Department of Music showcases its ninth annual Band-O-Rama concert
The event featured bluegrass, classical music, swing jazz, and Hollywood favorites.
Music conductor Kyle Prescott leads the Wind Ensemble through a theme song from the Pixar movie “Incredibles” on Sunday night during the Band-O-Rama that was held at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Photo by Violet Castano
November 22, 2017
Four ensembles from the FAU Department of Music joined forces at the Mizner Park Amphitheater for a surround-sound concert on Sunday.
The evening began in the streets of Mizner Park when the Marching Owls performed popular FAU anthems as they paraded on Plaza Real. In the amphitheater, chamber music emanated from the right balcony, followed by a brass rendition of “Mr. Sandman” from the left balcony.
Bill Jordan, Voice of the Marching Owls, acted as Master of Ceremonies and announced the night’s commencement as the audience stood to sing the national anthem, accompanied by the wind ensemble.
The wind ensemble, under conductor Dr. Kyle Prescott, opened the show with “Bayou Breakdown,” a peculiar marriage of folksy Louisiana bluegrass with classical music.
The crowd was audibly delighted as the wind ensemble set progressed into a medley of famous Hollywood tunes, such as the theme from Forrest Gump. They concluded with a premiere of the original piece, “Harlequin,” by 10-time Emmy winner Bruce Broughton, who recently became guest in-residence in the music department.
A trio of percussionists then played simultaneously on a single bass drum while beating three other orchestral drums in an upbeat rhythm.
Under the direction of Dr. Courtney Jones, the jazz ensemble picked up with a 28-minute set featuring the classic numbers “A Night in Tunisia” and “Sweet Georgia Brown.” The jazz band’s renditions featured energetic solos on the guitar, trombone, saxophone, keyboard, and upright bass that garnered roaring applause from the audience, who clapped along to the beat.
A solo performance of “Scirocco” on the grand marimba by Dr. Matthew Nichols quieted the stage before transitioning to the wind ensemble’s reentry with “Symphonic Metamorphosis Movement IV” and the theme from “The Incredibles.”
For the grand finale, the Marching Owls and Colorguard encircled the audience and performed the FAU Alma Mater, victory song, and a cover of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy.”
Director of Bands Dr. Kyle Prescott said he was happy with this year’s BAND-O-RAMA, especially since it’s the busiest time of year for the music department.
“This was one of the best we’ve had so far. We were really impressed by the turnout this year and the students did a great job.”
The free concert attracted more than 400 local residents and students.
The Department of Music is scheduled to perform again at the Mizner Park Amphitheater for “FAU’s Tuba Christmas” at Mizner Park at 5 p.m. on Dec. 10.
John Gao is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected].
