Tallahassee Winds blows in with Bernstein, Holst for spring concert

Tallahassee Winds, a symphonic band that performs under the auspices of Florida State University's College of Music, will feature works by Leonard Bernstein, Gustav Holst, and others during the last performance of its current concert season at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 2, in Opperman Music Hall. Admission is free.

Bernstein composed “Slava” to commemorate Mstislav “Slava” Rostropovich’s debut as the conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra in 1977. Bernstein employs a raucous trombone, buzzing trumpets, and other vaudevillian effects to create the atmosphere of a political rally. Listen also for Bernstein’s unusual shout out to his conductor friend.

The BBC commissioned Holst to compose the mandatory test music for a national brass band competition. His “Moorside March” has since enjoyed enduring popularity, undoubtedly because of characteristics that led one reviewer to describe it as “British to the core.”

If Hollywood ever produces another old-fashioned Western, it could find a ready-made sound track in Robert Sheldon’s “Southwest Saga.” A theme that exudes action and energy gives way to a lyrical interlude before reappearing to speed (gallop?) to a brisk conclusion.

Clifton Williams composed “Symphonic Dance No. 3” to evoke the colorful pageantry of San Antonio’s Mexican heritage. Following a robust theme, a solo trumpet call, drenched in Latin flavor, introduces a relaxed, serene passage. Not for long: The party soon resumes.

John Mackey’s “Undertow” gives center stage to the Winds’ percussion section, which thrives on Mackey’s pulsating rhythm.

Ronald Lo Presti composed “Elegy For a Young American” in 1964 as a tribute to President John F. Kennedy, who was assassinated a year earlier. The composer expresses the somber grief and agitated anguish that he and the nation experienced at the time.

Harry L. Alford’s “The Purple Carnival” showcases the Winds’ low brass players before woodwinds and trumpets take turns with the march’s melodic line.

“The Ash Grove,” composed by Dr. Kyle Brown (a member of the Winds), is based on a Welsh folk tune. Brown develops the familiar melody with a variety of rhythmic changes and melodic placements.

To enable adult community musicians to renew their love of performing in a large group setting, Dr. Bentley Shellahamer, then Assistant Dean of FSU College of Music, organized Tallahassee Winds in 1997. Led since 2012 by Drs. Patrick Dunnigan (FSU Professor of Music Education and Director of Bands) and David Plack (FSU Director of Athletic Bands), the ensemble has pleased Tallahassee audiences for 26 years.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Tallahassee Winds blows in for spring concert at Opperman Hall