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Concert Band Features "The Voice of Hollywood," Marni Nixon USMA Band’s Jazz Knights Perform with Guests Dennis Mackrel and the USMA Cadet Gospel Choir 2007 West Point Trumpet Conference
Sousa Spectacular at Eisenhower Hall On Friday, January 19th, Mr. Keith Brion assumed control of the United States Military Academy Concert Band to present an evening of music from a bygone era. Mr. Brion is a leading authority on the music and bands of John Philip Sousa. Appearing in a replica of John Philip Sousa’s original uniform, Mr. Brion led the band through a performance of light classical music, marches and solo features. A large crowd of music enthusiasts turned out at Eisenhower Hall Theatre to enjoy the evening’s concert performance. The audience enjoyed the rapid pace and varied program presented by Mr. Brion in the personage of Mr. Sousa. Highlights of the performance were numerous. Staff Sergeant Philip Stehly performed The Patriot for solo trombone and Staff Sergeant Diana Powers performed an arrangement of Irish airs for solo piccolo with band. Both soloists left the audience clamoring for more. Sergeant First Class MaryKay Messenger’s rendition of “Vissi d’Arte” from Puccini’s Tosca was met with an enthusiastic response. The audience seemed most pleased when the band performed concert marches, penned by John Philip Sousa himself, as encores. At these times, Miss Amanda Geller took the stage in a period-appropriate gown, holding large placards which displayed the titles of the marches being performed. The concert closed with Sousa’s famous Stars and Stripes Forever, much to the enjoyment of the crowd.
Concert Band Features On Friday, February 2nd, 2007, vocalist Marni Nixon was featured as a part of the United States Military Academy Band’s inaugural guest artist concert series. Entitled “The Voice of Hollywood,” Ms. Nixon performed a number of pieces showcasing her singing diversity. The performance included selections from West Side Story, The King and I, and My Fair Lady. Nixon’s career includes opera, chamber, and symphony performances, as well as Grammy-nominated recordings under conductors Previn, Mehta, Stravinsky, Stokowski, Slatkin and Bernstein. Awards include four Emmys for Best Actress on her children’s TV show Boomerang, two gold records for Songs for Mary Poppins and Mulan and two classical Grammy nominations. She is perhaps most noted as the dubbed singing voice of Margaret O’Brien in The Secret Garden, Ingrid Bergman in Joan of Arc, Natalie Wood in West Side Story, Audrey Hepburn in My Fair Lady, and Deborah Kerr in An Affair to Remember and The King and I.
USMA Band Chamber Ensembles Participate in
Artist-in-Residence Program at The Washingtonville school district in Washingtonville, NY, hosted members of the United States Military Academy Band as part of an artists-in-residence program. From January 23-26, instrumental music students were involved in clinics and performances given by the West Point Clarinet Quartet (MSG Christopher Jones; SSG Diana Cassar-Uhl; SSG Sinclair Hackett; SSG Jeffrey Geller), the West Point Percussion Ensemble (SSGs Craig Bitterman, Willie Calohan, Andy Porter, and Rone Sparrow) and the Regimental Brass Quintet (MSG Gregory Alley; SFC Marty Tice; SFC Troy Messner; SSG Bryan Uhl; SSG Nathan Turner). Mr. Angelo Marcialis, director of bands at Washingtonville Middle School, initiated contact with SSG Diana Cassar-Uhl, Education Outreach NCOIC for the band, in July of 2006. The two worked together to develop hour-long, skill-specific, age-appropriate clinics for 6th graders, 7th-8th graders, and high school students. Each small group from the USMA Band spent a day in clinics with the students, culminating in a district-wide recital presenting all three ensembles on the fourth day. The impact of the artists-in-residence program was very positive from the perspectives of all involved. Band members enjoyed sharing their time and talents with the enthusiastic students; faculty, administration, parents, and students were all inspired by the presence of the musicians during the week. For additional information about how to coordinate an event like this, please contact SSG Diana Cassar-Uhl
