Texas All State Band plays Slalom

[ManhattanSonata]

This is....remarkable.

[Xenoking101]

We're playing this this year in Highschool. It should be a lot of fun. :D We just got brahms down and now new music! yay! haha

[Holydown1]

a highschool in illinois played it, lockport i think

[MasterFloutist]

This is INSANE. This year I was myself an All-State flautist, and I know I couldn't play this part. Yikes.

[mneely21281]

main they are way better than us florid all stae

[kaseyWtrumpet]

TMEA High School All-State Honor Band - the epidemy of college bands. = P

[itroutpond]

I LOVE THIS SONG! I'm gonna try to get our band to play it...and great job!

[gannggstaz]

My high school marching band plans on doing this song this season, I wish the flutes luck

[shadesofred10]

@PLANEMANGROY well considering Carter Pann himself worked with the group on this piece for a day, I would say it was played the way the composer wanted it. ;)

[Liynkx]

isnt the beginning just like Beethoven's 9th symphony?

[saxophonesuperpowers]

@Liynkx Yes, they make a musical quote. I learned that in a wind listening class at a summer camp.

[bandluver2010]

@Liynkx yes it is. The writer wanted it to be like him listening to music while he is skiiing.

[rrobles3]

@Liynkx

its not 9th, its 6th or 7th :)

[Xenoking101]

@Liynkx yeah, the composer got his inspiration while skiing down a hill, listening to Classical music as he went.

[tc163204]

wat is this like a level 6-8

[Liynkx]

can someone tell me what the order of the all state bands are (highest to lowest). This sounds amazing.

[semajhs]

@Liynkx In texas (TMEA All-State) the Symphonic Band is the highest band, followed by Concert Band. Each band is obviously MUCH larger than a normal wind symphony, not to mention they only get the full pieces those 3 days of rehearsal.

[TimGBone2]

We're playing this in the 2010 Honor Band of America. I can't wait!!

[1stchairbarisax]

ok, I still don't get how you get into an Honor Band of America. Does your school need to be selected for try-outs or something?

[TimGBone2]

Nope. Any high school musician from any school in the country can audition for it. Private message me if you wanna know more about how to try out.

[jorut07]

I was at this concert. I was in the 06 5A Concert band (tuba). But i loved this song, Sanctuary, and the very first song yall played...Chest I think,,They were all great. I got the DVD

[Omega20702]

4:54 is magnificent

[kaseyWtrumpet]

Go Crown 2009!!

[svolypet]

lol. Yeah, go Crown!

[LionBaitProductions]

Haha I thought I recognized this

[hockey66pat]

i love the Beethoven reference's at the beginning and middle

[speedx50]

5:34 is just like WTF!!!!!!

[PainTrain87]

That is when we(trumpets) all stood up and played some fanfare deal. So, that is why you can hear so much edge on the sound.

[1stchairbarisax]

when i first heard this, i was amazed (refering to my prior comment), but now that i've actually listined to it, it really isn't that great. i mean, it's ok, but the clarinets and flutes aren't really together on their big runs and the like and are speeding up really badly. the tempo control is the most important thing in this piece. please don't give me negative comments for this, im just pointing out what i notice

[MidwestSingerDude]

Haha, you know what? That's what I think too.

[filipehutchens]

me too. the clarinets are out of tune also. other than that, it was good but i was just surprised that Texas would have the problem. We usually have really good woodwinds.

[semajhs]

You do have to take into account the level of the piece and just the sheer amount of instruments in those sections, ideally a third the size of the tmea all-state bands would be a true wind ensemble

[CharlieBitMeh]

Agreed. Sure an all-state band can play almost anything, but being able to keep together as in 1 sound is equally as important. But anyways it was nice and the only playing of the song I can find.

