The Keene State Concert Band grappled with grief during their annual “Light and Dark” performance on Thursday, Feb. 22.
The concert was dedicated to the memory of Glen Adsit, director of bands at The Hartt School in Connecticut and a friend and mentor to Concert Band Director Dr. John Hart. Adsit died in January, according to Hart.
Hart spoke to the audience before each of the four pieces the band performed, talking about the theme and its connection to grief and other human emotions. The final piece, “Synthetic Sunlight,” was composed by Steven Bryant as a commission for Adsit. The Keene State performance of the piece was part of a dual world premiere along with Duke University.
Although the February performance has been themed around light and dark in previous years, Hart said this year’s performance brought more emotional investment from him because of its connection to Adsit.
The first piece of the performance was “I Know Moonrise,” composed by Jess Langston Turner. Hart described the piece as an African American spiritual exploring themes of “death and descent into darkness … as a precursor to life and freedom.” Hart compared the theme to Adsit’s philosophy of life, saying he was not afraid of death and viewed it as a herald of new life.
Trumpet player and senior Trevor Adams said Hart had instructed the band to try their best to make him cry with their performance of “I Know Moonrise.”
“Going into college for music, I have been told multiple times … I have to start putting more of myself into it rather than just technical skill,” Adams said. “[Hart] is trying to help us out in order to make something wonderful together.”
The second piece was the theme from the film “Schindler’s List,” composed by John Williams. Hart said the inclusion of this piece was meant to pose a question: “How does one continue to shine the light in tragedy?” During this piece, the band was joined by Music Department Faculty Jesse MacDonald on violin.
The third piece was “Illuminations,” composed by Joseph Turrin. Hart described the 17-minute work as capturing “glimpses of brilliant, blinding light.” The band was joined for this piece by Music Department Faculty Dr. Kris Danielsen on trombone.
“Synthetic Sunlight” featured an electronic soundscape in addition to a wind ensemble, a combination Bryant has explored in other pieces, according to Hart. He said it, “Feels like shock” before moving on from a great loss.
First-year Asher Gardzina said “Synthetic Sunlight” was his favorite piece out of the four. He said he plans on joining the concert band next academic year and described the show as “phenomenal,” as well as praising Hart for his commitment to quality performances.
Charlotte King can be contacted at
cking@kscequinox.com
