Concord Band - Porgy and Bess Selection - George Gershwin, arr. Robert Russell Bennett

Performed under Music Director Dr. William G. McManus during the Band's 50th Anniversary Season - October 25, 2008. For Program Notes, visit concordband.blogspot.com/2008/...

[@ilovemondaynightraw]

Being in a symphonic band myself, I really enjoyed listening to this piece. It was a great example of how this song should be played. Great band, great director, and great performance.

[@elizabethdobrowolski9354]

I loved the variety of sound and melody in this piece. I also really enjoyed seeing passionate musicians doing what they love.

[@amandanye929]

I enjoyed listening to the Concord Band's version of this song. They are a very talented group of musicians. -Amanda N

[@Camaro340413]

One of my friends back home plays the trombone so my friends and I would go to see the town band at home when he played. Therefore, I enjoyed listening to this piece. I normally don't listen to this music regularly but when I do go to a concert I am always amazed at all the talent and skill of each individual. Thank you Mr. L for showing us this and awesome job!.

[@eringoodrich6201]

I have never listened to a performance like this before but I was surprised that I enjoyed listening to it! It was an incredible performance. The band and the director did an amazing job!

[@Toeheadforever]

This composition was really pretty. It was a lot different than I expected. Shout out to Mr.L and his awesome trumpet skills!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@annacarbone2170]

This was an incredible performance. I enjoyed how the music changed and developed throughout the entire piece, I never got bored with it. I could hear and feel the highs and lows throughout and enjoyed feeling the song develop and grow. I have played the piano for 10 years and really enjoy this kind of music so it was a joy to listen to. Well done to all of these talented musicians.

[@leahcallahan3230]

This band did such a wonderful job preforming! I really enjoyed listening to them play.

[@kelseyrodgers5512]

I enjoyed listening to this piece of music. It was very well written.

[@amanda831193]

A great piece to listen too! Full of life and well played. The group is very talented and easy to listen to. Nice work everyone!

[@faithrichard3908]

I enjoyed this composition for many reasons. First I enjoyed how we (people watching the video) got to experience the composition as if we were actually there. The camera wasn't just in one position for twelve minutes, the camera showed the band from many different angels, and some shots were close up and some were far away. This added to the effect and style of the music. I also enjoyed the style which I perceived started out as a much sadder piece, where there were a lot of solos, by the trumpets and the flutes that played lonelier and more depressing tunes. Then as the composition came to an end, however, the tune was much happier. At the end all the instruments were playing, opposed to solos, and they played a more upbeat tune. I was overall pleased with the music in this composition.

[@briannahayes2402]

I really enjoyed this performance. I liked the different sound changes, from high to low and soft to loud, it made the piece more entertaining to watch and listen to!

[@asiaspringerjackson9265]

I liked all the different tempos! It was nice when it when from more of an upbeat tempo to calm then it picked back up. Every sound goes together very nicely!

[@madelynsalice2343]

This is not my typical genre of music, but I found it very relaxing and a joy to listen to. After playing the clarinet at a young age it was really cool to listen for it in this piece. Thanks Mr. L!

[@oliviaholmes2748]

This was a great performance, I enjoyed the overall story it told and the build up to the end. It was truly beautiful. An amazing job done by all!

[@pattygk72]

Reminds me so much of a piece Ive heard with Bonnie and Clyde, i loved it! AMAZING JOB!!

[@bluesviews]

Porgy & Bess Selection -Featuring one of my old Town Band buddies, C.G. Lower on Trumpet. He avoids the Spotlight these days (Preffering to cast it on his Students) -but this man can negotiate any Musical/Technical challenge the music presents!

