Session 92 features an amazing line-up of local composers and other composers we're working with for the first time in a beautiful new venue for us—Oakland's Chapel of the Chimes! The evening starts off with a pair of pieces by local composer and violinist Sandy Poindexter who wrote these two pieces to be adapted for string orchestra with solo harp, piano, and two flutes that features jazz improvisational elements and was orchestrated by one of our percussion Ambassadors, Sage Baggott.
We will also premiere a movement of the Rondo Symphony by Minnesota composer John Sims. Rondo is dedicated to the Black neighborhood in St. Paul which was decimated to make way for Interstate 94 between 1956-1968. At least 650 families were displaced, as well as many businesses and community locations. Rondo tells this story.
And closing out the session, we'll perform "God Bless The Child" — a classic Billie Holiday anthem arranged by Matt Wong, a graduate of San Francisco School of the Arts and alumnus of Awesome Orchestra, now working regularly with musical luminaries such as Jon Batiste!
SESSION 92 DETAILS
WHEN: Friday, August 18, 2023, 6:30-9:30pm. We *strongly* recommend arriving at 6pm to have time to check in and get set up.
WHERE: Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland, CA
(We'll be playing in the main chapel on the first floor just off the street entrance.)
ADMISSION: Free to all musicians who sign up. Audience free (though very limited seating for audience).
TRANSPORTATION SUGGESTIONS: While there is a small parking lot and limited street parking, we strongly suggest carpooling and ride-sharing for this location. This venue is accessible by public transportation (the 12 busline). Make sure to look up the venue ahead of time to make your parking plan!
Please join our Discord to coordinate walking buddies or a carpool!
REPERTOIRE & SCHEDULE
conducted by Artistic Director David Möschler, featuring Associate Artistic Director, Brian Adam McCune and guest conductor Marty Stoddard
6:30-7:20pm Prelude and Child's Song by Sandy Poindexter (orchestrated by Sage Baggott) (~7 minute) WORLD PREMIERE
INSTRUMENTATION: 1 flutes, 1 clarinet (B-flat), 1 piano, 1 harp, strings
7:30-8:30pm: Rondo Symphony by John Sims, for orchestra (~10 minutes) conducted by Martha Stoddard - WORLD PREMIERE!
INSTRUMENTATION: 1 flute, 1 piccolo, 1 oboe, 1 clarinet (B-flat), 1 bassoon, 2 horns (F), 1 trumpets (C), 1 trombone, timpani, 1 percussion, 1 solo violin, strings
8:40-9:30pm: "God Bless The Child" by Billie Holiday (arr. for orchestra by Matt Wong) (~6 minutes)
INSTRUMENTATION: 2 flutes, 2 oboes (2nd doubles english horn), 2 clarinets (B-flat), 2 bassoons, 1 tenor sax4 horns (F), 4 trumpets (B-flat), 2 trombones, 1 bass trombone, 1 tuba, timpani, drum set, 2 percussion, 1 piano, 1 harp, 1 electric bass, strings
SHEET MUSIC and reference recordings for upcoming open sessions can always be found on Google Drive at: bit.ly/AOCSheetMusic . We'll provide chairs and sheet music. MUSICIANS please bring your own music stand!
MUSICIANS
Due to capacity limitations with the venue, we will have a smaller ensemble for this session. We have space for: 6 flutes, 3 oboes, 6 clarinets, 3 bassoons, 1 tenor sax, 6 horns, 5 trumpets, 4 trombones, 2 tubas, 5 percussion, 2 harps, 2 keyboards, 12 first violins, 12 second violins, 12 violas, 12 cellos, 6 double basses
*This event is open to all ages*
Be sure to sign up before the deadline on August 10. You can expect an email from your Awesöme Ambassadors with specific info by August 10 EOD (check your spam filters if this is your first session). If you are signing up after August 10, you might not get your Ambassador email until August 14. Please be patient—they have a lot of information to collect before emailing everyone.
AUDIENCE
* This event is open to all ages*
Audience space is very limited for this event, so if you’d like to join us, make sure to come around 6pm!