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Videos

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 previous virtual concert videos have been welcomed and enjoyed by our musicians and audience alike. We are excited to share with you our latest video: Frank W. Meacham's concert march American Patrol. 

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.

American Patrol
American Patrol
by Frank W. Meacham

New York native Frank W. Meacham (1865 - 1909) first composed American Patrol for the piano in 1885. His version for band was granted copyright in 1891. This concert march begins softly with a snare drum and solo clarinet, signifying the start of a parade heard in the distance. The volume slowly increases until the performing band passes the reviewing stand while performing Columbia, Gem of the Ocean and Dixie with the sound fading in the distance. The theme of Yankee Doodle provides a final salute. (4:31)



Chasing Sunlight
Chasing Sunlight
by Cait Nishimura

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. [Source: Composer's website] (3:11)



Childhood
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)



Chaconne
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
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
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)