[@alyssafigueiredo8662]

I really enjoyed the composition preformed by the Concord Band! I loved that the composition was upbeat for most of the song. I was humming along to all the different melodies. I could tell when the band was playing bravura vs playing cantilena. They played bravura a lot so when they transitioned to cantilena it was easy to distinguish. I heard a few crescendos which I got so excited about because I was waiting patiently to hear one. I really liked watching the conductor because I was fascinated at all his different hand movements. I was trying to conduct along with him throughout the whole song trying to follow along with the different time signatures. I really enjoyed seeing all the band members playing their instruments because everyone looks like they have a passion for it. It was awesome to hear all the different instruments come together and create such a beautiful piece. I am a dancer so as I was listening I was picturing people dancing to it! I loved the piece and thought it was beautiful! Great job Mr. L and the rest of the Concord Band!

[@terrikanieff5555]

The first time I watched it I didn't notice that you were playing the trumpet. I want your autograph!

[@kalync2930]

This was a really fun piece to watch. Through the whole performance I could feel the different emotions of the song and it felt like I was watching a movie rather than listening to a band. The continued change between cantilena and bravura style really allowed the audience to feel what was happening. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the band perform the song!

[@michelleurquhart9691]

Excellent music , very entertaining!!!

[@jessulymk]

Bravo! This makes me want to see the Concord Band live, especially since I'm from a nearby town. Is it just me... or does anyone else in my class think they see Mr. L playing in this video!?

[@chrissymorrissey3352]

This was great to listen to! I rarely listen to this style of music so it was great to hear something different! All the different instruments worked very well together, and I enjoyed this very much!

[@hallecoots6898]

I really liked this piece. I liked listening to the transition from cantilena to bravura and the different paces of the music. I was surprised at how much I liked this music. I enjoyed listening to the changes in the music and noticing the conductor feeling the music. Good job Mr. L!

[@daleschremser7833]

This music is different than what I usually listen to, but it was very entertaining. I enjoyed it! The Concord Band did a great job!

[@amygarnett1495]

I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this piece! Everyone performed very well, and the conductor led the band to perform this piece in a unique way! Overall it was very well done! Thank you for sharing!

[@BeautifulRose-xw6wf]

Very well written piece of music Loved it

[@calynfarrell4133]

I really enjoyed listening to this performance. This is not my usual genre of music, but I really liked it.

[@kristygoldman5751]

I really like the opening and closing of the piece, it is big at the beginning and end, and really grabs your attention!

[@juliananaso7950]

I thought this performance was outstanding. The music was beautiful and there are very talented performers in the video. I loved the difference in the sounds due to the catilena and bravura throughout the performance. Overall, I really enjoyed the music and it calmed me down at some parts. Great job everyone, amazing performance!!

[@amandatroiano5229]

I found this performance to be both entertaining and relaxing to listen to. The music puts you at ease but also grabs your attention by switching off between cantilena and bravura. Throughout the video, I was looking at my notes and applying the terms and definitions we learned in class, to what I was hearing. I could even recognize the Conductors patterns. Great job Mr.L, I'm very impressed!

[@hannahfortin2369]

In this composition, I really enjoyed listening to the transition from cantilena to bravura. This performance reminded me a lot of when I used to preform in my Elementary School band. Great job Mr. L!!

[@eringalvin6876]

I really enjoyed watching this composition, the transition from Cantilena to Bravura was very defined and it was an interesting piece of music. There was a perfect mix pf cantilena and Bravura in this musical piece to keep you interested in listening. It reminded me of the background music involved in movies. Great job on the Trumpet Mr. L and to everyone else who participated in this performance.

[@rebeccawilson4460]

I really enjoyed this performance! The music was fun to listen to and I found myself humming along to different parts. I found it amazing how so many different moods were able to be incorporated into one piece! I loved the contrast between the cantilena and bravura parts of the composition!

[@sydneycruz8331]

This is not the kind of music I listen to all but I must admit I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought I would! As I was filling out the worksheet I could really feel myself taking in the music. Thanks Mr. L!

[@megm2200]

This is one of the best composition I had heard and enjoyed! I love how the piece gave the listener different moods throughout it. With the different changes of tempo and sound during the music kept me very interested in it!