USMA Band’s Jazz Knights Perform with Guests Dennis Mackrel and the USMA Cadet Gospel Choir In celebration of African-American Heritage Month, the United States Military Academy Band’s Jazz Knights presented a concert with guest drummer Dennis Mackrel and the USMA Cadet Gospel Choir on February 11th, 2007 in the Eisenhower Hall Ballroom. USMA’s Equal Opportunity Office sponsored a pre-concert soul food tasting that served as an appetizer for the musical main course, and an exhibit highlighting the contributions of African-American soldiers provided food for thought. Dennis Mackrel was the drummer for the legendary Count Basie Orchestra from 1983-87. Since leaving the Basie band, Dennis has continued to have a successful career as an award-winning jazz drummer and composer. The concert opened with Jump Down, Spin Around, a traditional African-American folk song given a modern treatment by arranger Mike Holober. It featured Mr. Mackrel and several members of the Jazz Knights. The concert continued with alternating numbers featuring the Jazz Knights and the Cadet Gospel Choir, often with the Jazz Knights providing the choir’s accompaniment. Mr. Mackrel was featured performing on three of his own compositions, each commissioned by the Jazz Knights. Consequence and Convergence, the first and third movements of the three-part Suite for a New World, were recorded on a Jazz Knights CD commemorating the bicentennial of the United States Military Academy in 2002. Mr. Mackrel spoke to the audience about the commission, noting that he originally intended it as one piece, but that after September 11, 2001, his vision of the piece expanded, and he found himself compelled to write until he had completed three separate compositions. Lemon Juice was commissioned as a feature for guest drummer Billy Cobham, who performed it in concert with the Jazz Knights during last year’s African-American Heritage Month celebration. Its gospel opening and subsequent funk section complemented the repertoire of the Cadet Gospel Choir. Several members of the Jazz Knights were featured on Mr. Mackrel’s compositions. The Cadet Gospel Choir, under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel Archie Willmer, performed a variety of contemporary worship songs arranged by members of the Jazz Knights and CW4 Douglas Hammond, the Officer-in-Charge of the Jazz Knights. Audience members rose to their feet during the choir’s selections, as they clapped in rhythm and shouted for joy, reminiscent of an uplifting Sunday morning church revival. Along with several members and guests of the choir, vocalist SFC Laura Bradley of the Jazz Knights was featured on a number of songs, drawing enthusiastic applause for her gospel performances. CW4 Hammond provided narration between numbers, discussing the music and its connection to African-American heritage. The concert closed with Lift Every Voice and Sing, the official theme of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). The lyrics to the first verse were included in the concert’s program, and in accordance with tradition, audience members stood while singing along with the choir. The concert marked the first time the Jazz Knights and the Cadet Gospel Choir performed together. 2007 West Point Trumpet Conference On March 10th, the United States Military Academy Band hosted the West Point Trumpet Conference. David Bilger, principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra, began the conference festivities with a master class entitled “Higher, faster, and louder: Practice tips to develop and maintain technique.” Eastman School of Music jazz studies professor Clay Jenkins followed, presenting a jazz improvisation lecture and performance. After lunch, Philip Smith, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, performed a number of selections with composer and accompanist Joseph Turrin. Mr. Smith also graciously coached four college players. Robin Rigby, a faculty member at the Manhattan School of Music, followed with her presentation of the “Stress Management System.” A proven method for promoting performance success, the system taught methods that are essential to perfecting performance and competitive abilities. Concluding the day’s events was a performance by Matt Shulman. Mr. Shulman combined intimate vocals with virtuosic trumpet playing and sensual electronics to create his signature sound. The entire conference concluded with a concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. The concert opened with the Academy Band’s Jazz Knights featuring legendary jazz trumpeter Jon Faddis. Not only did Mr. Faddis impress the audience with his phenomenal trumpet ability, his performance also proved to be quite entertaining! Following the jazz portion of the concert, the Academy Concert Band featured David Bilger, principal trumpet of the Philadelphia Orchestra. Mr. Bilger performed a multi-movement work entitled Fantasy. Not only was the piece composed by Mr. Bilger’s former colleague, Bert Truax, but Mr. Truax was in attendance to hear the performance. Finally, the concert concluded with an arrangement of God Bless America, specifically written for the conference. Featuring all 16 trumpet players in the USMA Band, the “hair raising” selection showcased the talents of Mr. Bilger and Mr. Faddis as well.
