Playing a plethora of pieces from a range of styles, the BYU Wind Symphony introduces their performance “Music from the Third Stream”
The BYU Wind Symphony will soon be presenting their concert “Music from the Third Stream” as they perform under the direction of Shawn Smith.
The students in the symphony have compiled their talents and will be playing a unique style of music that is a mixture of jazz, blues, funk, Latin and classical genres, or “third stream” music.
Smith said that the audience can look forward to “plenty of opportunities for toe tapping and head bopping, not to mention a number of amazing virtuoso solos by members of the Wind Symphony.”
He explained that composers tend to find inspiration through various types of music styles and genres. This allows the composer to then express themselves in a way that is creative. He further expounded that jazz influence, being part of third stream music, is uncommon for a wind symphony to play. According to Smith, though, the students are “highly talented” and have adapted quickly.
“I hope that the audience feels awe in hearing what these wonderful musicians can do with their instruments and that they will feel the joy that is readily apparent in the music and musicians,” Smith said.
The performance will not only feature the skilled students, but the world premiere of the song “Dobrado” as well. Smith described the song as “a march that was composed for me by a Brazilian composer that attended a conducting seminar I gave in Brazil several years ago.” He said, “[‘Dobrado’] is similar in some ways to a Sousa march, but has a decidedly South American flavor in the melodies.”
While “Dobrado” will offer a South American taste to the evening, Smith is passionate about each piece the program has to offer. “Picking a favorite piece is like trying to pick a favorite child.” He added, “I really love every piece on the program — they each have their own fantastic groove and character.”
The concert will surely be engaging, as the BYU Wind Symphony, according to Smith, plays songs with “elements that are fun, raucous and exciting.”
To find out more information about this event, visit arts.byu.edu.