[@chloedenapoligill3312]

I really enjoyed this piece more than I had anticipated too! Normally I do not listen to this style of music, but it was a nice change from my usual. It reminded me of when I was in the school band, years ago. It was really cool to see our professor Mr.L performing the trumpet in this performance, Great job!

[@lilyr.1339]

This piece of music was very well written. I heard both cantilena and bravura styles throughout the composition. I enjoyed it very much, especially where the music sped up towards the end. It was a triumphant moment. It sort of reminded me of a silent film. Fantastic job, Mr. L!

[@erinpike212]

I really enjoyed watching this! I like how the music changed and it didn't ever really stay the same! Great job Mr. L!

[@saramarie112]

I think this was a great video and I don't usually listen to music like this but I'm glad I was given the assignment to do so by Mr. L!!! -Sara Norton

[@link1989oot]

This was a very interesting piece, It left me with the feeling of nostalgia even though I hadn't heard the piece before.

[@emcro11]

Very impressed by this piece! What a great job done by all, it's nice to hear such a phenominal group perform!

[@juliemanning2200]

Before listening to this piece I thought I was not going to enjoy it very much. However, once it started I felt like it was unique and entertaining. I loved how it was changing throughout and never left me bored or wondering when something new was going to happen. Also, really cool you were in it! Thanks Mr. L!

[@maginamber]

Excellent mix of minor and major sounds to create an adventurous and almost sad sounding tone

[@kathleenmcmaster1885]

I liked how the style varied and often the woodwind a would play light melodies and then it would switch to the brass playing more boldly and louder with a different melody, changing between the bravura and Catelina styles. The piece was played to the style of the typical Gershwin swing, jazz like interpretation! Kate McMaster

[@aleksandragosz4816]

It's so amazing to see all the things that we talked about in class, being put into one big work of art. Having been in band many years ago, I can truly appreciate everyone being able to keep time and stay on top of it yet still be able to bring their own touch to the piece. I like how this piece changed tempos and kept me on my toes and the conducting was great! Wonderful job to all involved, especially you Mr. L!! -Aleksandra Gosz

[@bribriloo15]

This was such a wonderful piece of music. I loved the beginning, even though it sounded very somber. The sounds gave off an empty and lonely feeling, which was pretty incredible. The whole composition was entertaining because the music was constantly changing and it grew to sound much more exciting and happy as the piece went on. It was a very interesting piece and I enjoyed it!-Brianne Barrett

[@annyong_]

Loved the beginning of this piece, it was super pretty. Trumpet player at 3:30 killing it!

[@katieclare1449]

I really liked this musical presentation! It wasn't too soft where it would put me to sleep but it also wasn't too strong or angry. It had the right mixture of cantilena and bravura and it was something that I think I would listen to again. I think all of the musicians did very well including you Mr. L! It seemed as though the conductor was very into the music and he seemed to know what he was doing and what he needed to do to make the piece sound flawless. I really liked it.

[@katiesullivan6602]

I really enjoyed this! it was a great piece of music! Way to go Mr. L!!

[@erinlally4480]

I found this piece very enjoyable. I liked how it was interesting throughout the entire performance through different use of loudness and softness which helped convey different moods. Some portions were fast or loud, or softer and slower. It was a piece that kept you guessing what would come next and certainly conveyed a lot of emotion to the listener. I thought it was put together and performed beautifully.

[@nicolejaras4169]

Nice work! The band did a great job. I really enjoyed this Porgy and Bess Selection since the tempo changed many times keeping listeners on their toes.

[@elizabethedwards9614]

I was really neat so see my professor perform with a full band! It was really nice listening and watching this because most of the things we've learned in class about conducting, styles of music, and other elements were brought together in this video.

[@erindougherty2914]

Hi Mr. L, I really enjoyed this piece. My favorite thing about it is how it goes from calm to upbeat.

[@shaunacollins686]

I liked this piece a lot. Mr. L. you did a wonderful job.