On March 20th, 2007 the Jazz Knights hosted the 9th annual Jazz Workshop at West Point. It was a full day in which students experienced big band and sectional clinics, as well as the opportunity to perform in an informal concert setting. This year, the three participating schools were James Caldwell High School of Caldwell, NJ, directed by Paul Larsen; Monroe-Woodbury High School of Central Valley, NY, directed by Frank Petrocelli; and Walter Panas High School of Cortlandt Manor, NY, directed by Eugene Randolph. The day began with an exciting performance by the Jazz Knights Little Big Band before the students broke off into their respective groups in order to participate in their full band clinics given by members of the Jazz Knights. Following sectional clinics, a quick lunch, and another clinic broken down by instruments, each high school had twenty minutes to perform for the others. A performance by the Jazz Knights closed out the afternoon. Paul Larsen, the director of the James Caldwell High School Jazz Ensemble, said “the performances by the High School Bands, the clinics and sectionals and especially the performance by both the Jazz Knights Combo and Big Band were very inspirational! I know my kids had a meaningful experience and had fun too! You guys are not only terrific musicians, you are fine teachers as well! I hope you continue your endeavors in this regard as you are truly keeping jazz alive by making music at a high level and sharing how and why you do it with our young people.”
U.S.M.A. Band Performs The United States Military Academy Band presented its annual Alumni Showcase Concert at West Point’s Trophy Point Amphitheatre on the evening of June 24th. The evening provided much enjoyment for audience members, current band members and alumni alike. Since its inception, the Alumni Showcase has been an significant opportunity for the current members of the Academy Band to interact with the alumni of the group and to have an immediate connection with the tremendous legacy of the Academy Band. The evening concert opened with the Academy Band’s Jazz Knights, under the direction of Chief Warrant Officer Matthew Morse. A number of former bandsmen were featured soloists during this portion of the performance. Most notably, Sergeant Major (retired) Jim Perry returned to perform one of his original compositions entitled Fishsticks. The audience was treated to performances by the Concert Band under the direction of a number of current and past conductors. Current Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Timothy J. Holtan opened the concert and featured the Academy Band’s field music component, The Hellcats, on John Philip Sousa’s Riders for the Flag. Former commander Lieutenant Colonel (retired) David H. Deitrick, Jr. led the band through a beautiful work by Eric Whitacre entitled Lux Aurumque, as well as the march Inglesina. Chief Warrant Officer Douglas Hammond, having recently concluded his time as the Academy Band’s Associate Bandmaster, conducted Percy Grainger’s Molly on the Shore. Former Commander Colonel Thomas Rotondi, Jr. led the band through John Philip Sousa’s Easter Monday on the White House Lawn and Tribute to Harry James. The latter featured Academy Band Alumnus Sergeant First Class Ken McGee as trumpet soloist. Sergeant First Class McGee stunned the audience with his virtuosic performance. Deputy Commander Captain Treg Ancelet led the band through a vocal feature entitled Fascinatin’ Gershwin, in which Sergeant First Class MaryKay Messenger demonstrated her vocal talents on a number of well-known George Gershwin tunes. The highlight of the evening was the performance of guest saxophonist Mr. Harvey Pittel. Mr. Pittel was a member of the Academy Band from 1966-1969 and is currently the Professor of Saxophone at The University of Texas at Austin. After an introduction, during which Mr. Pittel presented a brief history of Adolphe Sax and his instruments, the Academy Concert Band accompanied Mr. Pittel on Tomaso Albinoni’s Concerto Saint Marc. With the audience clamoring for more, Mr. Pittel launched into his encore, Flight of the Bumblebee. In addition to the flash of fingers associated with the Flight of the Bumblebee, Mr. Pittel exclaimed that he would perform the piece “in one breath,” utilizing circular breathing to execute this feat. Mr. Pittel returned to the stage at the end of the concert to perform Karl King’s march The Melody Shop in a unique arrangement featuring saxophone voices from soprano to bass; an exciting and energetic conclusion to a successful concert performance.
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