The symphonic wind ensemble concert is a highly engaging, enjoyable performance, with the skill and talent of both the musicians and the directors on full display.
On Nov. 17, the University of Indianapolis Symphonic Wind Ensemble presented a concert, titled “Contrasts,” in collaboration with the Wind Ensemble of Plainfield High School. The concert was divided into three parts, with the first featuring the high school ensemble, the second being performed by UIndy and the third being a one-piece collaboration of the two bands. The Plainfield High School ensemble, directed and conducted by Band Teacher Michael Carpenter, was larger and played a more contemporary set, while the UIndy ensemble, directed and conducted by Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands Jon Noworyta, was smaller and performed more traditional pieces.
According to Contra Costa Wind Symphony, a wind ensemble relies heavily on wind and percussion instruments. I felt the two ensembles successfully accomplished this task, with most pieces featuring sections for brass, woodwind and percussion players. Without a string section; this creates a different sound than may be heard in other concerts. The bands were very well-rehearsed and all parts of each piece flowed effortlessly. The music covered a range of emotions from bold and vibrant energy at times to longing and despair at others.
In particular, a piece titled “California,” written by David Maslanka and performed during the middle of UIndy’s set, stood out to me. The piece was divided into multiple sections, with at least two points where it felt to the audience that the song would end, only for it to jump into a dramatic new movement. Additionally, when it ended, it felt as if it could have continued. Overall, this piece lasted several minutes and took the audience member through a range of emotions. This gave the audience the feel of moving through these emotions, almost as if evoking different California landscapes, while creating a cohesive and memorable work.
At one point early in the Plainfield set, I felt as though the piece was somewhat loud for the venue, possibly being a better fit for a larger or outdoor space. However, I felt the other pieces played well within the venue. The Plainfield sections were generally louder than the UIndy sections, which correlates with Plainfield having a larger band.
Overall, the performance was put together exceptionally well, showcasing a range of styles within the symphonic wind genre, highlighting many talented young wind and percussion musicians. I thought the collaboration between high school and college bands enhanced the concert and, hopefully, provided a meaningful experience for the high schoolers. While this concert itself was only performed once, I would highly recommend attending future concerts, either from the UIndy Symphonic Wind Ensemble or the Plainfield High School Wind Ensemble, which normally perform separately.
