Foothill Symphonic Winds

Rehearsals and Concert Cancelled

In accord with social distancing and mandated shelter in place orders,
full rehearsals and concerts have been cancelled until we can proceed
in a healthy manner for all.

The Foothill Symphonic Winds (FSW) was formed in 1980. The ensemble performs classical and contemporary works written or transcribed for symphonic wind ensemble or concert band. The aim is to assist the musicians in continuing their musical growth while also providing high-caliber musical entertainment for the community. The FSW was a class offered by Foothill College in Los Altos Hills until all Music Performance classes were cancelled in the summer of 2011. The members of the FSW wanted to continue to operate in its traditional format, except as a non-profit organization. Articles of Incorporation were filed, a Board of Directors elected, and 501(c)(3) tax exempt status granted to the FSW by the IRS.

To learn more about the Foothill Symphonic Winds, click here.

When conditions allow it, the FSW will rehearse Wednesday evenings at the Mountain View High School, Packard Hall, 3535 Truman Avenue, Mountain View, CA.

Normally we've met in Fall, Winter, and Spring sessions, beginning rehearsals at 7:30 PM. While we don't have a fixed instrumentation, we do have a limit on our total membership for musical and logistical reasons. Musicians interested in joining the ensemble must receive approval from our Music Director (Contact). Existing members can register for a session or pay dues by using the following link: Register

What Are We Doing Now?

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the musicians of the Foothill Symphonic Winds (FSW) have been following state and local social distancing guidelines in an attempt to help stop the spread of the virus and flatten the curve in our communities. Although this has prevented us from rehearsing as our traditional full ensemble of 70 musicians, and bandwidth and latency limitations make it difficult to hold live virtual performances successfully, we are finding ways in which we can safely share our love of music with each other and with you.

The members of the Foothill Symphonic Winds (FSW) have been active during the COVID pandemic by individually rehearsing and performing in socially-distanced small ensembles. Our last virtual concert video, Gustav Holst's Chaconne, was a great success and was welcomed and enjoyed by our musicians and audience alike.

We are excited to share with you our latest video: Cait Nishimura's inspiring Chasing Sunlight, winner of the 2017 Canadian Band Association Composition Competition. As many of our musicians are multi-talented, you may see the same musician playing multiple instruments in the same video! It is our hope that these projects will provide a musical interlude for you until we can once again present live performances. Please share this information with your family and friends. Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and safe Spring! These and additional recordings can be accessed here or on our YouTube channel.

Chasing Sunlight by Cait Nishimura

Program Note

Chasing Sunlight was inspired by the experience of driving west into the setting sun, as if trying to keep up with the earth's rotation to catch the last few rays of light before dusk. The steady eighth note motif throughout the piece represents this sense of urgency, while the soaring, lyrical themes depict the warmth and radiance of the sun low in the sky.

Just as the sun will always set, humans must accept the impermanence of all things in life, and make the most of every opportunity before it has passed. Chasing Sunlight also represents the ongoing pursuit of these opportunities. [Source: Composer's website] (3:11)

		A Childhood Remembered by Rossano Galante The lilting and flowing music of this composition recalls the happiness of childhood. What might the music invoke in your memory? Running across a spring meadow, blowing on dandelions • Getting a bike or doll house • Learning to swim • Playing with your pet • Jumping in a pile of autumn leaves • A family gathering • Waking to new snowfall and a school closure • A double feature movie with cartoons and eating ice cream or a big box of popcorn. (3:46)

		First Suite in E-flat, mvt. 1, Chaconne by Gustav Holst Written in 1909, the Suite in E-Flat is generally regarded as a cornerstone work for concert band. The opening theme of the Chaconne is repeated by various instruments as others weave varied filigrees about the ground theme. In the middle of the first movement, the principal theme is inverted for several repetitions. (5:59)

		The Eighth Candle by Steve Reisteter Subtitled "Prayer and Dance for Hanukkah", this composition celebrates the Jewish festival commemorating the re-dedication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem in 165 BC. A revolt by a small group of Maccabees defeated the much larger force of Syrian-Greek oppressors who had defiled the temple. The menorah was required to burn within the temple at all times, but the Maccabees only found one day’s worth of uncontaminated olive oil. Miraculously, the oil burned for eight days, allowing time to find a fresh supply. In modern times, candles are ceremoniously lit over eight days. (7:55)

		Christmas Day by Gustav Holst Subtitled "A Fantasy on Old Carols", this compilation was written in 1910 for Gustav Holst’s students at Morley College, London. Beginning with Good Christian Men, Rejoice and God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Holst weaves strains of Come Ye Lofty, Come Ye Lowly with "The First Noel. A reprise of the carols is both majestic and reverent. (6:08)