem, as there is a huge body of musical literature written or transcribed for concert bands.
The Lowcountry Wind Symphony welcomes area woodwind, brass, and percussion players who have a sincere desire to play and a willingness to attend rehearsals regularly. Talented high school youth are also invited to participate. Interested players may contact Chris Raskind at 843-838-6744 or Anton Ross at 843-338-7459.
LWS is a wholly volunteer organization. There is no cost to join LWS. Donations from the community help fund musical operations and are welcome at any time. Those who wish to financially support LWS may contact the LWS at info@lowcountrywindsymphony.com
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The Lowcountry Wind Symphony presents:
‘Concert Classics – Exploring What’s Musically Possible’
Sunday, Jan. 31, 3:00 pm
St. John’s Lutheran Church
157 Lady’s Island Dr., Beaufort
(note change of time AND venue)
The concert is free but donations are gratefully accepted
www.lowcountrywindsymphony.com
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Weekly rehearsals at:
Beaufort Arts Council
2127 in the Kmart Plaza, off Boundary Street in Beaufort
Wednesdays 7:00-9:00 pm
For additional information please contact
Chris Raskind at 843-838-6744 or Anton Ross at 843-338-7459
Or go to the LWS website at www.lowcountrywindsymphony.com
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