The Force Awakens The United States Army Field Band Premieres Force Awakens Music Live

[Jay 42,491]

It was Scherzo for X-Wings!

https://www.facebook.com/jbrausam/videos/10205368522355737/

[Taikomochi 1,328]

Clicking the link, nothing appears. I just get :

"Sorry, this content isn't available right now"

[Jay 42,491]

OK, it's on youtube now!

 

 

 

[Taikomochi 1,328]

Awesome! Really shows the potential that piece has to be played in concert. For me, this is the "Asteroid Field" of this score.

[Scarpia 132]

I really like this tempo.

[KK 3,310]

I'm not sure if its "Asteroid Field" level material, but that's a great performance! I wonder how much time they had with the arrangement.

[Bowie 46]

I really like this tempo.

Yeah, funny how listening to the original after this it sounds sooo lethargic (to be expected really) but I think the speed really works better for the style of writing. But of course Williams is a bit beholden to the pacing of the scene.

[Scarpia 132]

I really like this tempo.

Yeah, funny how listening to the original after this it sounds sooo lethargic (to be expected really) but I think the speed really works better for the style of writing. But of course Williams is a bit beholden to the pacing of the scene.

The kind of writing of this piece demands a lighter tempo, otherwise, the long sustained notes of Luke's Theme slow down the movement, if only at a psychological level. I like that the conductor here took that decision.

[BLUMENKOHL 1,087]

....why is the army playing a Scherzo for aviation vehicles?

Why not a march?

[Tom 5,616]

I'm not sure if its "Asteroid Field" level material, but that's a great performance! I wonder how much time they had with the arrangement.

I do not understand these sorts of comparisons. the asteroid field is one of the best film cues ever composed. of course a given piece is not going to measure up to such a standard.

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

People just like to bitch and whine. It's not 1980 anymore folks!

[airmanjerm 83]

The Field Band actually released a produced video of this live performance. Not the best audio quality ever, but that room where they performed is notoriously poor, acoustically.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153261645616088&id=130380711087

[Ricard 2,318]

The Field Band actually released a produced video of this live performance. Not the best audio quality ever, but that room where they performed is notoriously poor, acoustically.

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10153261645616088&id=130380711087

Thanks! It's now also on YouTube:

BTW I love this shot

[BloodBoal 7,544]

That piece does work better at a faster tempo. Love that rendition!

[Joe Brausam 228]

That's great! YouTube took down my video that we initially had, but this one is a bit better.

[Jay 42,491]

YouTube seriously took your video down? How lame!

[composeradrian 8]

I'm not sure if its "Asteroid Field" level material, but that's a great performance! I wonder how much time they had with the arrangement.

Full disclosure: arranger here at the Army Field Band. We got the OK just one week before this performance, with Score and parts over email., with stipulation it would only be performed on day of the film debut (17 DEC). With that said, all of our gear was being packed into to trucks that same day we got the OK, so we got a quick 10min of rehearsal (as we had a total of 4 programs to still go through) before they would see it again at tech rehearsal on Tues 15 DEC. So the performance is actually the 3rd time in front of the music.

Yeah, the audio is not the greatest. Lot of red tape with how recordings are handled, not to mention, this isn't an actual concert hall by any means. Glad you guys enjoyed it!

[Scarpia 132]

Thanks for the insights, Adrian! How did you manage to have permission for this premiere?

[composeradrian 8]

Thanks for the insights, Adrian! How did you manage to have permission for this premiere?

Well, despite my position, I have a limited info, but it was kind of a perfect storm. We're part of consortium of bands that will be premiering some of this music over the next few months. It was always the plan to release the music, which is why some of it was done, but pulling off this early had a bit of knowing the right people and the context. With the Midwest Clinic being the venue and Hal Leonard being present at the conference, the fact we were hosting a "Film Music in Concert Setting" with Tim Simonec on the day of the premiere seemed to make everything click. I know the 16 DEC performances (with much higher attendance and visibility) was denied for premiering the music. But last tune on a film music program the day of premiere worked out...

I should add that it is easier to speak of this in a past tense, because any time before 17 DEC, I would of told you none of this was happening (and even then, it was quite possible it wouldn't despite having the music).

You'll be able to look forward to the Marine Band putting a bit more of this music sometime in the spring

[Joe Brausam 228]

On December 20, 2015 at 9:49 AM, Jay said:

YouTube seriously took your video down? How lame!

 Seems to be back now.  I got the takedown notice and everything from them.  Weird.

 

Thanks for the info on it all Adrian, it was awesome!

[mrbellamy 7,328]

On 12/20/2015 at 7:55 PM, composeradrian said:

You'll be able to look forward to the Marine Band putting a bit more of this music sometime in the spring

 

And here it is!! Force Awakens concert suite by the US Marine Band 

 

 

[#SnowyVernalSpringsEternal 10,949]

Airmanjerm really needs to show us what the Airforce can do!

[Tom 5,616]

It would have been nice to hear the concert version of Jedi steps, but this was great.  I really like the extension of Poe's theme in the finale. 

[Disco Stu 15,509]

Really nice performance. I'm going to see the Richmond Symphony play a John Williams program next January and I really hope they at least include Rey's Theme.

[BernieTheDog 2]

They played this very good. I actually had the chance to watch them march up in 8th and I in D.C.