What do you think of when you look at Stained Glass Windows? Do you think about how beautiful the colored pieces are when they all come together? What about the strength of the iron that holds it all together? What about the light that you need as a source for giving the window its full glory?
These are all thoughts that the design team discussed when we first met in January. For some reason, perhaps divine intervention, we as a staff were drawn to the idea of stained glass windows. It gave us an opportunity to become more modern with our show this year, in terms of our look and our sound, but still allows us to proclaim the Gospel Message.
We broke down the three main components of the window, detailing what is needed to complete the beautiful design. The staff uses a three pronged approach in our designs, using music, visual, and theological viewpoints to tell a story. We quickly realized how artistically and accurately it represents Christian Life and thus, “Heavenly Light” was chosen as the 2018 show.
IRON:
The iron frame represents the starkness of the Law. We represent this both musically and visually. The show opens with a brass chorale featuring the music of Giovanni Palestrina's “The Pope Marcellus Mass.” This was the first piece ever composed using harmony and is quite stark, yet beautiful in nature. For the visual representation of this, the entire ensemble is dressed in black, quite different from our traditional maroon and gray uniforms!
GLASS:
The second movement is a representation of Glass. The music is a modern adaptation of J.S. Bach’s “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light.” It features Isabel Heibeck on soprano saxophone and some absolutely breathtaking moments from the music ensemble. In this movement, we also begin to see more use of the Color Guard, each of them cast in their own color as various shades of glass.
LIGHT:
The final movement is originally composed for Concordia and perfectly represents the last component of a stained glass window, light. The music begins with a lively introduction before being swept into full ensemble moments. The composer brings back hints of Bach, before adding his own twist to the finale. It is a perfect conclusion to the show and captures the essence of light.
2018 Shows:
September 8: Bluffton High School
September 22: Bands of America - Early Season Regional at Miami University, Ohio
September 29: Homestead High School
October 6: ISSMA Open Class Regional at Homestead High School
October 13: ISSMA Regionals at Jefferson High School, Lafayette, Indiana
October 20: Bands of America - Indianapolis Super Regional at Lucas Oil Stadium
October 27: ISSMA Semi-State at Decatur Central High School (God-willing!)
November 3: ISSMA State Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium (God-willing!)
We hope to see you at one of our shows this year cheering us on! We are so excited about this show!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Adam Friedrich,
Director of Bands