[05Forenza]

I couldn't agree more with you. From the near 10 years i played in band, woodwinds never seem to be in sync with the tempo. Especially clarinets. I'm a low brass guy so I'm a tad biased lol

[aray3333]

the trumpets sound so good double tounging those c's make them sound so easy!

[aaroncarabajal]

who cares if we have a larger population and more people to choose from

that just makes texas all the much better

[coffeeguy9]

Go Crown ;)

[MidwestSingerDude]

Damn, I hate to admit it. But your all-state is amazing. I'm from Iowa and have been to the All-state concert and listened to how good we are, but you guys are exceptionally good. Kudos.

[tboneking5]

i saw the university of miami band play this live it was fuckin sick!!

[luke55698]

This recording is so good, it's depressing. It makes me want to give up.... kinda like when I was in the TX 3A all-state band, and we sight read "Hounds of Spring" and the person next to me didn't miss a single note while I was just playing the downbeats... *sob*

[Wachesdavidz]

Yeahhh I remember high school honor band days. That's the greatest feeling, you feel like you just play the crap outta something as a group for the first time.

Yummy.

[murt4gh92]

man, i thought georgia all-state was good, but u guys blow us outta the water; i don't think we would've been able to play this song nearly as well at that tempo o.O

its kinda scary how good u guys r, lol

[Euphy09]

@murt4gh92 Before you go off and Slam GMEA All-State, you have to take into account the fact that the TMEA and GMEA All-State programs are run completely different. 1. there is only one 11th-12th grade band in TMEA instead of two. 2. its much bigger ensemble than GMEA (Bigger population). 3. they get there music weeks in advance, GMEA is a sight reading ensemble, therefore the literature we play must be attainable in 2-3 days. with all these variables its hard to compare the ensembles.

[murt4gh92]

@Euphy09 Also, I love how you decided to put words in my mouth and act like I had insulted the players of the GMEA All-State Band. In fact, I didn't say anything negative about GMEA, just that I thought this ensemble was better BASED ON THE RECORDING. Way to critique my fairly tame comment so much, and then, in comparison to what I said, completely trashing the TMEA recording. Don't want it to sound like I'm calling you a hypocrite, but you made the comment (no hard feelings or whatever).

[Euphy09]

@murt4gh92 sorry not trying to pick on you, but you made the comment (no hard feelings). Also I know that my peers and I are great musicians and that if under the same conditions, GMEA All-State would be just as amazing or better than TMEA's All-State. Actually I've played this piece before and I know that is performance is incredible , but it could have been so much better, had they taken it a few clicks slower. The balance is off, there's no clarity, nor is there any emotion. Bland.

[murt4gh92]

@Euphy09 It's amazing how you decide to single out a comment made 2-3 years ago, before I knew more about how the different ensembles functioned. Also, 2 of the points you made in your first comment would help support the fact that they might actually sound better: they have a larger population (more likely to have better players) and they have one band (only the best of the best selected).

[mrparke007]

God... the clarinets are all over the place. Of course, I'm sure there are like 45 or some number as obnoxious considering this is an All-State band. The trumpets and low brass are remarkably clean... especially the upper parts. Crystal clear. Thanks a lot for posting this.

[autumnaubrey]

Thank you. I was first horn in this ensemble. I appreciate your appreciation.

And you're right about the former comment.

Clarinets = bacteria

[mrparke007]

You should be very proud to have been in this ensemble. Very professional playing, and again, the brass parts are exquisitely performed. The average person doesn't know that you guys have like 48 hours to learn the parts. Insane!

[autumnaubrey]

I am extremely proud. I am even more proud because the CONDUCTOR was Allen McMurray, a genius and angel amongst ordinary men. But yeah, I've never been in an ensemble since then that I enjoyed as much and I play for hollywood. I've also never done as intense a recording since this piece. Seriously, this piece was HARD!

[mrparke007]

If you're a horn player, I'm totally jealous (tbone here). There is some really exquisite literature for wind ensemble that features horn lines... I was always jealous (e.g. anything by Alfred Reed or John Williams). Then I switched to euph because I got so sick of not having melodic lines. Best decision I ever made.

