The Souderton Area High School Music Department presents 2020 Virtual Winter Band Showcase Symphonic Band Adam L. Tucker, Conductor Circle in a Square…………………………………...……………..…...Ed Kiefer Greensleeves…………………………………………...………...….Alfred Reed American Salute……………………………………………...…....Morton Gould Arranged by Douglas E. Wagner 2020-2021 SAHS Symphonic Band Flute French Horn Rahela Dolha Ian Martin Riley Goshow* Bella Maldonado* Trumpet Sophia Slater Kenna Duffy Jordan Taylor* Kamryn Hartman* Laura Kennedy* Clarinet Owen Krauss Owen Funk Drew Landis* Tayler Garges* Ryan McKannan Elizabeth Kline Maddy Nase* Alli Malmquist Sarah Steffy Alex Martin Kate Taipale Trombone Julia Winebrenner Joe Armstead Kelley Zarzycki Nick Mahoney Jason Masciulli Bass Clarinet Maggie Duesberry* Tuba Caitlin Renner Alto Saxophone Jason Edwards Percussion Alexis Gerth Justin Calin Gabe Heim AJ Coates Ryann Libor* Timothy Finger William Troegler* Miranda Razzi Tenor Saxophone *- Senior Member Andrew Febus Program Notes Hello and Happy Holidays! I think we can all agree that this is weird. I’ve never had to make opening remarks in print before. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever written these down before in my 20 years of teaching! However, in this changing landscape, everything is weird, but what hasn’t changed is the desire to make great music, and you have these students to thank for that. It’s not a typical performance, but it still shows the dedication and perseverance these musicians have to create, rehearse and perform these pieces they have been working on since August. Their ability to overcome our unique situation and still find a way to present this concert is a testament to how wonderful these band students are, and you should be proud of them. I know I am! I want to thank the SAHS administration for their unbelievable support in creating this showcase, as well as all of the faculty and staff for making it work. But my largest thanks go to you, the parents and families of the band students. Without your support this program would not exist. Words cannot express my gratitude, especially in a year where the easiest solution was to simply not play an instrument. All of you are the reason we can still have a thriving program here at SAHS, so I cannot thank you enough. Enough talk, on with the show! Circle in a Square- While looking for pieces this year I gave the students a ​ good amount of freedom to find some on their own. One of the results of that search is this wonderfully unique piece. It starts off as a conversation amongst soloists in the band, meant to represent students walking into a classroom one by one. We eventually transition into more of a traditional concert piece, complete with a slower section and some really wonderful phrases that seem to recall various movie themes. It ends the same as it begins, except with the “students” walking out of the classroom. A real catchy and exciting opener! Greensleeves- When it comes to “Christmas” music I always lean toward ​ the less traditional and lesser known pieces. Yeah, I know, everyone knows Greensleeves, but not like this. Alfred Reed (a legend amongst the concert band composers; yes, that really is a thing) has arranged a beautiful yet powerful version of this traditional classic. It has moving woodwind lines, a majestic countermelody led by the French Horn and a striking restatement of the melody in the middle of the piece that’s sure to give you goosebumps. The students also pushed for this one, and I’m thankful for that. A memorable version of a holiday staple for sure! American Salute- So the Symphonic Band has been working on this piece ​ since last January. It was meant to be the centerpiece of the spring concert but then…you know. But now we get to present this VERY challenging piece based off of the Civil War song “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.” It starts with the presentation of the familiar tune but then spirals into several different variations on it. You’ll hear varying tempos, instruments, and a completely insane section featuring one of the most difficult woodwind lines I’ve ever seen in a piece of music. Please enjoy all of the hard work that has been put into this great song! .