The groups of students performed pieces from Mozart in a small concert. Courtesy: Alexander Koops.
Four groups of musicians presented an evening of chamber music Tuesday night in Munson Hall, performing high-level pieces of music after six weeks of preparation.
“It was a smaller concert, [with the] wind ensemble and the audience,” junior music major and first chair clarinet player Troy Myren said.
Directed by Alexander Koops and coached by William Robey and John Van Houten, the students opened the concert with a fanfare by the brass ensemble, comprised of 15 males and one female.
“They practiced some pretty difficult things and pulled it together. This is a very professional level piece,” said Koops, musical associate director of bands.
These pieces were not simplistic, but highly technical in nature, according to Koops. The last Mozart piece played was also performed by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, he said.
“I’m proud of them for tackling a top-notch work that is considered around the world as one of Mozart’s great wind works,” Koops said.
A five-part Mozart piece, a traditional song, showcased the band’s precise intonation and sound. As announced by Koops, this piece, “Serenade in B flat,” was written as a “serenade of the king’s court in celebration.”
In between the two larger groups, smaller groups performed their own pieces. The Woodwind Quintet played Mozart’s “Adagio and Allegro,” a dynamic piece that ranged from soft and lively to rich and somber.
“I am so thankful for how God blessed us with this music through Mozart,” Koops said.
The Quartet performed a collection by Walter S. Hartley, a fast and complex piece in five separate parts.
According to Koops, the size of these small groups is reflective of the intimacy of the band. He said the group has grown “musically as well as relationally.”
“It’s been a very rewarding year getting to know a new set of students and have them form a team together,” Koops said.
Some of the band members are close outside of the band as well.
“[The best part of being in band] is that my roommate and other people I know are in band, too,” Myren said.
Approximately 15 fellow students, music colleagues, parents and senior citizens came to watch the ensembles.
“A friend encouraged me to attend, and I thought it was really good,” undeclared freshman Matthew Chou said.
This concert was just an introduction to a semester of classical wind music. The entire band is currently preparing for a free concert March 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Lake Avenue Church. The concert will feature the music of Shostakovich, Gershwin, Copland and others.
“We’re working really hard right now toward [this next] concert,” Koops said. “We’d love to have people come because this music has been so powerful and emotional for us to work on, and we are so excited to share it at our concert.“