Issaquah High School’s 2nd Annual
BREATH OF AIRE Dr. J. Bayard DuBois, Conductor ISSAQUAH HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHORALE Barbara Irish, Conductor PACIFIC CASCADE FRESHMAN CONCERT CHORALE Nancy Ziebart, Conductor
	7:00 PM Saturday, April 21, 2007 Issaquah High School Commons

April 21, 2007

To Our Veterans,

Hundreds of thousands of you have sacrificed your families, ambitions, and lives for the freedom of America. May we never forget how fortunate we are to be Americans.

The music of this evening is a reminder of the rich heritage we enjoy because of the bravery and ultimate love given by these men and women.

For those of you who are in our audience, I personally want to thank you. For those not here, we will be thinking of you this evening.

Blessings,

Barbara K. J. Irish
Choral Director, Issaquah High School

In Memory of First Lieutenant David F. Johnstone (1932 - April 17, 1956)

2^ND ANNUAL

MOSTLY AMERICANA DESSERT CONCERT

PRESENTING OF THE COLORS

Issaquah High School Color Guard

Star Spangled Banner  National Anthem

Words by Francis Scott Key

Francis Scott Key, a 35-year-old lawyer penned the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry" during the war of 1812. He watched the bombardment of Baltimore's from a British ship in Chesapeake Bay where he was being held. It was only the sight of the Star Spangled Banner the following morning that told him we had won the battle. His poem, which consists of four verses, was set to the tune of a British drinking song and became our National Anthem in 1931.

PACIFIC CASCADE FRESHMAN CAMPUS CONCERT CHORALE

Nancy Ziebart, Director

Linda White, Accompanist

Sing for Peace                                     Inspiriational

By Papouus  & Nunez

This piece was written for the Young People's Chorus of New York City for the 2004 Lincoln Center Tree Lighting Ceremony. Intertwining melodic lines incorporate multiple languages in the spirit of seeking peace worldwide. It includes parts for handbells and djembe.

Ol' Joe Clark                                        Fiddle Tune

Arranged by Earlene Rentz

Ol' Joe Clark is one of America’s most popular Fiddle Tunes. Breakdowns (also called reels or hoedowns) are the fastest tunes. The speed and drive of traditional old-time tunes is one important characteristic of what is know as bluegrass music. Many of the breakdowns like "Ol' Joe Clark" are played fast so you've get your lips moving if you want to get the words out. You've got to keep your skillet good and greasy!

ISSAQUAH HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT CHORALE

Barbara Irish, Director

Martin Luther King Medley

          Lift Ev'ry Voice and Sing                                        Black National Anthem

                   By James W. Johnson & John R. Johnson                           

                             Jared Gibbs, Soloist

This "The Black National Anthem" was written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and then set to music by his brother John. It was first performed as part of a celebration of Lincoln's Birthday on February 12, 1900 by a choir of 500 schoolchildren at the segregated Stanton School, where James Weldon Johnson was principal.

          "I Have a Dream"                                                               Free Speech

                    By Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King

                   Hiroki Murakami, Presenter

This historic speech by Dr, Martin Luther King was delivered on August 28, 1963 from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. It was a defining moment for the American Civil Rights Movement when he spoke of his desire for a future where blacks and whites would coexist harmoniously as equals.

An American Trilogy - My Country 'Tis of Thee                              Patriotic

          By Samuel F. Smith

          Arranged by Mark Hayes

                   Bianca Lewis & Marissa Poston, Duet

"My Country, 'Tis of Thee," also known as "America," is an American patriotic song. The melody is derived from the British national anthem, "God Save the Queen". The lyrics to "My Country, 'Tis of Thee" were written in 1831 by Reverend Samuel Francis Smith of Boston's Park Street Church. The song served as a de facto national anthem for much of the 19th century. Particularly meaningful to Mrs. Irish are the words "land where my fathers died". Her own father's plane went down over the Sea of Japan when she was 4 months old.

