The Southern Utah University Wind Symphony celebrated America’s Semiquincentennial in conjunction with the America 250 initiative on Nov. 6 with their performance, “America in Sound: 250 Years of Freedom.” The initiative celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Conducted by Dr. Adam Lambert, the Director of Bands and Music Department Chair at SUU, the symphony played works written by George Gershwin, Leonard Bernstein, Rossano Galante, Aaron Copland and John Williams.
“There’s obviously a celebration going on for the 250th birthday of the country, and we wanted to do something not necessarily old patriotic but (something that) celebrates American composers, selecting the ones that really have had an impact on music and left imprints on America,” said Lambert.
Instead of traditional patriotic works such as “Hail to the Chief” or “The U.S. Air Force,” Lambert opted for a wild west-themed show.
“They picked iconic American composers who formed the way America is audibly recognized,” said attendee Nick McEuen. “The Wild West would have a different sound if it weren’t for these composers.”
This was highlighted when the SUU Wind Symphony played John Williams’ “The Cowboys.” While John Williams has written many pieces, Lambert chose “The Cowboys” because it’s fun and not as recognizable.
The music that was played during the performance is also special to those who performed. Landon Nichols, the only bass clarinet within the wind symphony, shares a personal connection to a piece.
“Lincolnshire Posy was one of the first pieces I ever played when I arrived at SUU. The piece is broken up into different movements, each containing their own feel.”
The music department will be hosting a symphony orchestra on Nov. 15. For more information about this and other upcoming performances, visit the music department’s website.