[autumnaubrey]

I dunno, Trombones have really great lines in orchestral pieces. The problem with Euph is there is NO euph in orchestra.

John Williams is so overrated. Jerry Goldsmith is WAY better. And James Horner. And Hans Zimmer is a great writer, but also a nice guy.

What do you mean, if I'm a horn player? On my facebook I have a studio picture of the USC horns(I'm in the center) with James Thatcher and Kristy Morrell on the flanks. Imdb James Thatcherl and see what you get/ You'll like it.

[AppleEater102]

mrparke007, i played this song as well, just not with this band. the trombones have a very good part in this piece. we have alot of the melody. then again euph's do too but this song gives a great balance melody-wise to every section. btw this performance was fantastic. definitely played alot faster than when i played this ;)

[sethdmil]

nice job...i was in the Pennsylvania All-State Band for 2 years as a percussionist. I miss the festival days. Now I attend West Chester University near Philly and we just played this piece for our Christmas Concert

[corpussharkman]

HOLY MOLY! Hard to believe that you all were only in high school!

[destotheman09]

i am amazed by the talent that the students have...i have never been in a state band, only all-region...we played a piece that was hard though..(sigh)..it was called The Red Machine....great job!

[Theadoramusic]

my high school is playing this in our marching show its quite the same!

ill post a video when i have one!

[jamesbazzle91]

Our marching band is playing this as our closer.

[coolness06]

I love this piece. It is complex, challenging, and at the same time very beautiful. I would love to perform it!

[erickrodriguezrocks]

Oh wow I can't believe it's already been two years since this....playing with all of those talented musicians was one of the best experiences I've had in my musical career, despite being a part of the award-winning University of Texas Trombone Choir. I stand with pride in having been part of such an epic performance.

[destotheman09]

this is amazing! i barely made it into all-region band and i hardly was able to play the music then! lol..this year we played a piece called "The Red Machine" and i almost died! on this song i would just fall out on the first note!

[drumjmajorj07]

I miss TMEA soo much it was soo fun, it was hard to believe that I played in this band 2 years ago. Oh and the Composer was weird he conducted with a baton in his left hand. But the Mr.McMurray was an awesome conductor...sigh..memories.

[hollakrislee]

this piece is so awesome. im very thankful for actually being in this band. i played bass clarinet in this band. such a fantastic opportunity! everyone was so talented!

[Condierice17]

Texas all state band always chooses the coolest songs, and this one is probably one of the best I've ever heard.

[rocbowl]

This piece is insane! I give a pat on the back to all the clarinets and flutes who had to play the runs in the beginning.The only thing I did not like about the preformance was you guys kind of rushed in the beginning due to those runs, which is understandable. But besides that, superior job!

R. Woods

Clarinetist

Blake High Wind Ensemble

[TimGBone]

Wow, Texas All State is awesome!

[jorut07]

I was there! except I was in the concert band though. 6th chair TUBA baby!

[avguste]

Actually, the runs are not that hard.

The piano part is not that complex either.

However,what Slalom requires is a team work and for each musician to listen to each other

[seecritagent]

I know that this piece is technically challengeing and all, kudos to those who attempt to play it, but seriousely, the runs in this are just a little over kill. No offense to the composer, but this is just too modernistic for my taste. I played a similar piece in high school called 'Rising'(forgive me I can't remember the composer), and it was an awesome piece, but too modern. Great job though to all the young musicians who performed this piece. Texas music programs rock!

[avguste]

The best recording is the one by the University of Kansas,recorded for Naxos

[sinfonian39]

Agreed.

[avguste]

With me as pianist ;)

[robspeace]

Baylor University also has a great recording of this.

