Springfield College Virtual Music Concert | Springfield College

Springfield College Virtual Music Concert

Springfield College Virtual Band Concert and Music Student Showcase

Springfield College Virtual Band Concert and Music Student Showcase.

 

Members of the Springfield College band, along with featured music students from campus vocal and instrumental studios, present to the campus community a program of music recorded over the course of the spring semester. The repertoire performed ranges from traditional through contemporary styles and focuses on themes of hope, mental health, and social justice.

"Requiem, Op. 48: VII. In Paradisum"

Composed by: Gabriel Fauré

Performed by: Chloe Campellone

Gabriel Fauré composed the music of his Requiem throughout the 1880s and 1890s, with a final version of the composition produced in 1900. The original work was set for chorus and full orchestra. The composition is set programmatically to reflect the liturgical sequence of a requiem funeral mass. The final movement performed here, “In Paradisum,” translates to English as “Into Paradise,” and is meant to reflect the transition of the soul from earth into the heavens.

“Vincent”

Composed by: Don McLean

Performed by: Dai Quan Thomas (Voice) and accompanied by Michael Rheault on Piano

Composed by Don McLean in 1972 and released on his “American Pie” album, “Vincent” is a tribute to the life of Vincent van Gogh and a reflection on the way his mental health struggles have often been misunderstood. The first line of lyrics, “Starry, starry night” serve as a reference to the artist’s most famous work.

“Wonderful World”

Composed by: Bob Thiele and George David Weiss

Performed by: Victoria McFarlin and accompanied by Michael Rheault on Piano

Recorded by Louis Armstrong in 1967, towards the end of his legendary career, “Wonderful World” would become his most recognizable song globally - reaching the top 10 of the charts in nearly a dozen different countries. The international success of the song speaks to the universal appeal of the lyrics and the expressed vision of world peace.

“Uman”

Composed by: Kokoroko

Performed by: the Springfield College Band

Based in London, Kokoroko is a musical collective that performs a stylistic mix of jazz, funk and Afrobeat. The name of the ensemble comes from an Orobo (Nigerian tribe and language) word meaning “be strong.” Like many of the artists and ensembles associated with the recent London afrobeat movement, much of the group’s music is thematically rooted in anti-colonialism and social justice.

“Thing of Gold”

Composed by: Michael League

Performed by: the Springfield College Band

Michael League, leader of the critically acclaimed ensemble Snarky Puppy, has become one of the more celebrated composers in contemporary jazz. “Thing of Gold” is meant to be a celebration of life and an affirmation of positivity and hope.

“Blackbird”

Composed by: Paul McCartney and John Lennon

Performed by: the Springfield College Band featuring Victoria McFarlin on Vocals

Composed in 1968, Paul McCartney of the Beatles has said that the song “Blackbird” was a reflection on the Civil Rights movement in America and at least partially inspired by the bravery and courage of the Little Rock Nine.  

 

Springfield College Band Personnel

Kayden DeFriesse – Flute

Nicole Connell – Clarinet

Aaron Kust – Alto Saxophone

Joanne Farias – Alto Saxophone

Melanie Emery – Alto Saxophone

Jacob Chaimovitch – Baritone Saxophone

Andrew Stratton – Trumpet

Julian Ellington – Trumpet

Nathaniel Evans – Flugelhorn

Juan Gomez – Guitar

Special Guest Artists

Nick Falk – Drums

Michael Rheault – Piano

Arrangements and Ensemble Direction

Christopher Gagne