BEGINNER BAND

Conducted by Mike Major & Kayla Crowley

Program

Inception

Composed by Joseph Compello

The term "inception" refers to the establishment or starting point of an institution or activity.  Composer Joseph Compello wrote this original concert overture to signify the beginning of a band journey, and to inspire beginner band students to continue. Inception uses the first six notes of the Bb-major scale, a scale our beginners have been working on since the first month of playing their instruments. Inception is also a name of a popular 2010 science fiction action film, directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio. The movie explores themes of dreams and the human subconscious. Whether the movie was inspiration for Joseph Compello's creation of the piece is unclear. However, we have certainly used the epicness and action-fueled nature of the film to influence our interpretation of the music.

Summer Thunder!

WORLD PREMIERE

Composed and Conducted by Jorge Vargas

Jorge Vargas' Summer Thunder! is a vibrant and electrifying piece for concert band that vividly captures the intensity and power of a summer storm soley comprised of thunder without rain. This dynamic composition immerses the audience in a thrilling sonic experience, evoking the atmospheric energy and awe-inspiring nature of this unique meteorological phenomenon. Summer Thunder! showcases a symphony of instruments, each contributing to the sonic portrayal of the storm's relentless power.  

The meticulous orchestration by Mr. Vargas allows the music ot convey the storm's various moods and intensities. The work alternated between thunderous crescendos and fleeting moments of calm, creating a sense of anticipation and tension. The interplay between sections of the band mimics the storm's unpredictable nature, with bold melodies that rise and fall like crashing thunderclaps. 

As the composition reaches its climactic peak, all sections of the band unite, mimicking the resounding echoes of thunder that reverberate across the landscape. The thunderous finale leaves the audience in awe, symbolizing the storm's eventual departure and the lingering impression of its magnificent power.

Summer Thunder! by Jorge Vargas is a remarkable musical portrayal of a rainless summer storm dominated solely by thunder. Through its striking melodies, dynamic orchestration, and meticulous attention to detail, this concert band song transports listeners into the heart of the storm, offering a thrilling and immersive experience that celebrates the awe-inspiring nature of nature's most captivating symphony: thunder.

The McDonald Beginner Band is the first band EVER to perform this song, making tonight's performance a world premiere.

Dañza Feliz

Composed by William Owens

Danza Feliz was written as a tribute to one of Mr. Owen's favorite schools that he works with. Danza Feliz (a.k.a happy dance in English) is a delightful, Latin-flavored work, filled with catchy rhythms, robust harmonies and a strong melodic focus. Immediately from the beginning, the music takes command and sustains a sense of playful motion through the end. When he wrote this song, composer William Owens was heavily influenced by mariachi music and the music theory behind it. Mariachi is a genre of regional Mexican music that dates back to at least the 18th century, evolving over time in the countryside of various regions of western Mexico. The usual mariachi group today consists of as many as eight violins, two trumpets and at least one guitar, and all players taking turns singing lead and doing backup vocals. You'll especially notice the mariachi influence at the end of the song, when students play three elongated notes that showcase mariachi chords. According to the music, this section is to be played "a la mariachi." 

SYMPHONIC BAND

Conducted by Kayla Crowley

Program

Above and Beyond

Composed by James Swearingen

The start of every concert brings about a tremendous feeling of anticpation for what is about to occur. In just a matter of moments, the first note will resonate throughout the hall and our musical journey will have begun. Above and Beyond is a triumphant fanfare that reflects the unique connection between composer, conductor, ensemble, and you, the listening audience. While a musical selection lasts a relatively short amount of time, the emotional highs that touch the human spirit through an exciting performance will hopefully endure forever.  

Above and Beyond is a stirring and uplifting piece for concert band that celebrates the courage and determination of individuals who go above and beyond in their pursuits. The piece is inspired by the idea of pushing oneself beyond the limits, whether in the pursuit of personal goals or in service to others. Above and Beyond is a powerful and inspiring piece that celebrates determination and the pursuit of excellence.  This piece was introduced to the Symphonic Band because it encapsulates the grit and perseverance and they have displayed as a team in pursuit of their best.

Sirena

WORLD PREMIERE

Composed and Conducted by Jorge Vargas

Sirena is a captivating concert band composition written by Jorge Vargas, inspired by a fictional 18th century Spanish pirate ship called Sirena and its adventurous journies. The piece takes listeners on a musical voyage that reflects the spirit and tales surrounding the mythical vessel.

Throughout the piece, Vargas skillfully incorporates various musical elements to convey different aspects of the ship's enchanting journey. Gentle and melodic passages represent moments of calm on the tranquil ocean and encounters with peaceful sea life and possibly, mermaids, while intense and rhythmic sections depict epic battles and clashes with rival ships and turbulent seas. The percussion section, with its dynamic beats and crashing symbols, adds an extra layer of intensity and excitement to the composition. As the composition reaches its climax, the music swells with a grandeur that reflects the pinnacle of the ship's adventures.

