Cal Poly Bandfest will present “The Fast and the Furious” featuring the Mustang Marching Band, Wind Ensemble and Wind Orchestra in an energetic season opener.
“The Fast and the Furious” title is inspired by composer John Mackey’s hair raising “Redline Tango” that the Wind Ensemble will play. It was the composer’s first work for concert band, written in 2004. It depicts the experience of redlining an engine, or pushing it to the limit. The Wind Ensemble will also play “Slava” by Leonard Bernstein, and “Four Scottish Dances” by Malcolm Arnold.
The Wind Orchestra’s set will include “Honey Boys on Parade” by Edward Victor Cupero, which recalls the dazzling circus marches of the 1910s; “Wicklow” by Laura Estes; “Courtly Airs and Dances” by Ron Nelson; and “Holiday Piece” by David Foster, a rousing setting of the popular “Ukrainian Bell Carol” for modern concert band.
The 220-member Mustang Band will close the concert with arrangements of popular music including Snarky Puppy’s “Tio Macaco,” Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower,” ABBA’s “Mamma Mia,” and “Dancing Through Life” from the Broadway hit “Wicked,” as well as Cal Poly school songs that the group is performing for Cal Poly Athletics events.
The concert will be conducted by Director of Bands Christopher J. Woodruff and Associate Director of Bands Nicholas P. Waldron.
