BLACK AND RED is part of the themed concert “Colors”. It is a suite in 2 continuous movements. The first movement, BLACK AS NIGHT, depicts some of the different moods that come with nighttime such as fear, mystery, and excitement. A RED SUNRISE is often thought to indicate that good weather has just passed through. It can also mean that the morning sky has a high moisture content. It certainly means that night has ended and a new day has arisen. The music shifts from dark evening moods to a more optimistic feeling.

*Audio Recording by New Hampton 5th grade Band 2024

GREEN AND ORANGE are the national colors of Ireland, and this piece captures the essence of traditional Irish music. Kye Rausch and Adam Goebel will be featured together throughout the piece on saxophone and trumpet. Movement 1 is “John Foley’s Voyage”. John Foley settled in New Hampton, Iowa, after emigrating from Ireland to the United States in 1851. He began as a farmer, then moved to commerce and politics, serving a term in the state senate. This first movement has several musical intentions. First, the pastorale quality of the music brings to mind the beautiful green landscape of Ireland. Secondly, we imagine what it felt like for immigrants to travel across the world seeking a new life. It must have been an emotional rollercoaster of adventure, excitement, trepidation, and hope. The ORANGE movement is the “The Wapsipinicon Reel”. A reel is a traditional Irish dance, with roots going back to 16th- century Scotland. Just as orange is a lively splash of color, reels are very lively, featuring a hard-driving pulse and hypnotic repetitions.

*Audio Recording by New Hampton 7th/8th Grade Band 2024