          For Good from Wicked Broadway Musical

By Stephen Schwartz

                   Arranged by Mac Huff

Jade Kriens-Anderson & Mason Mitchell, Soloists

This was sung by the Concert Chorale at a Memorial Assembly for Issaquah Math Teacher Stacey Aspey. It speaks of how we can be changed by knowing another person.

William Tell Overture                                                           Opera / Television 

          Theme music for The Lone Ranger

          By Gioachino Rossini/Mark Hayes

William Tell (Guillaume Tell) is an opera composed by Giacchino Rossini from a play by the same name written by Friedrich Schiller. It is rarely performed due to its length (performances can last as long as six hours), and it is known mostly for its overture. The "cavalry charge" gallop became famous in the 1940s through 1960s as the theme song for the popular radio and television cowboy show, The Lone Ranger.

BREATH OF AIRE

Dr. J. Bayard DuBois, Director

Jill Hofer, Accompanist

Clap Yo' Hands                                                     Broadway Musical

By George Gershwin

          Arranged by Pete King

George Gershwin is one of the Twentieth Century's most revered composers. Despite his premature death at 38 his output is outstanding. By 1913 he was working as a pianist and became a staff composer for a publishing firm in 1917. His first hit was "Swanee" (1918) which became a huge success for Al Jolson when it was added to the show Sinbad in 1919. In 1926 his "Clap Yo' Hands" encouraged other composers to create feel-good religious songs in their musicals.

Danny Boy                                                                               Irish Folk Song

          By Frederic Weatherly

          Arranged by Damon Meador

In 1910, English lawyer Frederic Edward Weatherly wrote the words and music for an unsuccessful song he called Danny Boy. In 1912 his sister-in-law in America Margaret heard gold-prospectors, believed to be from the Roe Valley in Ireland, playing a beautiful tune. She sent him the tune now known as Londonderry Air. He immediately noticed that the melody was perfectly fitted to his Danny Boy lyrics, and published a revised version of the song in 1913. Although Lyricist Frederic Weatherly never stepped foot in Ireland, the song is traditionally known as an Irish Folk Song.

Blessed Assurance                                                                   Jazz-style Hymn

          Words by Fanny Crosby (1820-1915)

          Music by Phoebe Knapp

          Arranged by Ted Nichols

American Composer Fanny Crosby was probably the most prolific hymnist in history. Though blinded by an incompetent doctor at six weeks of age, she wrote over 8,000 hymns. About her blindness, she said: “It seemed intended by the blessed providence of God that I should be blind all my life, and I thank Him for the dispensation. If perfect earthly sight were offered me tomorrow I would not accept it. I might not have sung hymns to the praise of God if I had been distracted by the beautiful and interesting things about me.

This arrangement was written in Jazz style for Breath of Aire by Ted Nichols who is best known for his work as an in-house musical director at Hanna-Barbera Productions. He wrote much of the incidental background music in productions such as Scooby-Doo, Where Are you!, Josie and the Pussycats, and the Flintstones.

It Is Well with My Soul                                                     Traditional Hymn

Words by Horatio Spafford  

Music by Phillip Bliss

Arranged by Mark Hayes

This influential hymn was written after two major traumas in Spafford's life. The first was the death of his only son, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a wealthy business man). In 1873, while crossing the Atlantic, all four of Spafford's daughters died in a collision with another ship. Spafford's wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone." Several weeks later, as Spafford's own ship passed near the spot where his daughters died, he wrote these inspired words.

God Bless the USA  Patriotic

          By Lee Greenwood

          Arranged by Don Marsh

Alan Lake, Soloist

Written in the 70's, this American Patriotic Song was first widely heard during the Gulf War (1990-91) as a way of boosting morale. Its popularity rose sharply since the September 11, 2001 attacks and during the 2003 invasion of Iraq. This moving song is a tribute to the men and women who are dedicated to preserving the freedoms of our United States of America.

The Blood Will Never Lose Its Power                        Contemporary Urban Gospel

          By Andraé Crouch                                                      (aka Black Gospel)

          Arranged by Jay Rouse

                   Michelle Benson, Soloist

The music popularized by urban contemporary gospel pioneers had its roots mostly in spirituals sung by southern slaves during the 18th and 19th century but also in the freewheeling forms of religious devotion of 'Sanctified' or 'Holiness' churches, who encouraged individual church members to 'testify', speaking or singing spontaneously about their faith and experience, sometimes while dancing in celebration.