[@gianamarks3836]

I thought that this piece of music conducted by Dr. Bill McManus was very interesting and exciting. The different styles of music being played were fun and easy to pick up! I was able to pick up on the change from bravura to cantilena and vice versa! I enjoyed this piece of music very much!

[@xoxfanxox33]

I am very surprised but I enjoyed listening to this music as I was doing the worksheet. I understood where all the questions were coming from! Thanks Mr. L!

[@emilydimatteo2133]

I enjoyed listening to the piece, even though this is not something that I would typically listen to. I also thought that it was cool to be able to watch the conductor after having learned about it in class. Nice job Mr.L!

[@victoriacataldo9235]

I really enjoyed this piece. I thought the music had just enough introverted and extroverted styles present. It kept you entertained and it was so enjoyable to listen to. I also liked how this piece reminded me so much of some of the music in West Side Story, which we watched so many times growing up in my house. Also, Great Job Mr. L!

[@arianakattany539]

I really enjoyed listening to this piece and I surprised myself for enjoying this song, something I don't normally listen to. The slow and fast tempos and melodies reminded me of old time Disney movies such as Snow White or Cinderella. The fast pace melody usually represents running in the movies or the slow pace melody could represent the character walking or twirling. Overall great performance from the band, conductor and especially Mr. L!

[@katrinapelletier8987]

I thought this compostition was fantastic! I loved how it transitioned from cantilena to bravura and it was so relaxing and exciting at the same time! Great performance!!(:

[@tiphaniharris9560]

I loved this piece of music. It is very calm and relaxing as it plays during different points in the song. It kind of sounds like a mysterious piece, walking along and something is suppose to happen. The way the music just flows is very interesting on the speed and tones. The change of cantilena and bravura is very obvious to hear the different parts.Overall, the performance was amazing and it really spoke to me. I could feel like i understood the music.

[@lannamoscaabreu]

This piece exceeded my expectations. Initially surprised by the length, I was pleased with what I heard throughout the entirety of the composition. I felt as if the music was telling a story. Going back and forth between cantilena style and bravura style, I did not know what was going to come next! It made me think of a silent film from the late 1930's.. which are some of my favorite films to watch. This was overall an excellent piece in my opinion. Great job Mr. L!

[@shaunamarie216]

Even though this genre of music I liked this piece. What I most liked about the piece was the cantilena parts it was very relaxing! Good job!

[@devanpeterson1642]

I thought this was a fantastic piece. It was played well and I liked the way it was not the same throughout. It kept me engaged throughout the whole piece. You are part of a very talented band.

[@erinfolan2660]

This was a great performance by the Concord Band! I liked the ending in particular because of the up beat fun vibe it gave off as opposed to the slow and dark beginning. I also really liked the cantilena parts of the piece as well. All in all I thought this was a great piece and a great performance!

[@ninatetreault1272]

I really liked listening to this composition. I enjoyed the transition from cantilena to bravura throughout the piece. The music blended beautifully together. Well done Mr. L!

[@hannahk5127]

I liked this piece and how it would transition from soft to more of an upbeat faster pace. I really enjoyed the softer parts of this piece, and it seemed as if everyone really got into the music. Good job Mr. L!

[@amandasaffer5492]

I really liked listening to this piece, I liked how it started out slow and peaceful. I also really liked how at the end of the class the beat was much faster. Overall, I thought the this piece was amazing and really calming. It seems like the type of music that when listened to helps you think clearer and makes you more creative. Awesome job Mr. L!

[@ohheather23]

In this composition, I really enjoyed the transitions from bravura to cantilena. It was so beautifully directed and the style was amazing. This is not my typical kind of music that I'm used to, but I really enjoyed it. Everyone performed to the their best ability (at least it sounded it!), great job Mr. L! Very cool to see you perform like this.

