APAC Band: United in Harmony

If you like music, then this article is for you. The band members have been working arduously to assemble an exceptional performance for APAC. They performed on February 23 from 4 to approximately 5 in the afternoon.

Through the span of 3 months, they have been practicing after school, but had a 1 month gap due to the holidays. According to Jimin L., a flute player, “We had one and a half hour rehearsal at least twice a week since the beginning of January. Although we have not practiced for a long time, the members feel prepared because all of us spent additional time practicing individually. During every practice, we played through all the pieces at least once. Then, we worked on specific parts for improvements.”

Five pieces were performed in this concert: “Sine Nomine” by Ralph Vaughan Williams, “Three Chinese Miniatures” by Robert Jager, “Elegy for Albinoni” by Shelley Hanson, “Snowflakes Dancing” by Andrew Boysen Jr. and “Lord Tullamore” by Carl Wittrock.” Each piece was played with multiple sounds from different instruments. Each piece was unique to itself and different moods. “I was especially excited to play ‘Snowflakes Dancing’ because I heard that this piece was written for the guest conductor for APAC Band, Dr. Scott Jones,” was Jimin’s comment on the pieces chosen.

The piece “Elegy for Albiloni” is a 20th century memorial piece by a “prolific Baroque-era composer”, Tomaso Albiloni (source; click to hear a version).

“Lord Tullamore” was composed to honor Irish folk music. The word “Tullamore” refers to an Irish county town in the midlands of Ireland, well known for traditional dancing, beautiful scenery, and whiskey.

“Sine Nomine” means “without name,” and was a very common way to refer to compositions in the Renaissance.

“Three Chinese Miniatures” by Robert Jager encompasses three different movements and “offers an abundance of multicultural teaching opportunities” (kjos).

The last piece was “Snowflakes,” composed by Andrew Boyser Jr. The piece is very unique in structure, as “almost every four measures, the pattern changes.” The composer called this piece “Snowflakes Dancing” and hoped that it would snow on the first day they played the music, according to senior Vicky J., who attended the concert.

While playing in a band, it is important for members to listen to each other, so that all sounds can unify and create harmony. Being an instrumental musician requires one to become a better listener, and according to Jimin L, “This is one of the areas the members struggle the most with.” The APAC members showed their dedication in learning to listen as well as play, and their effort paid off with an enjoyable evening for those both on and off the stage.