Cindy                                                                                              Folk Song

          Double Choir & 4 Hands

          Arranged by Mack Wilberg

                   Scott Hamilton, Xylophone

"Cindy" is a rollicking American Folk song and frolic tune thought to be originated in North Carolina. As with many folk songs, each singer was free to add verses, and many did. Cindy was a particular favorite for this, with many lewd verses added, attesting to Cindy's amorous inclinations.

Java Jive                                                                                                Jazz

          By Milton Drake & Ben Oakland

          Arranged by Kirby Shaw

                   Hi Tones and BOA women

People started singing and swinging on this catchy tune five decades ago when its lazy beat perfectly fitted the close-harmony vocals of The Ink Spots, a style re-created by the Manhattan Transfer on one of their earlier albums.

INTERMISSION

Enjoy a Good Ol’ American Dessert:

Apple Pie Brownies

Lemon Bars

Coffee

Breath of Aire is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to raise money for charities through performing uplifting and inspirational choral music. They are supporting our IHS Choral Department today. Your support will help BOA continue this valuable work.

• Breath of Aire CD’s on Sale. Christmas Aire, Good News (spirituals recorded in Spain), Be Still (Mrs. Irish has a solo), Come to the Water, Never Alone (Mr. Longman on violin along with members of our Evergreen Orchestra)

• Check out the Barbeque Sauce. MM-mmmm! Take home a bottle tonight!

In the Good Old Summertime                                                          Barbershop

          By Ben Shields & George Evans

Take Me Out to the Ballgame                

          By Jack Norworth & Albert VonTilzer

          Arranged by SPEBSQSA

                   In Harmony and BOA men

Barbershop is a style of unaccompanied vocal music characterized by consonant four-part chords for every melody note. Each of the four parts has its own role: generally, the lead sings the melody, the tenor harmonizes above the melody, the bass sings the lowest harmonizing notes, and the baritone completes the chord.

Barbershop singing originated in African American communities in the U.S. around the turn of the century, where barbershops were, and remain today, social gathering places. The Mills Brothers learned to harmonize in their father’s barber shop in Piqua, Ohio. Several other well-known African American gospel quartets were founded in neighborhood barber shops, among them the New Orleans Humming Four, the Southern Stars and the golden Gate Jubilee Quartette. The tight, four-part harmony of the form has its roots in the black church were close harmony has a long tradition.

FOLK SONG SING-ALONG

Comin' Round the Mountain                                             Appalachian Folk Song

1.  She'll be coming 'round the mountain when she comes ...
2.  She'll be ridin' six white horses ...
3.  Oh, we'll all come out to meet her ...
4.  We will kill the old red rooster ...

Although the first printed version of the song appeared in Carl Sandburg's The American Songbag in 1927, the song is believed to have been written during the late 1800s. The song was based on an old Negro spiritual titled When the Chariot Comes. During the 19th century it spread through Appalachia where the lyrics were changed into their current form. The song was later sung by railroad work gangs in the Midwestern United States in the 1890s. The song's style is reminiscent of the "call and response" structure of many folk songs of the time.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat                                                         Nursery Rhyme
          By Eliphalet Oram Lyte

"Row, row, row your boat gently down the stream,

Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily

Life is but a dream."

"Row, Row, Row Your Boat" is a nursery rhyme, and a popular children's song/proverb, often sung as a round. It can also be an 'action' nursery rhyme where singers sit opposite one another and 'row' forwards and backwards with joined hands. The tune is credited to Eliphalet Oram Lyte in the publication The Franklin Square Song Collection (1881, New York).

AROUND THE PEOPLE

Down in the Valley to Pray                                                      Southern Gospel

          Arranged by Jay Althouse 

                   Terry Welker, Soloist

This piece pays homage to the uniquely American tradition of shape-note. Shape notes are like ordinary Western musical notation, except that the note-heads are printed in distinctive geometrical shapes to indicate their position and musical syllable. The style of this arrangement is that of Appalachian Mountain Music.

