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North Georgia Winds and Azalea Winds
Pearl Harbor Memorial Program Order:
The Star-Spangled Banner - John Stafford-Smith, arr. Eric Whitacre
God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood, arr. Ralph Ford
Featuring Marti Schert, Vocalist
Largo - Antonin Dvorak arr. Johnnie Vinson
Georgia On My Mind - Hoagy Carmichael, arr. Robert W. Smith
Featuring Marti Schert, Vocalist
Elegy for the USS Arizona - Larry MacTaggart
Remembering Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) - R. Alan Carter and Christina Huss
Armed Forces Salute - arr. Bob Lowden
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On the Podium for The North Georgia Winds & Azalea Winds
Amanda Irby, Conductor North Georgia Youth Winds
Christina Huss, Composer & Asst. Conductor Azalea Winds
Deborah Bradley, Conductor Azalea Winds
Elizabeth Taylor, Retired Director
Kaitlin Merck, Director of Bands Walnut Grove High School
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Program Notes
The Star-Spangled Banner - John Stafford-Smith, arr. Eric Whitacre
The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem of the United States. The lyrics come from "Defence of Fort M'Henry," a poem written in 1814 by the 35-year-old lawyer and amateur poet Francis Scott Key after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry by British ships of the Royal Navy in the Chesapeake Bay during the Battle of Fort McHenry in the War of 1812.
The poem was set to the tune of a popular British song written by John Stafford Smith for the Anacreontic Society, a men's social club in London. To Anacreon in Heaven (or the Anacreontic Song), with various lyrics, was already popular in the United States. Set to Key's poem and renamed The Star-Spangled Banner, it would soon become a well-known American patriotic song. With a range of one octave and one fifth (a semitone more than an octave and a half), it is known for being difficult to sing. Although the poem has four stanzas, only the first is commonly sung today.
The Star-Spangled Banner was recognized for official use by the Navy in 1889, and by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916, and was made the national anthem by a congressional resolution on March 3, 1931 (46 Stat. 1508, codified at 36 U.S.C. § 301), which was signed by President Herbert Hoover.
Before 1931, other songs served as the hymns of American officialdom. Hail, Columbia served this purpose at official functions for most of the 19th century. My Country, 'Tis of Thee, whose melody is identical to God Save the Queen, the British national anthem, also served as a de facto anthem. Following the War of 1812 and subsequent American wars, other songs emerged to compete for popularity at public events, among them The Star-Spangled Banner.
Program notes by the publisher
Largo - Antonin Dvorak arr. Johnnie Vinson
Here is a rich and harmonious chorale treatment of the beloved theme from Dvorak's "New World Symphony." After the distinctive opening chords, the first statement can be performed as a trumpet solo or soli. The arrangement builds nicely to a full band climax then tapers to a quiet and effective ending. This is a fine introduction to classic repertoire for your students.
Program notes from JWPepper
Georgia On My Mind - Hoagy Carmichael, arr. Robert W. Smith
Superstar Michael Bolton rediscovered this magnificent ballad. Robert W. Smith scores it for soaring alto saxophone solo with concert band. The combination of these talents along with the original Hoagy Carmichael melody guarantee a dynamic feature for your saxophone soloist. Pure delight!
Program notes from JWPepper
Elegy for the USS Arizona - Larry MacTaggart
A moving musical tribute beginning with the solemn sounds of snare drum, this wonderfully written piece honors the memory of the sailors of the U.S.S. Arizona with the familiar sounds of Eternal Father Strong to Save. Whether used as part of veteran ceremonies or in concerts, this moving work will inspire and impress all who hear it.
Program notes from JWPepper
Remembering Pearl Harbor (December 7, 1941) - R. Alan Carter and Cristina Huss
Written to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, this stirring tribute honors those who fought on December 7, 1941. Beginning with chimes signifying the hour of the attack, the composition takes the listeners and performers on a moving journey from the precarious moments before the attack, through the air strike and resulting aftermath. Including statements of "Anchors Aweigh", “Taps”, “Eternal Father, Strong to Save”, and fragments of many other tunes, this composition demonstrates the resilience of all mankind.
Program notes by the publisher
Armed Forces Salute - arr. Bob Lowden
An impressive tribute honoring our men and women of the Armed Forces. Includes: The Caisson Song; Semper Paratus; The Marines' Hymn; The U.S. Air Force and Anchors Aweigh.
Program notes from JWPepper
North Georgia Winds & Azalea Winds
Centerstage Program Ala Moana Shopping Center Order:
Big Sky March - R. Alan Carter
Songs of Aloha - arr. Ralph Ford
Guardians of the Galaxy - arr. Michael Brown
Georgia On My Mind - Hoagy Carmichael, arr. Robert W. Smith
Featuring Marti Schert, Vocalist
Big Band Classics - arr. Eric Osterling
Selections from Wicked - Stephen Schwartz, arr. Jay Bocook
Armed Forces Salute - arr. Bob Lowden
__________________________________________________
On the Podium for The North Georgia Winds & Azalea Winds
Alan Carter, Composer
Christina Huss, Composer & Asst. Conductor Azalea Winds
Deborah Bradley, Conductor Azalea Winds
Elizabeth Taylor, Retired Director
__________________________________________________
Program Notes
Big Sky March - R. Alan Carter
Premiered at the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina, this march describes the beautiful mountain views that gave Asheville its nickname, "Land of the Sky." Written in the traditional style of Fillmore marches, the piece features exciting parts for all instruments. Flurries of woodwinds and brass flourishes depict the pageantry of a festival, and repeated arpeggios and chromatic scales represent each of the two ensembles that performed the piece as part of a Memorial Day celebration.
Program notes from JWPepper
Songs of Aloha - arr. Ralph Ford
This charming and varied medley contains the three mainstays of Pacific islands music: Hawaiian Wedding Song; Hawaiian War Chant and Aloha 'Oe. These classic songs will take your audience on a visit to paradise!
Program notes from JWPepper
Guardians of the Galaxy - arr. Michael Brown
Here's the powerful soundtrack music that helped to propel this action movie to blockbuster status! This awesome mix includes: Marvel Studio Fanfare, Hooked on a Felling, Come and Get your Love, Groot Cocoon, Cherry Bomb and Ain't No Mountain High Enough.
Program notes from JWPepper
Georgia On My Mind - Hoagy Carmichael, arr. Robert W. Smith
Superstar Michael Bolton rediscovered this magnificent ballad. Robert W. Smith scores it for soaring alto saxophone solo with concert band. The combination of these talents along with the original Hoagy Carmichael melody guarantee a dynamic feature for your saxophone soloist. Pure delight!
Program notes from JWPepper
Big Band Classics - arr. Eric Osterling
Here's a sparkling medley that authentically captures the flavor of Glenn Miller and the Big Band sounds of the 40s. Included are 'In The Mood'...'Serenade In Blue'...and 'Tuxedo Junction.
Program notes from JWPepper
Selections from Wicked - Stephen Schwartz, arr. Jay Bocook
Rarely has a musical in modern times taken Broadway by storm the way this huge hit from Stephen Schwartz has done. The story line of the Wicked Witch of the West is intriguing and the music is filled with depth and beauty. This powerful medley includes No One Mourns the Wicked, The Wizard and I, Dancing Through Life, Defying Gravity and For Good.
Program notes by the publisher
Armed Forces Salute - arr. Bob Lowden
An impressive tribute honoring our men and women of the Armed Forces. Includes: The Caisson Song; Semper Paratus; The Marines' Hymn; The U.S. Air Force and Anchors Aweigh.
Program notes from JWPepper
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Thank you for your support. Your donations go to helping make music education better for our students.