Program Notes

CCHS Concert Band

Safety March

Harold Bennett, arr. Larry Clark

We open with a cornerstone of the band tradition. Safety March combines bold melodies with a steady, driving pulse, capturing the clarity and discipline that define great ensemble playing. Larry Clark’s arrangement preserves the character of Bennett’s original while making it accessible for young musicians. It’s a confident, energetic start—setting the tone for the evening ahead.

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Wild Stallions

Mark Lortz

Feel the energy surge—Wild Stallions brings to life the power and freedom of horses in motion. Mark Lortz uses driving rhythms, strong percussion, and sweeping melodic lines to create a vivid sense of momentum. The piece challenges performers to balance intensity with control, resulting in a performance that is both thrilling and musically shaped.

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Roscommon Way

Carl Strommen

Inspired by Irish folk traditions, Roscommon Way blends expressive lyricism with lively dance rhythms. Strommen’s writing moves between reflective, flowing melodies and spirited sections full of motion and lift. The result is a piece that is both musically nuanced and instantly engaging, evoking the charm and storytelling of Celtic music.

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CCHS Symphonic Band

Invercargill

Alex F. Lithgow, arr. Andrew Balent

A true classic of the wind band repertoire, Invercargill is known for its memorable melodies and vibrant energy. Lithgow’s writing combines tuneful lyricism with rhythmic drive, while Balent’s arrangement maintains the brilliance of the original in a more accessible setting. It’s a march that is both uplifting and enduring—easy to enjoy and rewarding to perform.

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Highland Celebration

Alan Lee Silva

Drawing on the musical traditions of Scotland, Highland Celebration paints a vivid picture of sweeping landscapes and festive gatherings. Silva blends bold fanfare-like moments with lyrical passages, using modal harmonies and rhythmic vitality to create contrast and excitement. The piece invites both power and expression, capturing the spirit of celebration at its core.

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Bloom: The Gift of Spring

Satoshi Yagisawa

Like the arrival of spring, Bloom unfolds gradually—growing from delicate beginnings into a full, radiant sound. Yagisawa’s writing emphasizes color, texture, and long musical lines, allowing the ensemble to build intensity over time. The piece is both uplifting and expressive, celebrating renewal, growth, and the beauty of transformation.

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CCHS Wind Ensemble

March, Op. 99

Sergei Prokofiev

Prokofiev’s March, Op. 99 offers a fresh and playful take on the traditional march. With unexpected accents, sharp articulations, and subtle humor, the piece challenges performers to be precise while embracing its unique character. It feels familiar—but with just enough twist to keep everyone listening closely.

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Two Poems of Robert Frost

David Campo (inspired by Robert Frost)

This work transforms poetry into sound, drawing on Frost’s themes of reflection, choice, and quiet beauty. Through evolving textures and expressive harmonies, Campo creates a musical landscape that mirrors the emotional depth of the poems. It’s a moment of introspection in the program—inviting listeners to slow down and listen more deeply.

Duende

Luis Serrano Alarcón

Closing the program is Duende, a work rooted in the Spanish idea of intense, authentic emotional expression. Serrano Alarcón combines driving rhythms, intricate textures, and bold contrasts to create a piece that is both technically demanding and deeply expressive. It pushes performers beyond precision into true artistry—delivering a powerful, visceral finish to the concert.