The U.S. Air Force Band of the West and the St. Mary’s University Wind Ensemble are teaming up on Monday for a double-sized, side-by-side concert featuring the best of both ensembles, and the premiere of a new piece of music by Anthony Barfield.
The eight-minute piece is in two sections, explains St. Mary’s University’s Dr. Matthew Mireles. “It begins with a slow, lyrical, very serene mood setting, and then the second half is just this in-the-pocket groove, and that's really a testament to Anthony's style,” Mireles says. “He's really known for writing these groove works but also with a beautiful melody on top.”
Mireles says working with the Band of the West has been an “eye opening experience” for the students, as they see the top flight quality of the Air Force band. Major David Alpar says he appreciates the opportunity to connect with the young musicians, too.
“The three words that can sum up our mission are ‘honor,’ ‘inspire,’ and ‘connect.’ And that's hopefully what we're going to do [through this concert]. We're connecting with these students and [will] hopefully inspire them to greater understanding of the mission of the United States Air Force.”
CONCERT DETAILS:
Band of the West/St. Mary's University Side By Side
Monday, March 26
6:30 p.m.
John Paul Stevens High School
600 N. Ellison Drive
Free tickets available here: https://tinyurl.com/ybjr85qn
