Nigel Bartram
Composer, performer and teacher of music at York CollegeFanfare For York
York college (where I work as a tutor) moved to a new building. I decided to write a piece for the official opening on 14th December 2007. I was particularly attracted to the new large atrium and wanted to create a musical event in the space. (Perhaps one of many in the future).
To see the performance please click here
I decided to compose the piece for 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and timpani (but was perfectly willing to double parts for more sound especially in such a large space. We decided to reinforce the sound as far as that would allow and suspended 3 microphones to assist above the performers.
As can be seen from the picture I used the first floor stairwell and conducted from the floor.
The starting points for the piece were local references in the form of marching rhythms from 'The Grand old Duke of York' and the rhythms from the words 'Ebor' or 'Eboricum', these being old names for York. These are heard at times in the timpani line. Gil Evans style jazz harmonies often are prevalent in the tutti sections. Here are the opening bars:
We acknowledge that the final performance did not go as well as the rehearsal but the pressure of the formal occasion had its effect. I am so grateful however for the efforts of these young players. We have as a result established a strong brass group in the college.
The York college Brass Ensemble performs 'Fanfare for York'
A view from the balcony during the performance
York college (where I work as a tutor) moved to a new building. I decided to write a piece for the official opening on 14th December 2007. I was particularly attracted to the new large atrium and wanted to create a musical event in the space. (Perhaps one of many in the future).
To see the performance please click here
I decided to compose the piece for 3 trumpets, 3 trombones and timpani (but was perfectly willing to double parts for more sound especially in such a large space. We decided to reinforce the sound as far as that would allow and suspended 3 microphones to assist above the performers.
As can be seen from the picture I used the first floor stairwell and conducted from the floor.
The starting points for the piece were local references in the form of marching rhythms from 'The Grand old Duke of York' and the rhythms from the words 'Ebor' or 'Eboricum', these being old names for York. These are heard at times in the timpani line. Gil Evans style jazz harmonies often are prevalent in the tutti sections. Here are the opening bars:
We acknowledge that the final performance did not go as well as the rehearsal but the pressure of the formal occasion had its effect. I am so grateful however for the efforts of these young players. We have as a result established a strong brass group in the college.
The York college Brass Ensemble performs 'Fanfare for York'
A view from the balcony during the performance