Fall 2017 Band Program LCHS Falcon Marching Band 2017 “Out of this World” This year’s musical selections are from the “The Planets” (1914) by Gustav Holst. Each movement is intended to convey ideas and emotions associated with the influence of the planets on the human psyche and through personification by use of the Roman Gods and Goddesses. This is a dramatic epic that includes war, death, love, and joy. This year’s show will depict three distinct movements from “The Planets”
The first movement is Mars: The Bringer of War During this selection there is a battle between two equal and opposing forces. The Color Guard adorns a costume that mimics female warriors and assassins. While percussion fight to keep the forces at bay, the winds react and watch the destruction unfold. The result of war is detrimental to both sides as each suffer causalities equally. The second movement is Venus: The Bringer of Peace After the abrupt realization of the cost of war, a leader from the Winds comes forward and proclaims the need for a peaceful resolution and a desire to spread love and prosperity. This is depicted by a Mellophone Solo from Sophomore Kanin Corbin, as well as a solo from Guard Captain Briana Fuller. The pleas for help and peace are echoed by the Woodwind choir then supported by the brass. The color guard and percussion depict running and flowing emotions both physically and musically until the piece concludes and trickles away into a dreamlike state. The final movement is Jupiter: The Bringer of Jollity In this selection, both parties awake to find excitement and joy in the realization that war is over and life and happiness can be found. We also see the reunion of loved ones in this Movement. This movement expresses many different emotions of excitement and joy including beautiful chorale, celebration, and dance sections. There are many different interpretations to Gustav Holt’s work and many contemporaries such as John Williams (the composer of Star Wars and many other film scores) have quoted, used, and been directly influenced in their writing by “The Planets.” Regardless of interpretation, this music and dramatization of “The Planets” takes on a new form and tells a story of heartache and love. Through a whirlwind of emotions, we take the audience on a journey that is truly bizarre and even at times “Out of this World.”