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Omar Thomas (b. 1982)
A further exploration and study of the dance styles at heart of my larger work Caribana, Caribana Afterparty (the second “a” in the word Caribana is bright, as in the words “ant” and “after”) brings soca and calypso music within reach of younger musicians, as well as musicians just beginning their exploration of Caribbean dance music. Caribana is the former name of the largest Caribbean carnival celebration outside of the Caribbean itself, which takes place in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Titling this piece an “afterparty” gave me space to incorporate themes from the original work while developing new and different grooves from the region, reimagining them in a more accessible context.

The main melodic material of Caribana Afterparty is taken directly from its older sibling Caribana, and is presented in this work, in part, as a lush opening statement, before quickly giving way to the full theme over an easy calypso groove. As the piece progresses, we are carried from the easier, more calming stylings of calypso music to the more jumping rhythms of soca music.

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Johann Sebastian Bach (1674-1750)
David Biedenbender (b. 1984)
Luminescence is based on fragments from the melody Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist (“Rouse Thyself, My Weak Spirit”), written by Johann Schop and subsequently harmonized in several settings by Johann Sebastian Bach.
It is most commonly known as the Christian hymn Break Forth, O Beauteous
Heavenly Light. It may enrich the overall musical experience, both for the
ensemble and for the audience, to hear the original chorale before the piece is
played. Luminescence was written for the 2009 WELS National Band Festival
by Wisconsin Lutheran College, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
_Program note by composer

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Chandler Wilson (b. 1984)
This exciting work depicts the lively and sunny nature of the state of Florida. Opening with a brilliant and majestic section highlighting the state’s bright and vibrant culture a flowing melody follows, representing the calming winds and consistent breeze of the state. Dance is a large part of Florida’s culture, especially in its southern region, and the 7/8
rhythm captures an Afro-Latin style dance movement. The chorale/hymn section is based on the Florida Song, which is a traditional school song of many schools, including Florida A&M in Tallahassee. The work then recapitulates and moves toward a driving and joyful conclusion. This work was commissioned by the Florida Bandmasters Association, for the Nine Star Honor Band 2017, Matthew McCutchen, conductor.
—Program note from publisher

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Performed by CU Boulder Concert Band
Florance Price (1887-1953)
trans. Jay Bocook
Florance Price (1887-1953) is noted as the first African American female composer of symphonic works, and is only in recent years beginning to received the recognition so richly deserved. Her Symphony No. 1 was completed in 1932 and first performed in 1933 by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Please enjoy this transcription for band the third movement (Juba Dance).

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