The McDonald Symphonic Band is the first band EVER to perform this song, making tonight's performance a world premiere.

The Tempest

Composed by Robert W. Smith

The Tempest is a programmatic work meant to depict a breaking storm at sea. The dictionary tells us that a tempest is a “violent windstorm, frequently accompanied by rain, snow, or hail.”  In the hands of composer Robert W. Smith, the music supplies all of the fury and rage within the instruments of the band.  This work takes us right into the power of mother nature. 

The introductory statement in the clarinets and low woodwinds are conveyed with a sense of mystery and impending energy. The entire woodwind choir begins the second phrase culminating the brass entrance as the aggressive storm is unleashed. Next, the flutes (and later trumpets) play a dancing, skittering ostinato, perhaps emblematic of swirling winds at sea. This ostinato is juxtaposed against the lyrical line (symbolizing the water of the sea) for a nice constrasting effect. As the piece continues to develop, voices become more agitated, writing becomes thicker, and accents become heavier. Just as the storm does not let up, the band does not let up, ending the piece on a fortissimo unison note, reflecting the all-encompassing nature of the tempest.

Personnel

Flute

Delilah Dominguez

Xochitl Garcia-Aguilar

Bryan Santillan Contreras

Clarinet

Eliana Delgado

Anthony Grey

Estrella Lopez

Delilah Ramirez

Kaleb Smith*

Alto Saxophone

Jessica Barbosa

Anthony Flores

Bari Saxophone

Ryan Perkins

Trumpet

Kevin Bolden

Chloe Cantu

Jonathan Flanagan

Nathaly Ortiz

Horn

Camila Degollado Villacres

Alejandro Izaguirre Varela

Jonah Juarez

Karla Martinez*

Trombone

Eli Bocanegra

Euphonium

Roberto Cantu Azagoita

Dontae Jackson Jr.

Tuba

Giovanni Santos

Percussion 

NMHS Big Blue Band Students

Madyson Bermudez

Alan Gaspar

Daniel Guzman

Sophia Herrera

Victor Puente Martinez

*denotes All-City Band member

Awards & Honors

Individual

All-City & All-Region

2 students earned a chair in the Mesquite All-City Band.

Solo & Ensemble

15 students earned a 1 on their solo. 

6  students earned a 1 with Honors on their solo. 

Eliana Delgado, Clarinet

Estrella Lopez, Clarinet

Kaleb Smith, Clarinet

Jessica Barbosa, Alto Sax

Anthony Flores, Alto Sax

Karla Martinez, Horn

All 2 ensembles earned a 1.

1 ensembles earned a 1 with Honors.

Symphonic Band Woodwinds

Full Band

Earned a 1st Division trophy at the Epic Waters Music Festival

(Combined with Honors Band)

Earned Straight 1's at the Poteet Pre-UIL Contest

Earned Non-Varsity Best-In-Class at the Poteet Pre-UIL Contest

2nd Year in a Row

Director Awards

Section of the Year

Trumpets

Esprit de Corps Award

Nathaly Ortiz

John Kline Award for Band

Karla Martinez

HONORS BAND

Conducted by Mike Major

Awards & Honors

Individual

All-City & All-Region

30 students earned a chair in the Mesquite All-City Band.

15 students earned a chair in the All-Region Band.

Solo & Ensemble

39 students earned a 1 on their solo. 

16  students earned a 1 with Honors on their solo. 

Abigail Castillo, Flute

Yuridia Perez, Flute

Amarie Brown, Oboe

Kiara Cohuo, Clarinet

Jacob Constanza, Clarinet

Emily Edwards, Clarinet

Natalie Hernandez, Clarinet

Natalie Rodriguez, Clarinet

Jamari Williams, Clarinet

Andrew Calvillo, Alto Sax

Raymond Tijerina, Alto Sax

Luis Umana Magana, Tenor Sax

Frederick Goins, Trumpet

Padme Wong, Horn

Vicente Camacho Ramirez Jr., Tuba

Jamique Williams, Snare

All 6 ensembles earned a 1.

2 ensembles earned a 1 with Honors.

Honors Band Clarinets

Honors Band Low Brass & Low Reeds

Full Band

Earned a 1st Division trophy at the Epic Waters Music Festival

(Combined with Symphonic Band)

Earned Straight 1's at the Poteet Pre-UIL Contest

Earned the Sweepstakes Award at the UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Evaluation

Director Awards

Honors Band Section of the Year

Clarinets

Honors Band Esprit de Corps Award

Kryster Loza

Director's Award for Band

Yuridia Perez

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