[@alexanapoli1459]

I really liked listening to this composition, its a lot different than the music I listen to but it was quite interesting listening to something so beautifully written. I loved the transitioning of the music also! Amazing job Mr. L!

[@soccer21rp]

Hey Mr. L! I really enjoyed listening to how this song went from slow to upbeat but was still able to stay very calming. I really liked how it flowed. -Rachele Paolucci

[@jennifermarshall9677]

This was an amazing performance! I loved seeing how the video captured both the conductor and the musicians. It was very cool to watch the conductors after learning about how to conduct music in my music class. I really enjoyed listening to this composition and hearing the transition between cantilena and bravura. Nice Job Mr. L!!!

[@meganhollick3865]

This was a great piece! I really enjoyed listening to it (more than once)! It was awesome to see my teacher Mr. L in there! Great job everyone! I also really liked hearing the cantilena and bravura styles throughout it :)

[@andienicoleful]

I really enjoyed this piece. Normally I would not normally listen to this type of music but I found it relaxing and would be a great style to study or do homework to. I overall liked this band very much. -Andie Clarizia

[@samwhitaker654]

This is a fantastic piece of music that was very well performed! I found it very unique. I like how it started out slow and gradually got fast. I have never heard a piece of music similar to this. Thank you for suggesting this and introducing me to a new type of music. Well done Mr. L!

[@mollymunro6488]

This was great!! I loved the different styles changing throughout the piece- it really kept you listening for more! It was great to see you play Mr. L! -Molly Munro

[@gracegamache1869]

Hello Mr. L! This was a wonderful piece. The band did an awesome job and i loved the different cantilenas and bravuras throughout. The beginning was very calm and peaceful then it got into very upbeat and high energy. It was really fun to listen to!

[@melaniehain7289]

Really great piece Mr. L! I haven't listened to this type of music since middle school and it was nice to be able to pick out each instrument again. It was very relaxing.

[@juliasalerno5475]

Hi Mr. L!! I really enjoyed this piece. The beginning is so catchy and I believe that to be motif. My favorite parts were when the music change from slow and more quiet to fast, loud, and more dramatic. I could really hear the crescendo. While listening I pictured myself walking through the woos being lost and then finding my way. Overall it was such a great performance. Great job on the trumpet Mr L! -Julia Salerno

[@_bigheartlittleminds_5234]

I really appreciated this piece of music as I found it very entertaining and upbeat and alive! The way all those different instruments can join together to make such a beautiful sound is amazing. I was able to clearly distinguish the clear difference between cantilena and bravura. The melody will definitely be stuck in my head all day. You rock, Mr. L!

[@kaseyhamilton6930]

I enjoyed this composition because it was entertaining and kept me on my toes. I especially liked the transitions from cantilena to bravura because it gave change to the composition. It was nice seeing you play the trumpet Mr. L, you should be proud of yourself!

[@winterglitter122]

The piece of music was very interesting, as I was clearly able to distinguish when the cantilena style music was being played, versus the bravura style. I felt as though I was listening to a story, with it going loud and soft, slow and fast. The crescendo in the music made me feel like we were leading up to the climax of the story. Different, but interesting. Great job, Mr. L!

[@kasandrahoward2284]

I really enjoyed this piece as a whole. I felt like each section had completely different parts, but it fit together beautifully. I noticed that a lot of times the brass section would have a more suave and legato part while the wind section would have a more stern and structured part, and I thought it was an awesome interpretation of a great arrangement.

[@kelsiepayne13]

I enjoyed listening to this piece of music. I thought it was very relaxing to listen to at different points, but also kept things interesting when it sped up. In a way, it felt like you were going along for a ride in the dark and you didn't know where is was taking you. I know that sounds different, but that is what it reminded me of. Also, i could tell the change between the cantilena and the bravura and enjoyed listening to the change in speed and sound. Overall, it was a nice performance! Great Job, Mr. L!

