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Memories of
The Muskegon High School Symphonic Band
1952-1961 |
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The coffee stains on the cover attest to the
perils of global travel and family raising that
have marked the passage of time since 1960 and
1961 when I purchased the records that led to
these CD's. They also testify to the central
place of the MHS music in my family over the
years. I hope they will bring joy and good
memories to you as well.
I am happy that technology now enables me to
share this wonderful archive throughout the MHS
faculty and student body, especially with those
who were part of the decade between 1954 and
1963 when the music was performed and recorded.
It was an extraordinary decade, not only for
those like me, for whom it was a very formative
period, but for our nation as well. It was a
decade of peace between periods of massive
warfare. It was a bridge between the consumerism
of the 50s and the rebellion of the 60s.
It was the decade when William Stewart crowned
his life work with a trend-setting marching band
as well as a top award-winning symphonic band
and orchestra, groups that created standards and
traditions that continue to this day. I am proud
to have been a member of the band and orchestra
during that period. I hope that the music stirs
pride in you who were a part of the school or
its musical organizations and that it helps you
remain a part of MHS in spirit. |
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Dan Nickell - MHS Class of 1960 |
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Professionally
transcribed to Compact Disc from two LP vinyl
recordings released by the band nearly 50 years
ago, Dan Nickell has a limited number of these
two-disc CDs available for purchase.
Those wanting their own set, with liner notes
and photos of the LP covers should contact Dan
at
dnickell@croftware.net
Cost is $25/set and
includes shipping and handling.
Each set contains the following 18 tracks |
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Disc One |
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The
Instrumental Music Department
Muskegon Public Schools
present the
Muskegon High School Symphonic Band
in
Muskegon Songs
and Concert Highlights |
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"ON MUSKEGON" - W.T. Purdy
Adapted from the University of
Wisconsin's famous fight song - "On Muskegon" is
known and loved by
all Muskegon fans, because it is the school's
oldest pep song.
"COAT OF
ARMS", Concert March - Geo. Kenny
This splendid concert march was
recorded during the 1959 state finals at Jackson
High School. It presents the Muskegon High
School Symphonic Band in an "on the spot"
performance in which it won its 41st First
Division rating in competition. Out of 44
competitive events entered, the band has chalked
up 41 firsts, while receiving but 3 seconds.
First
Movement, Symphony #3, "ILYA MUROMETZ" -
Reinhold Gliere
Also recorded at the 1959 State
Finals, this provides a splendid example of the
tonal resources and the flexibility of the
Muskegon High School Symphonic Band. Here we
hear a great transcription made by Glenn Cliffe
Bainum, Director Emeritus of the Northwestern
University Bands.
"CANZONA FOR
BAND" - Peter Mennin
Canzona provides an exciting
challenge for young musicians with its modem
harmonies and its complex rhythmic patterns. The
recording heard here was taped at the Ann Arbor
High School Auditorium during the band's contest
performance at the 1957 state finals in Class
AA. The band was privileged to use Mr. Mennin's
manuscript for this exciting number.
"ALMA MATER" -
William Stewart
Until 1953, Muskegon High School
had no Alma Mater or school hymn, but in that
year, Mr. Stewart composed this now familiar
music and presented it to the student body. It's
acceptance was immediate and today it is beloved
by students and alumni, alike.
"RED AND
WHITE" - William Stewart
This is Muskegon High's own pep
song, written especially for it by Mr. William
Stewart. Since its very first performance it has
become an integral part of the school's
tradition.
Finale,
"SECOND SYMPHONY FOR BAND" - Frank Erickson
Here is a performance by the
1959 Symphonic band of one of the finest
contemporary works written especially for band.
The complete symphony is a part of the band's
repertoire, but for the album, we have chosen
the lovely final movement.
"ROMANTIC TONE
POEM" - Lucien Cailliet
The performance is taken from a
1954 contest performance of the Symphonic Band.
Recorded in the College Auditorium in East
Lansing, this music emphasizes the tonal
qualities and the flexibility of the
organization. Mr. Cailliet is a former member of
the Philadelphia Orchestra.
"SAFARI" -
Harold Walters
This Number was featured on the
1959 Annual Band assembly programs. Featuring
several of the members of the flute section. the
number is light and rhythmic.
"FIRST DRIVING
LESSON" - Ralph Hermann
This number was taken from a
suite entitled "Ballet for Young Americans". It
was included in the album for its novel program
effects. It illustrates the problems besetting
the young driver - problems such as starting the
car, traffic signals, auto horns and the
policeman's whistle. The number illustrates, in
its conclusion, the unhappy incident of the
driver hitting the garage door with the
resulting splintering of wood and shattering
glass all ably handled by the percussion
section.
"UNITED STATES
FIELD ARTILLERY MARCH" - Sousa
This recording is an especially
stirring one and is taken from the 1954 contest
appearance of the Symphonic Band |
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| DISC
TWO |
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William L.
Stewart
MEMORIAL RECORD
by the
Muskegon High School Symphonic Band
in
Festival and
Concert Highlights |
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"MANZONI REQUIEM" -
Verdi
The most spectacular performance
of the 1960 State Festivals at Saginaw was the
Muskegon Band's playing of the Manzoni Requiem.
Here is the recording of that performance.
"FINALE,
SYMPHONY No. 5" - Shostakovich
This technically demanding
number was first performed by the Muskegon band
in 1952 and the 1960-61 band has the number
scheduled for their Spring Concert. This
recording was made by the 1952 band.
"MARCH DE
CONCERT" - Houston Bright
This splendid new march opened
the second half of the Memorial Concert in 1960.
The unusual ending adds much to its overall
appeal.
"TULSA", Tone
Poem - Don Gillis
One of the most difficult works
performed in recent years by the band was Tulsa,
played at
the 22nd Annual Concert, in 1958. This recording
was made at that concert.
"THE VETERANS' MARCH" -
Gabriel Pares
One of the favorite marches of the
1960-61 band, the Veterans' march was chosen to
be used as our warm-up march for the Band
Festivals. This recording was made at the
District Festival in Coopersville.
"BEGUINE FOR
BAND" - Glenn Osser
Beguine for Band has been a
favorite through the years. This is the 1960-61
band playing at the Memorial Concert.
"MARCHMANSHIP"
Concert March - Howard Cable
This fine concert style march
was performed by the Muskegon Concert band at
the 24th Annual Winter Concert in 1960. This
particular recording was made at the State
Festival in Jackson that year |
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