Austin Symphonic Band Performing The Sinfonians by Clifton Williams

[@kevinkillian5340]

I remember so well, playing this on the Young American Musicians Abroad tour through Europe with Dr. Williams back in the early 1970s. We played Sinfonians on tour almost nightly, conducted either by Dr. Williams or his associate Joe Tate.

[@LoedMerlin]

I went in 1972. An amazing experience.

[@jackbowen8115]

Wow! Does this bring back memories of my high school band days '66-'67. I was third chair clarinet in the SFA Bronco Band in Bryan, Texas under the direction of Jack Briggs when we started playing Sinfonians before fall marching band season. We played this piece at all football game half time performances (remember this is a march). Our band marched 6 to 5 (military style) which was perfect for Sinfonians. Most bands today march 8 to five which is a faster pace. Anyway we won Sweepstakes that fall in the marching category (Briggs must have had a crystal ball because Clifton Williams was one of the judges) and again played this at the State Concert Band performance in the Spring. The tough part about playing this at half time was trying to hear the piccolo solo. We played Sinfonians so many times I had it memorized and even today I can almost remember the fingering on my clarinet. Thanks for posting.

[@danielalex-qw9mw]

I just played this for my eighth grade concert. best song ever

[@DavidCurrey4]

I played "The Sinfonians" as a trombonist in the 1970 Louisiana All-State Band, which had Clifton Williams as its guest conductor. The Lafayette High School Band under the directorship of Harry Greig also performed it in previous years when I was a member in the late 1960s. The piece was a favorite of bands everywhere. Later, in college as a music major, I was a member of the UT chapter of the music fraternity (Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia) for which this piece was written-Clifton himself belonged to the fraternity. Other pieces of the dozens he wrote are still band favorites to this day, such as "Fanfare and Allegro", and "The Ramparts".

[@8avexp]

One of my alltime favorites. I played this piece in high school back in 1973 and hope to play it again someday soon. I'm a timpanist myself and this piece has a terrific timp part!

[@lisafisher2262]

I also played this in high school, on bass clarinet in 1981. It has remained one of my favorites ever since. I still practically remember it note by note!

[@paaat001]

Me too. First trombone. Our HS bans won sweepstakes in 1969 with this in our program

[@sgsmozart]

University of Illinois Symphony Band under Dr. Harry Begian has a cd with a great performance of this piece.

[@renemiska1666]

I had the honor to play under Dr. Begian for a number of years at the Blue Lake Fine Arts camp. A wonderful man and a great musicians.

[@rstrunks]

Proper tempos and phrasing. Very well done. This often gets butchered. One of the best performances Ive heard in quite some time for this tune.

[@jamesoliver6625]

This is closer to correct if played at 1.25 speed. I was in the first band that played this ever ant Lamar Middle School (then Jr High, 7-9 grade) in Austin, when Clifton was working towards a DMA at UT Austin. His daughter was first chair horn and I was next to her. The piccolo part was written specifically for Karla Pfennig who when we were in high school was first chair piccolo two years in a row at the Texas All-State band. She later majored in piano while I was a music comp major. Our brass sextet practiced often in the Williams home until he took his position in Miami. Good times fond memories.