VOL. XVII, NO. 8
FEBRUARY 6, 1976
MW Musicians Attend Festival
Two Maine West students, Tom Fischer '76 and Tim Keenley '76, were chosen to participate in the Illinois Music Educators Association's (IMEA) All-State Music Festival, Jan, 22-24 at the Arlington Park Hilton.
The selection of all‑state participants began last November during the district festival. At that time, students in all areas of the Music Department were auditioned for inclusion in the district and the all‑state performing groups.
The two band members arrived at the Arlington Park Hilton, where the musicians stayed during the three-day festival, on Thursday afternoon. On Friday the groups spent seven- and-a-half hours in rehearsal. Then, Saturday, after an additional hour of rehearsal, each group performed for music teachers from all over the state.
Band selections were "Punchinello" by Alfred Reed, "ChoralPrelude" by Vincent Persichetti, "Chester Overture" by William Schuman, and "The Strenuous Life" by Scott Joplin and Alfred Reed. Mr. Reed conducted the band.
The selection of all‑state participants began last November during the district festival. At that time, students in all areas of the Music Department were auditioned for inclusion in the district and the all‑state performing groups.
The two band members arrived at the Arlington Park Hilton, where the musicians stayed during the three-day festival, on Thursday afternoon. On Friday the groups spent seven- and-a-half hours in rehearsal. Then, Saturday, after an additional hour of rehearsal, each group performed for music teachers from all over the state.
Band selections were "Punchinello" by Alfred Reed, "ChoralPrelude" by Vincent Persichetti, "Chester Overture" by William Schuman, and "The Strenuous Life" by Scott Joplin and Alfred Reed. Mr. Reed conducted the band.
"The IMEA district and allstate festivals give an excellent opportunity for high‑school musicians to perform difficult music with other musicians their age from different areas of the state," explained Tom Fischer. Tom, who is a four‑year member of Concert Band, sat tenth chair out of 35 clarinet players this year.
Tim Keenley described the festival from a more aesthetic viewpoint: "Upon the striking of the opening chords," he said, "the air became saturated with the essence of total harmonic dedication inspired by the swatlike voluptuous contractions of the muscular vicera of Mr. Reed.
"Through copious amounts of rhythmic metamorphis exhibited by the individual performer, the audience became enveloped in the atmosphere of enthusiastic vibration. In retrospect, after emotionally experiencing this total phantasmagoric event, which became unmistakably beneficial to my cultural development, I must conclude by saying that the time and effort exerted by the individual was greatly appreciated."
Tim, who has also played in the Concert. Band for four years, was designated the principal tuba player in the state.
Tim Keenley described the festival from a more aesthetic viewpoint: "Upon the striking of the opening chords," he said, "the air became saturated with the essence of total harmonic dedication inspired by the swatlike voluptuous contractions of the muscular vicera of Mr. Reed.
"Through copious amounts of rhythmic metamorphis exhibited by the individual performer, the audience became enveloped in the atmosphere of enthusiastic vibration. In retrospect, after emotionally experiencing this total phantasmagoric event, which became unmistakably beneficial to my cultural development, I must conclude by saying that the time and effort exerted by the individual was greatly appreciated."
Tim, who has also played in the Concert. Band for four years, was designated the principal tuba player in the state.