Shenandoah                                                                                 Sea Shanty

          Arranged by James Erb

American folklorist Alan Lomax suggested that "Shenandoah" was a sea-shanty and that its "composers" quite possibly were French-Canadian voyageurs. Sea-shanties were work songs used by sailors to coordinate the efforts of completing chores such as raising the ship's anchor or hauling ropes. Some believe that the song refers to the river of the same name. Others suggest that it tells the tale of Sally, the daughter of the Indian Chief Shenandoah, who is courted for seven years by a white Missouri river trader. Regardless of these textual discrepancies, "Shenandoah" remains an American classic.

Esto Les Digo                                                                            Spanish Hymn

          By Kinley Lange      

                   Tessa Roberts, Soloist

                   Vocal Jazz and BOA

"Where two or three are gathered in My name, There will I be also." This peaceful a cappella setting is entirely in Spanish with lyrics from San Mateo 18:19-20.

Be Thou My Vision                                                                   American Hymn

          Arranged by Chad Reisser

                   IHS Concert Chorale and BOA

This arrangement was written by Chad Reisser as a music theory assignment when he was a student at Azusa Pacific University. The song is hallmarked by the innocent sound of male falsetto in unison with the women throughout the first verse.

Elijah Rock                                                                                        Spiritual

          Arranged by Moses Hogan

                   IHS Concert Chorale and BOA

Some African American religious singing in the early 1800s was referred to as a "moan" (or a "groan"). Moaning (or groaning) does not imply pain. It is a kind of blissful rendition of a song, often mixed with humming and spontaneous melodic variation. Listen for Mr. Hogan's 'moan'.

COMBINED CHOIRS

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing                                                 Folk Hymn

          Words by Robert Robinson

          Tune by John Wyeth

          Arranged by Jay Rouse

Robert Robinson, following the tradition of ministers of the time, wrote "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" as a hymn-poem for the conclusion of his sermon for Whitsunday, 1758. He was 23 years old at the time.

In stanza three, Robinson speaks of being "prone to wonder, prone to leave the God I love". This seems to be a forecast of his later life, when he lapsed into sin, unstableness and involvement with Unitarianism. There is a well-known story of Robinson, riding a stagecoach with a lady who was deeply engrossed in a hymnbook. Seeking to encourage him, she asked him what he thought of the hymn she was humming. Robinson burst into tears and said, "Madam, I am the poor unhappy man who wrote that hymn many years ago, and I would give a thousand worlds, if I had them, to enjoy the feelings I had then."

Sanctus from "St. Cecilia Mass"                                                            Classical

          By Charles Gounod

                    Scott Hamilton, Soloist

Charles Gounod is well known for both his opera and masses. In his life he composed so many masses that he became in danger of becoming better known for that art rather than the one he so desired to be associated with, opera. His Messe Solonelle de St. Cecilia , written to honor St. Ceclie the patron saint of music, was one of his greatest, and the one that troubled him the most to create. Could he be so bold and skilled as to compose a mass on the grandest scale that would indeed give proper homage to the patron saint of music? History has proven that he did indeed. The "Sanctus" section is the climax of the mass.

Stephen Foster Medley                                                                 Americana

          Arranged by Jon Washburn

As a teen, Foster enjoyed the friendship of young men and women from some of Pittsburgh's most prosperous and respectable families.  Stephen, his brother Morrison, and his close friend, Charles Shiras, were all members of an all-male secret club called Knights of the S.T. [probably Square Table] that met twice weekly at the Fosters' home.  One of their principal activities was singing, with Stephen acting first as song leader and then composer.  Some of his earliest songs-- including "Oh! Susanna"--were composed for the group.  His first song was published when Stephen was only 18.

This is our sight-reading song. The singers have not seen this medley before today. Regardless of our age, we strive to learn to sight-read at performance level, and the best way to do this is to just do it. Here we go! Wish us luck!

