Concert Critique

On the evening of November 31, 2016, the Lee University Wind Ensemble held a concert in the Conn Center. Noteworthy of the Conn Center, is its architectural design. From the acoustical panels that line the walls to the theatre seating, the building is designed for optimum musical deliveries. Furthermore, the atmosphere was set by the Christmas decorations and the orchestra’s formal attire. In fact, this performance was quite extraordinary and joyful. Next, there were four conductors on this evening. David Holsinger was the Conductor, Winona Holsinger was the Associate Conductor and two graduate conductors, Tim Linley and Seok Keun. Of the four conductors, my favorite was David Holsinger. Of course, this could be due to his being the primary orator for the concert

but his sense of humor was well received as it was quirky and based upon musical humor. Furthermore, his conducting was more refined, precise and yet relaxed simultaneously which was not as observed in the other conductors.

His body language moved fluently and alternately with the movement of the pieces he conducted, while maintaining control of the ensemble. This leads me to mention, the orchestra was very relaxed, yet very formal in their performance. Now, the program consisted of eight works, ranging from the early 1800’s to the mid-1900’s, covering the Classical era to the Golden Era. Of the eight pieces, I wish to highlight some of my observations during the performance. First, I found each work to be written in a four-four count. Secondly, in the second work of the program, Aria Cantabile, I found it to be wonderfully full of emotion and very passionate. Although the notes played were relatively easy, the music was hard. The crescendo throughout the piece transitioned gradually from piano to mezzo most elegantly and brought a peacefulness to the audience. Thirdly, in the third work of the evening, Second Suite in F movement IV Fantasia on “Darganson,” clearly brought the imagery of the blacksmithing trade to mind as one could imagine the forging of iron being hammered into design. Ironically, at the conclusion of the final melody, a baby cried out in the immediate silence, in perfect pitch and

tune with the piece. It was brought to everyone’s attention that it was not a part of the work but no one could have guessed it because of the perfect timing and pitch. Fourthly, in the sixth work of the evening, Invincible Eagle March, two piccolos were featured. Since the piece was clearly a March, their deliver of their middle register was bright, clear, and intense which worked exceptionally well in this work. Fifthly, my favorite work was the piece Conductor David Holsinger wrote and composed entitled, Scootin’ on Hardrock. I truly enjoyed the diversity in this piece. It combined a jazz feel with a blues movement in the middle of the work. Also, the second movement has a heavy drumming dependence to express a bit of chaos between the blues measurements. Near the end, I felt as if the work had a touch of swing added in but overall, the composition was amazing. Finally, the last work of the evening which was not on the program was titled, A Rooster Lays Eggs in Kansas. The interesting notion within this song was to keep within the Christmas. From within this little lively tune was the short measure of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Honestly, this piece ended the whole performance in an upbeat and fun way. Not to mention, I was there to support my friend that performed in this ensemble and I was pleased to be able to tell him I really enjoyed attending this performance because it really was extraordinary.