Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music Program


CHRHS Concert Band

Nancy Rowe, Conductor



Russian Sailors’ Dance, from “The Red Poppy”……………………………………………….……….Gliere/Isaac


The ballet, “The Red Poppy” portrays an uprising on a Chinese ship where visiting Russian sailors, sympathetic to the cruel treatment of the laborers, successfully intervene.   The most popular scene from the ballet, the Russian Sailors’ Dance, is in the form of a theme and variations and is based upon the popular Russian folk tune title Yablochka (little apple).   


 The first presentation of the theme is presented in an awkward and heavy fashion to suggest Russian sailors attempting to negotiate intricate dance steps.   The effect is later enhanced by figuration in the higher woodwinds suggesting derisive merriment.  Meanwhile, the power of the band increases steadily and swiftly to a mad climax, with incisive misplaced accents picturing the dancers’ ungainly movements.  Finally, in a great state of excitement and exhilaration they manage to complete the dance with a desperate lunge, portrayed by a surging and enthusiastic rush in the band.


https://youtu.be/fOQAvWJ3ylg



Hard-A-Lee………………………………………….………………………………………………….…….Sarah Palermo



“Hard-a-Lee” was commissioned by the CHRHS Band and composed by 2011 Camden Hills alumna Sarah Palermo. Sarah is a composer based in the greater NYC area. She holds a Master’s in Music Composition from Michigan State University and a Bachelor’s in Music Theory and Composition from Westminster Choir College.  Sarah specializes in vocal, choral, and electronic art music and has also written several compositions and arrangements for orchestra, band, and hand bells.  Outside of composing, Sarah works at the New York Philharmonic where she is Assistant Archivist. 

Unfortunately, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, “Hard-a-Lee” was never performed live.



The composer discusses “Hard-a-Lee”:




Electronic version of “Hard-A-Lee”:



 

CHRHS Jazz Band

Nancy Rowe, Conductor


Gimme Samba Dat!........................................................................................................Chris Sharp


Soloists:


Andrew Orne, Alto Sax

Lincoln Pierce, Trumpet


         The samba gained popularity as a music and dance style in America during the first half of the 20th century.  Its origins are Brazilian and it is most closely associated with the music of Rio de Janiero.  It is thought to be a fusion of cultural influences, combining rhythms from western Africa imported as a by-product of the 18th and 19th century slave trade with indigenous Brazilian music.  The infectious rhythm of the samba has come to symbolize the festive Carnival celebration held each year in Rio to usher in the season of Lent.  Gimme Samba Dat! draws its influences from the famed Brazilian composer Antonia Carolos Jobim, including such songs as Desifinado and Chega de Saudade.


https://youtu.be/80uEVMT40WE 


Pulp…………………………………………….…………………………………………………………………Myles Kelley


Lincoln Pierce, trumpet solo

Danila Borodaenko, Tenor sax solo



https://soundcloud.com/theextensionchords/pulp-performed-by-the-chrhs-jazz-band-2020



The Extension Chords


This ensemble is a student run jazz trio who actively perform through the mid-coast area and beyond.  In 2019 this group was the winner of the MAMM Slam, a statewide “battle of the bands”.   In addition to winning the $1000 prize, all three musicians earned the title of “best bassist, best drummer and best keyboard player” in the event.


Myles Kelley, piano

Owen Markowitz, drums

Katherine Bowen, bass



https://soundcloud.com/theextensionchords




CHRHS Brass Ensemble


Toreador Song from Carmen…………………………………………………………………….…Bizet/Canadian Brass


Katherine O’brien, trumpet

Lincoln Pierce, trumpet

Joshua Pearse, trumpet

Jay Hokkanen, trombone

Caleb Wight, tuba

https://www.dropbox.com/s/xf5332fwte1phza/Camden%20High%20School%20-%20Toreador%20Song.mp4?dl=0



Pomp & Circumstance/Walking on Sunshine……………………………………………………………….Elgar/Rew


Katherine O’brien, trumpet

Lincoln Pierce, trumpet

Joshua Pearse, trumpet

Thia Allen, trombone

Jay Hokkanen, trombone

Caleb Wight, tuba


https://youtu.be/f499B9yLKDQ





 

The CHRHS Band members wish Ms. Rowe "Good Bye and Good Luck in Your Retirement", in this video created by Aaron Mahoney, with his musical performance of Eric Whitacre's "Seal Lullaby."