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| Band >> Articles | ||
For the LHS bands and orchestras, it was that time again -- MICCA season. This was the ensembles’ opportunity to play for a group of adjudicators who evaluate their performance and musicianship. Like the Olympics, bronze, silver, and gold medals are awarded, but rather than compete against ensembles from other schools, the challenge is to score as high as possible against a set of musical standards. The goal of the Massachusetts Instrumental and Choral Conductors Association (MICCA) is to provide school-age musicians with feedback and suggestions for making music together. This year’s MICCA festival was April 4-6 and LHS was one of the host schools. Our very own repertoire and honors orchestras performed on Friday, April 4 followed by the symphonic band, concert band, and wind ensemble on Saturday, April 5. Leading up to the MICCA festival was lots of bowing and blowing! Towards this end, the bands and orchestras had a test run of their pieces at the LHS Pre-MICCA Concert on March 19. Here’s what you heard that weekend. Each orchestra played three pieces with much aplomb at the Pre-MICCA concert! Led by Ms Haas, the repertoire string orchestra showed their attention to phrasing in Corelli’s Concerto VIII, Op. 6, No. 8 and played William’s Rhosymedre with contrasting dynamics. The orchestra’s rendition of Atwell’s Rhythm Sticks demonstrated excellent balance and style. Next up was the honors string orchestra which played selections by Bach, Grieg, and Copland. The orchestra’s playing brought out the beautiful expression of Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto and the toe-tapping rhythm of Hoedown from Copland’s Rodeo. Rounding out the honor orchestra’s performance was Holberg’s Suite for Strings, Op. 40 that showcased the balance and phrasing accomplished by the string players. Three selections each were played by the symphonic band, concert band, and wind ensemble. The symphonic band started the band portion of the Pre-MICCA concert with a spirited performance of the Heritage March by Hodges. Rhythm and dynamics were sharp for Leon’s Allegro and the band showed excellent range in their performance of Three Ayres from Gloucester by Stuart. Taking the stage next was the concert band under the direction of Mr. Aramati. Their performance also led off with a march, Sousa’s Heritage March. The band’s rendition did not disappoint and was followed by a well-balanced playing of Reed’s Greensleeves. Capping the concert band’s performance was Mosaic by Paulus. The band brought out the piece’s subtle tones and changes in dynamics. The final performance of the evening was given by the LHS wind ensemble. Conducted by Mr. Leonard, the ensemble’s articulation and tone quality came through in their first selection, Sparke’s The Bandwagon. Raising the bar further, the most inspired playing of the concert was the wind ensemble’s rendition of Healing Song by Brady Hearn. The wind ensemble’s phrasing and dynamics brought out the warmth and character of Hearn’s composition. Even more gratifying to the players and audience was knowing they were playing and hearing the world premiere of Healing Song, one of several pieces composed by Hearn who is a LHS 2005 graduate. The wind ensemble closed the Pre-MICCA concert with Mendelssohn’s Overture for Band whose difficult articulations were no match for the wind, brass, and percussion musicians who showed they could play with the best. |
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