Imagine the mournful, metallic cry of a whale echoing through the hall. Or the sound of a century-old classic march filling the air with powerful brass-fueled energy.
This was the sound of the NIU Wind Ensemble’s latest performance Tuesday night, as conductor Tom Bough, director of the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony and Athletic Bands led the ensemble through a journey that spanned from sacred themes to timeless classics.
The ensemble began with William Owens’ “After the Darkness.” Bough requested a brief moment of silence before the piece started, which was dedicated to the 10 lives lost in the 2018 Santa Fe High School shooting.
The song began with a dissonant, uncomfortable sound that eventually transformed into a serene, mournful melody, concluding with an inspiring sound of hope and perseverance. The grand piano and string bass players were essential for creating the atmosphere of the work. According to the composer’s notes, the work was written “to honor and lift up the 10 beautiful lives.”
The atmosphere shifted with Michele Fernandez’s “Of Endless Miles and Empty Rafts.”
Fernandez intended the work as an exploration of the immigrant struggle. The strong percussion section drove the piece. The rhythm and energy from the percussion ensured that the Latin sound was present through every shift in the music. Each section felt distinct yet created a cohesive narrative.
The ensemble followed with a very unique piece, Josh Rodriguez’s “Ballenas.” Rodriguez, the composer, was present for the performance and had worked directly with the band.
The music used sound techniques to capture the vastness and immensity of the ocean. Rodriguez utilized unique sound techniques to capture the movement of water. The flutes and clarinets produced whispering, airy effects that mimicked the hissing of waves, while the brass created metallic, mournful groans, giving the impression of whales communicating across miles of open seas.
Following “Ballenas,” the ensemble performed Richard Strauss’ “Allerseelen,” an arrangement of a German poem about the loss of a loved one. Mournful themes from the poem carried directly into the music. Reminiscent of a cherished memory, the piece was defined by the strong unity of the horn section.
Closing the first half of the concert, the ensemble played John Phillip Sousa’s “The Washington Post March.” The strong lead from the flutes and clarinets was anchored perfectly by the supportive role of the tubas.
Following a brief intermission, the entire second half of the night was dedicated to a single, powerful 40-minute work: Onsby Rose’s “Symphony #2, The Sacred Cloth.” The NIU Wind Ensemble was the first collegiate band in the country to perform this piece.
The symphony explored the meaning of wearing a uniform and serving one’s country. Rose’s notes explain that he realized “all people have a sacred cloth of their own,” extending the theme beyond the Marine Corps. Rose cited his father, a truck driver, whose work uniform was, to him, equal in importance, as it allowed him to provide for his family.
Musically, the work opened with a commanding trumpet solo and featured numerous other solos. Conductor Bough utilized moments of silence, allowing the audience to catch its breath and take note of specific melodies and instruments.
Overall, the performance showcased remarkable unity and power, earning a long, well-deserved standing ovation. Those who missed the event may view the concert via the NIU School of Music’s website livestream. For those looking for more, the NIU Jazz Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra will perform on Oct. 9 at 7 p.m.. Admission to all NIU student concerts is free of charge to NIU students.