[sinfonian39]

I will make my points brief. First, way too fast at A. It slowed to a more comfortable tempo later. There were some great moments of maturity throughout. I'm a skeptic and would say to never show this to a high school group, but these kids obviously have the technical mastery - just listen to each other more. Great sound from the middle voices to really fill the ensemble. That piano part is a beast, too. Overall good.

[shadesofred10]

I would want to point out to you that we had only been exposed to the piece for 3 days, and rehearsed it for less than that, and under the direction of Mr. Carter Pann himself for a part of our rehearsal. Considering that he composed this, I'm pretty damn sure we played this exactly how he wanted it.

[sinfonian39]

Let me iterate my points...I said the technical mastery was there. I also said the piece was inconsistent with itself-very fast in the beginning and more comfortable in the middle and end. Did Carter Pann want the tempo to fluctuate that much? Odds are he didn't, but who knows? Composers are weird fellows sometimes. I'm glad you take pride in this recording...you should - it's better than some college programs could do. I would suggest not getting so defensive, though.

[jazzbone07]

Great experience for me. 1st chair Trombone 2006 5A Symphonic Band!! :D

[kevalenoxx]

This seems like a fun song to play!

[wolfox123]

does any one have the recording of festival variations or firebird suite that the 4A all-state band played at the 2006 tmea convention? i one of the seven bass clarinets that played in it! >(^.^)>

[bluedevils088]

hey did you meet sawyer, i think he was a sophomore

[Corvette3456]

This is an incredible display of artistic talent by both the composer and the player themselves. I'm ashamed to call myself a composer.

[hick315]

is this 4A or 5A??/

[artsfanintex]

1. For rehearsing Thursday, Friday and Saturday this sounds great. This represents what Texas is doing with their music program across the state at a high school level.

2. You NEVER forget being a part of the Texas all state band. I was lucky enough to be there 3 years.

3.The University of Texas Wind Ensemble also has a spectacular recording of this as well. It should be on here.

=)

[achukachu22]

I hope to make it.

On Bari Sax.

I've made region..but it's just region

[avguste]

Hello everyone

Let me start by introducing myself.

My name is Avguste Antonov and I am currently attending Texas Christian University for the master in Piano Performance.

I was a member of the Kansas University Wind Symphony and I was the pianist that recorded Slalom for Naxos. Carter Pann is also a very good friend of mine

[avguste]

Now,let me first say that it is impressive to hear an All-State band perform this piece. Contrary to what many may think, this piece is not that easy to put together and it is very demanding,especially for an All-State.

[lilcomposer]

Hey Mr. Antonov! I just met Pann a few days ago. MSU's winds symphony performed it for the finale of the Midwest band clinic, and it was quite a hit.

[99ag1436]

kick ass!

[sinfonian39]

I've heard the recording. It was really great.

[CBdrummer618]

I'm impressed at how well they performed it!

[IceTre]

I remember driving in my car -- and by random chance -- I was listening to NPR when they were talking about this piece being showcased at Britain's MasterPrize back in 2001. They played a performance of it on the radio and I loved it. That was 6 years ago but the piece was so compelling -- I never forgot about it. This is the first time I've heard it since that night! Thank you for posting!!

[theorderofone]

it was nice, but it would be better if they got some more difficult literature

[danielking75]

is that a joke?

this song is one of the most difficult pieces of band literature around.

[rrobles3]

@theorderofone

um yeah... this piece is INCREDIBLY difficult. And for them to play it THAT fast, PROPS to them, cause that is QUITE a feat.

[strangeflute]

i was in the 5A symphonic band that year!! :D

so many good memories

[jamw13]

you should hear this song called "four factories" by carter pann. its really new but its amazing.

[tikitiki111]

i saw this performance.

it was pretty much amazing.

=]

[thedustoflife]

Wow, I thought my high school was the only high school that attempted playing this song. Coool.

[tikitiki111]

it's not a high school, it's actually the all-state band students from all over texas who came together for a concert.

=]