Wednesday, November 19, 1997
Wind ensemble breathes fresh life into old tunes
MUSIC:
Mix of classical, jazz and salsa creates a one-of-a-kind
concertBy Sharon Genadinik
Daily Bruin Contributor
Classical music may never replace rap as a big party favorite.
However, instrumental music is being revived with a youthful flair
by a group of UCLA musicians. Contemporary pieces from artists,
driven by a combination of more innovative and popular influences,
have transformed the traditional sounds.
The UCLA Wind Ensemble will testify to this new trend tonight by
serving up a flavor of jazz and salsa at its free fall concert in
Schoenberg Hall. Some classical favorites remain  such as
Holst’s "Hammersmith" and Bernstein’s "Divertimento." There are
also some special features, which will cater to a more diverse and
younger audience.
The big star of the show will be eighth-grade flute player
Alexandra Cox. This young Mozart is the winner of the fourth annual
What Music Means to Me essay contest at John Adams Middle School in
Santa Monica.
"She is very committed and dedicated to music and demonstrates a
clear understanding of ensemble dynamics," says Angela Woo,
director of the music program at John Adams and a former master of
fine arts student at UCLA.
After a private lesson with one of Tom Lee’s assistant
conductors, Tony Spano, she will be ready to make her stage debut
conducting the ensemble in Sousa’s traditional band favorite, "The
Stars and Stripes Forever."
The contest was the creation of Spano and Woo, designed as an
outreach program between the two schools. It also aimed to expose
students to the possibilities that exist after high school and
familiarize them with other musical styles and organizations.
"It’s also been very good for the kids to put themselves on
paper, since musicians become very accustomed to expressing
themselves through their instruments," Woo says. "Twelve- and
13-year-olds have such a different understanding of music. It is
important to give them the chance to seriously think about it."
The entire middle-school band has come to the big performance at
UCLA each year.
"They not only want to cheer their classmate on, but it is so
exciting for them to watch the ensemble perform, since they see
them as role models," Woo says. "While the experiences in the past
have been a bit nerve-racking, they have also been very exciting
and important in strengthening the self confidence of the
kids."
The wind ensemble’s philosophy is based on innovative and
playful elements. The featured conductor in this concert, Paul
Chihara, is straight from the world of modern pop culture. He is
best known as a former music director for Disney and through his
film and commercial pursuits.
There won’t be any "Little Mermaid" tunes, but he will be
staging the world premiere of his youthful piece, "Mambo Cane,"
written especially for the ensemble.
The wind ensemble is a modern invention. Chihara’s piece
typifies its style of music, which abandons the days of powdered
wigs and corsets. Most of the ensemble’s pieces are experimental
and usually less than 100 years old.
"Traditionally, orchestras could not afford to shock their
patrons," Pete Morris says.
In the 19th century, as the pace of life picked up in the modern
world, art began to change along with the people. By the end of the
Romantic Era, the wind and percussion sections began to break away
from the large symphonies.
"What resulted was a sound that was more experimental in
manner," Morris says.
Wind ensembles are usually only found in universities because
school funding fosters the experimental opportunities.
"For aspiring student musicians, this is a prime opportunity to
be exposed to a variation of modern musical styles," says Matt
Cody, another teaching assistant.
To the "Pulp Fiction" generation, experimental and original is
an attractive combination.
"Classical music is no longer old-dead-white-man music," Cody
says. "Contemporary pop and our music speak to the listener in
different ways  you have to willing to hear what each one has
to say."
The wind ensemble’s national music debut came on New Year’s Eve
1991, when they were featured on CBS Evening News. The group
performed original pieces by UCLA student composers. The works
received Emmy nominations in three categories.
A crucial turning point came in 1992 when the wind ensemble was
invited to perform at the XIV Forum of New Music in Mexico City and
at the College Band Director’s National Association in Reno, Nev.,
an invitation-only event to which they have been invited this
year.
"We have a fantastic group this year as well," Cody says. The
musicians have spent the year preparing for the prestigious musical
event. "We believe that we are in an excellent position to really
wow and show off this year."
The repertoire will consist of a broad range of music dating
from the French Revolution to a piece that is less than one year
old. The ensemble will give a preview of this concert at its Winter
Concert on campus Dec. 1.
The future holds many more opportunities for the wind ensemble
to strut its stuff. In the spring, the group will stage the West
Coast premiere of a ballet that Spano wrote for his dissertation
project. Cody is also working on perfecting the elite Chamber
Ensemble within the group that will be holding noon concerts in the
winter and spring.
MUSIC: The Chamber Wind Ensemble concert will be at 8 p.m. today
in Schoenberg Hall. Admission is free.