This piece was written for my High School, Avon Lake High School in Ohio, and Francis McBeth conducted the premiere, and it was incredible. I played Timpani, a very challenging piece. He even rewrote parts of it at rehearsals before the show, and we all had to hand write on his already hand written parts to change it. What a thrill.
We performed this for the CBDA (California Band Director's Assoc) Honor band in 1985. Francis McBeth was the guest clinician (conductor). Performance was in Santa Monica that year. Good times.
I was in that band, too (clarinet). It was an amazing experience. I have the album recording of this performance somewhere in storage. I would love to digitize it and upload it to share.
I remember playing this in the North Carolina All-Honors Band in 1985, conducted by Dr McBeth. The music was will handwritten and we were still working out some of the cords during the Saturday practice. He was a true inspiration and fun to work with that weekend.
Moving to a new school was really hard, as I had to adjust to the band, and developing a new sound that was needed. Being moved from 1st chair clarinet wind ensemble to 5th chair wind ensemble was upsetting. But, when I was told we were playing this, it truly made my year. Beowulf is an amazing arrangement, and I seriously love the third movement, as I advanced in both a musician as an individual and a section helper.
My director told me of how her band was the first to play this. Before it was published, still in the musicians handwriting. Notes on the side and everything!
I bought the score for myself to help myself grow. love this piece. wish my director loved it. we played kaddish two years ago. McBeths pieces are a masterpiece
Considering the trend over the last several years of concert pieces being used as marching pieces, I think this would be an excellent show. That said, I’m an alumnus of New Braunfels High School. I had the honor of playing for 3 years under the baton of former SMC “Band Guy,” Wayne Tucker. We played this my freshman year, and one day, one of the percussionists pointed out the opening performance note, “Bass drum must move.” Mr. Tucker, checked the score, looked back up at him and said, “Do it.”
+TheLouiseWarrior, this is actually an ok length for a marching band arrangement. My school's show this was was almost 9 minutes. It was titled LUX. But, this would make a fairly good arrangement though.
This piece was written for my High School, Avon Lake High School in Ohio, and Francis McBeth conducted the premiere, and it was incredible. I played Timpani, a very challenging piece. He even rewrote parts of it at rehearsals before the show, and we all had to hand write on his already hand written parts to change it. What a thrill.
We performed this for the CBDA (California Band Director's Assoc) Honor band in 1985. Francis McBeth was the guest clinician (conductor). Performance was in Santa Monica that year. Good times.
I was in that band, played trombone. He was an awesome clinician.
I was principal tuba in that concert. 🙂
As I recall, this was his most recent work at the time as it was still in manuscript form. Yes, good times!
I was in that band, too (clarinet). It was an amazing experience. I have the album recording of this performance somewhere in storage. I would love to digitize it and upload it to share.
Stumbled across this - I was there too! Trumpet. What a memorable experience sitting under his conducting.
I remember playing this in the North Carolina All-Honors Band in 1985, conducted by Dr McBeth. The music was will handwritten and we were still working out some of the cords during the Saturday practice. He was a true inspiration and fun to work with that weekend.
Played this in high school. Great piece
This would be an awesome marching band show.
Moving to a new school was really hard, as I had to adjust to the band, and developing a new sound that was needed. Being moved from 1st chair clarinet wind ensemble to 5th chair wind ensemble was upsetting. But, when I was told we were playing this, it truly made my year. Beowulf is an amazing arrangement, and I seriously love the third movement, as I advanced in both a musician as an individual and a section helper.
How's life?
I swear this is the only recording that exists on UA-cam.
My director told me of how her band was the first to play this. Before it was published, still in the musicians handwriting. Notes on the side and everything!
I was in that band too :)
I bought the score for myself to help myself grow. love this piece. wish my director loved it. we played kaddish two years ago. McBeths pieces are a masterpiece
magnificent depth. saw visions of Beowulf from the novel by John Gardner
How about Beowulf as a marching band arrangement?
Considering the trend over the last several years of concert pieces being used as marching pieces, I think this would be an excellent show.
That said, I’m an alumnus of New Braunfels High School. I had the honor of playing for 3 years under the baton of former SMC “Band Guy,” Wayne Tucker. We played this my freshman year, and one day, one of the percussionists pointed out the opening performance note, “Bass drum must move.” Mr. Tucker, checked the score, looked back up at him and said, “Do it.”
I'd like to arrange it.
@@highstimulation2497do it!
Performed this piece in my second year of college TAMIU concert band
+TheLouiseWarrior, this is actually an ok length for a marching band arrangement. My school's show this was was almost 9 minutes. It was titled LUX. But, this would make a fairly good arrangement though.
Mine too! ... We must go to the same school!
@SouthernMusicCompany That would seem interesting, however a bit long for just one song out how many while marching...i love this piece though'
BELOVED KI-ING OF ALL YEA OTES
I want to make field shows as a side job, this shall be one of them =)
@Galli Melod ahh we both play clarinet in concert band if im not mistaken?
RIP
@Galli Melod Cool