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Feb. 15, 2003

Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble to Perform at ULM

The University of Louisiana at Monroe Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble will present a joint concert on Feb. 25, in the Band Building on the ULM campus. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. There is no admission charge for this performance.

The highlight of this performance will be the premier of "Biedenharn Fanfare" composed by Jon Lindsey, Assistant Director of Bands and Professor of Music at ULM. Lindsey composed the fanfare in a tribute to the re-opening of Biedenharn Hall following extensive renovations and construction of the new recital hall.

Jon Lindsey conducts the ULM Symphonic Band. Their portion of the program will include "Southwest Saga" by Robert Sheldon and "Candide Suite" by Leonard Bernstein, which is arranged by Clare Grundman.

Derle R. Long conducts the ULM Wind Ensemble. That portion of the program will include the march "Heroes of Luzon", arranged for band by Andy Isca; "Proclamations" by Thom George; and "La Fiesta Mexicana" by H. Owen Reed. Guest conductor for this program will be Dr. Michael Spears, associate director of bands at West Monroe High School.

"La Fiesta Mexicana" was written after Reed spent a year in Mexico studying folk music and composing on a Guggenheim Fellowship. The work depicts a religious festival, and the music faithfully represents all of the contrasts and contradictions of these types of festivals. It is both serious and comical, festive and solemn, devout and pagan, boisterous and tender. The first movement is a prelude and Aztec dance, opening with the traditional pealing of the church bells and the noise of fireworks announcing the beginning of the festival. The main part of the movement represents a midday parade (announced by the trumpets) featuring a group of brilliantly plumed and masked Aztec dancers who dance with increasing frenzy to a dramatic climax. The second movement, subtitled "Mass," is of a serious, liturgical nature. The principal theme is chant-like and is set amid coloristic sections representing the tolling of church bells. The last movement, subtitled "Carnival," is given over to unceasing entertainment and celebration. At the beginning of the movement, we hear the itinerant circus, then the market, the bullfight, the town band, and finally the cantinas with their band of mariachis.

For more information, contact the ULM Band Department at 342-1594.

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