My Eternal King                                                     Contemporary Choral Classic

          Anonymous Poem

          Music by Jane Marshall

The exquisite music written by American composer Jane Marshall was set to a Latin poem (O Deus, ego amo te) of unknown origin. It was translated from Latin to English by Edward Caswall in 1849. Forms of the poem have appeared as early as 1580 in the work of Spanish author Theresa De Jesus.

Come and See What's Happenin' in the Barn    Country Gospel

By Gaither, Gaither, Sykes & Wright

Arranged by Bruce Greer

                   Lacy Creed & Loren Reynolds, BOA Duet

                   PCFC Duet

                   Erin Roberts & John Cook, IHS Duet

Country Gospel originated as a blend of early mountain music, cowboy music and the music from the plantations of the Deep South. It was out of this blend of music that Southern Gospel Music was birthed.

Praise You                                                                        Contemporary Hymn

          By Tony Wood & Brian Petak

          Arranged by Bradley Knight

                   Drummers: Andrew Sorenson, Zach Perniola,

                   Scott Hamilton, Jake Tacher, Steven Herzog

                   Molly Bankson, Soloist

The drum corps, musical percussion unit (typically a marching unit) originated in the United States. This piece incorporates Celtic dance music with drums, speaking choir, and full chords for a uniquely powerful presentation.

Thank you to the Issaquah Choir Parents, Pacific Cascade Choir Parents, Issaquah High School Staff, Members of Breath of Aire, and ‘Men in Black’ for your help putting on today’s workshop and concert. We appreciate your meals, setup, concert tasks, and intermission desserts. It is only with your help, time, and talents that we can provide such wonderful opportunities. Many, many thanks!

Mark your calendar!

We look forward to seeing you at next year’s

3^rd ANNUAL

MOSTLY AMERICANA DESSERT CONCERT

April 19, 2008

SELECT ENSEMBLES

These are ambassador groups for Issaquah High School. Groups perform all styles of music. These groups begin the year with an extra night together at Camp Seymour and go on tour on odd years. This year they will be going to New York City. All three groups travel and are available for hire. VJ, HT, AND IH usually travel and perform together and have sung at private parties, district / corporate banquets, restaurants, community events. If you are interested, please contact Mrs. Irish at irishb@issaquah.wednet.edu.

VOCAL JAZZ is an audition group of men and women. It is a class that meets during 0 hour (6:30AM). All members of Vocal Jazz are also members of Concert Chorale and Hi Tones/ In Harmony. VJ performs at the Eastshore Jazz Festival in November and sells/delivers Sing-a-grams at school in February.

HI TONES is an auditioned women’s group. Students do not need to be a member of another choir to audition. Hi Tones meets after school on Mondays and Wednesdays.

IN HARMONY is an auditioned men’s group. Students do not need to be a member of another choir to audition. In Harmony meets after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

IHS CONCERT CHORALE

Concert Chorale is made up of young men and women, some who have choral experience and others who are just beginning their journey. While this is a non-audition choir, the caliber of music is high. Yearly events & concerts include:

CAMP SEYMOUR is an opportunity to meet our new members, learn techniques and procedures, preview music for the year, and work with clinicians. (September)

CHOIR BASH is an afternoon of singing, games and new friends for singers at elementary and secondary schools that feed into Issaquah High School. (October)

MARTIN LUTHER KING ASSEMBLIES are performed at eight Issaquah School District Schools. Our CC creates a program that teaches about Dr. King and encourages unity, strong character, and integrity. (January)

MOSTLY AMERICANA was initially set up for Breath of Aire to model rehearsal technique in an afternoon workshop and quickly became a spectacular concert event. This is choral music at its finest. Mostly Americana is a fundraising event for the IHS Choir Program and focuses on the music, history, and values of America. (April)

BAROQUE CONCERT is held at Bellevue First Presbyterian Church with the Issaquah Evergreen Philharmonic and concert choirs from all three Issaquah High Schools. A major choral work is performed each year along with select orchestral and vocal specials. (May)

WINTER CONCERT (December)

EASTSHORE CHOIR CONTEST (March)

SPRING CONCERT (June)

CHOIR TOUR (Even years)

DID YOU KNOW. . .