Chorale and Shaker Dance - John Zdechlik - IWCB

IWCB plays Chorale and Shaker Dance by John Zdechlik
Since its premiere in 1972, Chorale and Shaker Dance has been a mainstay of the wind band repertoire. The ‘Chorale’ is the stately opening melody; ‘Shaker Dance’ refers to the lively tune that follows, the 19th-century Shaker hymn Simple Gifts (a tune that may also be familiar as Lord of the Dance).
This musical theme is transformed in multiple ways and juxtaposed with the chorale throughout the piece. Melodies are reflected between the instruments of the band-as a call-and-response, or in canon form (in which one section of the band starts the tune slightly later than the previous section).
An expansive central section maintains the intensity of the piece before returning to the earlier swift tempo. The familiar themes finally converge in a brilliant closing statement.
Our Conductor - Joshua McNulty:
Graduating from the Sydney Conservatorium in 2015, Joshua is a conductor, composer and educator. Primarily a reed player, he has recently started to dive into brass instruments in addition to his conducting and education work.
His studies with Dr John Lynch and Dr Anthony Clarke helped him build a solid foundation in conducting which have grown significantly while working with The FilmHarmonia Orchestra (founder and MD) the Inner West Community Band (MD), the Macquarie University Symphony Orchestra ; the Canaria Scoring Orchestra ; the Wellington Players; and the Strathfield Symphony Orchestra.
As an educator, Joshua directs numerous school bands across Sydney as well as tutoring many students on their instruments .
Joshua has always had a keen interest in music written with a narrative, especially as a composer and is very grateful to have had works premiered by both FilmHarmonia and IWCB. Joshua is especially proud to be given the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Australian wind band community through his appointment as MD of the Inner West Community Band.
Our Band:
Flute:
Milia Cavallaro*
Chiara Esber
Jasmine Gilligan
Rebecca Thomas
Victor Zhu
Lauren Ziegler
Piccolo:
Rebecca Thomas
Oboe:
Greg Knight
Hannah Kovilpillai
Cor Anglais:
Hannah Kovilpillai
Bassoon:
Helen Boyton*
Sam Herriman
Clarinet:
Simon Parker
Daniela Bantle
Ashleigh Finn
Harry He
Nathalie King
Sandra Mackay
Helene Pino
Amanda Sapienza
Bass Clarinet:
Linda Mann
Richard Price
Eloise Kershler
Soprano Saxophone:
Adele Sutton
Alto Saxophone:
Adele Sutton
Jordan Blanket
Eliza Harvey
Roxanne Macara
Tenor Saxophone:
Ned Hill
Mick Elderfield
Trumpet:
Adam Griffiths*
Matt Gemberling
Micah Napier
Angelo Valdivia
Kate Wilson
French Horn:
Jennifer Gunn
Alex Green
Trombone:
Angus Blake
Emma Dortins
Brian Hayes
Euphonium:
David Crawford
Tuba:
Sebastian Djayasukmana
Percussion:
Andrea Leong*
Ryan Mestric*
Milia Cavallaro
Hannah Kovilpillai
Conductor:
Joshua McNulty