[@nikkicarter7478]

Wow, this piece was absolutely amazing! The style at the beginning was cantilena style, and towards the end was bravura style. The beginning had a smooth and connected feeling, (legato) where the ending had a bold, pulsating effect. The beginning was also introverted because it was easy going and it sounded very sweet. The ending was extroverted because it had loud, ponderous style to it which made this piece very exciting to listen to! It grabbed my attention and I did not know what to expect. I did hear some motifs that turn into a melody. For example, you played the trumpet for a small portion then it turned into a melody. I did hear multiple crescendos and I thought this music was very entertaining to listen to.

[@ilyForever1813]

Hey Mr. L! I love how this piece starts off noticeably cantilena and crescendo's into a very lovely piece. I also very much enjoyed the trumpet more toward the beginning. Love this piece! Made me tap my foot and nod my head along! I particularly liked the progression around the 6 minute mark of the video. Beautiful sound, well composed and powerful ending. -Christiana Riello

[@raegendasilva2537]

I really enjoyed this composition! It was relaxing and a huge change from my normal genre. Great job Mr. L!!

[@jenniferfonseca5711]

Hey Mr. L!! This was a very calming piece, it had great content to it, I was very engaged in it!! -Jenni Fonseca

[@rosep3032]

This piece is very well written and shows that there was a lot of dedication put towards it. I enjoyed listening to this because it has a variety of different sounds. At some points it sounds like jazz, other times like ballet opera music. There were many crescendo's that kept the music alive. Also, I heard cantilena and bravura style quite often. I, myself, am from Concord, MA, so I thought this was cool! ~Rose Piz

[@xsoccax55]

Hi Mr.L! I loved the energy of this piece! It was very exciting to see the change from cantilena to bravura! Really enjoyed this piece! -Emily Burnett

[@martydog13]

I really enjoyed this piece! I have always enjoyed classical music since I was a kid. I liked how the piece started out more introverted and ended extroverted. Great job!

[@mckenziegilbride3377]

I really liked this composition. It is very different than the music I usually listen to, but I liked it a lot. I especially liked the transitions from cantalina to bravura and from loud to soft. It made the piece very interesting. Nice job Mr. L!!

[@mikaylaquinlan7299]

Hi Mr. L, Thanks for sharing this video with us. I could see the conductor and hear all of the different instruments working together to create a beautiful piece of music. It had both cantilena and bravura styles. Additionally, I heard several crescendos. Keep on making music! -Mikayla Q.

[@Taketwomk]

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this song! I noticed that it often shifted between cantilena and bravura which allowed me to enjoy both the lighter and heavier parts of the song. The song certainly kept me interested as to whether a more introverted or extroverted piece was coming next. Fabulous job done by all and I love seeing you perform Mr. L!

[@simbuster66]

Hi Mr. L, I really enjoyed listening to this piece. I love how at the beginning it started out cantilena but then it progressed to bravura when it got to the jazz part. I also could tell when there were crescendos. It was awesome to hear the different instruments play as one. Great job on the trumpet!

[@krisandra5202]

Hello Mr.L. This piece was very calming and had a change of tempo that I admired. I mostly enjoyed that it went from cantilena and changed to bravura. Great job playing the trumpet! -- Krisandra Gentile

[@rebeccartosti4347]

Hi Mr.L! I really enjoyed this piece. I liked the changes between a soft and slow sound in the beginnging to a loud bravura one. I enjoyed how this happened more than once, going from loud back to soft about 7min into the piece. great job Mr.L! Becca Tosti

[@karlimckie7720]

Although this is not my normal genre of music, I enjoyed this piece. There was a lot of variation in the styles both cantilena and bravura which made the piece more interesting to listen to. I especially loved watching the band play. Bravo! :)

[@graceterrell7050]

Mr. L, I enjoyed this piece of music and thought it was well performed and liked how it was unpredictable. I liked how there was a combination of soft cantilena and then loud bravura. I also noticed there were many crescendos. I enjoyed how the music started as introverted and then changed into extroverted in the middle.