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Show Pitt band presents tribute Harold Davis Staff Reposrter The William Pitt Band joined with the community men's chorus Saturday, April 25, in Weber State's Val A. Browning Center to present a moving tribute to the U.S. Constitution on its 200th anniversary. The piece, the "Testament of Freedom" by Randall Thompson, was performed in observance of the signing of the American Constitution. It was originally composed to honor the bicentennial of Thomas Jefferson's birth in 1743. The text of the composition was taken from three of Jefferson's writings and organized into four movements. The first movement has a short text written in 1774 and is called "A Summary View of the Rights of British America." Jefferson states that God gave us life and liberty and no force may separate the two. The music accompanying the words resembles Handel's "Messiah" with the anthem proclaimed many times. The second and third movements are both taken from a Declaration of Causes and Necessity of Taking Up Arms, July 6, 1775. The opening of the second movement reflects the tone of Jefferson's text as he explains why the colonists reluctantly took up arms against the British government. That message is echoed in the ponderous tones of the timpani as it plods along, being held back by its own conscience. When Jefferson states, 'Our cause is just," the movement becomes one of brilliant power and finally concludes in a firm resolve, "to die free men rather than to live as slaves." The third movement takes on a military tone with the snap of the snare drum as Jefferson's words tell of unprovoked attacks. The music reflects the dissonance of conflict as men fight for their freedom. The movement ends with a successive chorus of "we," stating the conditions of the removal of hostilities. The fourth movement is from a letter to John Adams dated Sept. 12, 1821. This excerpt is stated with a quiet resolve in the music and, as the text says, "to keep this country a haven for liberty despite barbarism and tyranny." The "Testament of Freedom," with all its various moods, was well performed and the transitions smooth. The men's choir, especially, is to be commended for the professional job done. The choir consisted of volunteer men from various LDS stakes in the Ogden area. The first selection by the band was Sousa's "Fairest of the Fair." A rousing march that served well to highlight the band's talents with precise starts and cutoffs. The next selection contained two pieces. The first was an Irish Tune from County Derry, commonly known as "Danny Boy" and was highlighted by a beautiful trombone solo. The transition into this piece was a little rough, understandable coming off a march (see BAND on page 10) "u. ' r - "L " y s - "s """Ll ""Ss1 Mpr ' J ii sr - i ir m .- t m- 1 m. m mn -1 a m m m c i m. s i ar M a . i T fer 9 m m. l V fc. - m m. m m t & w cm Apply now for the positions of Editor-in-Chief Advertising Manager Production Manager for Next School Year. Apply with P. Larry Stahle, Advisor or Loretta Park, Assistant Advisor by May 6th. Signpost Office UB 268 or Annex 3104E For more information call 626-7120 or 626-7998 Holes (cont'd from page 6) "Tartini," he quipped, "was a contemporary of Columbus. Tartini made his balloons in the standard voices of the choir. He made a soprano Tartini, a very rich alto, a lovely tenor, and of course a basso profundo." Blowing up the "rich and lovely alto," Dr. Burton performed his final number. Burton's performances on such programs as Johnny Carson, The Dinah Shore Show, PM Magazine and others have earned him the reputation of "America's Master Musical Satirist." Though a humorist, Burton is also a professional cellist and has performed in symphony orchestras throughout the world. "Man's occupation with sound has always been a preoccupation. So he's worked to create instruments of unlimited variety and interest," he said, nj National Council of Teachers of English has named Dr. Judith Mitchell a regional judge for the 1987 NCTE Achievement Awards in writing competition.Through this nationally recognized competition, approximately 800 high school seniors are cited for excellence in writing and recommended to colleges and universities for admission and for financial aid, if needed. Dr. Mitchell has served as chairman of the WSC department of elementary education for the past two years. Graduates Graduation Announcements Have Arrived And Are Now On Sale. Imprinted Name Card Program Available with 2 week delivery time. For Best Results Order Early Weber State Bookstore i i Law Club Presents Sports Law Entertainment Law 2 Year Graduation Option Please meet Kelley Tyson 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 7, 1987 Room 235, Social Science Building Still accepting applications for Fall '87 14 minute color video of the school and San Diego will be shown. |