STANLEY tells it all – American music, again?
The Wind Orchestra represents the music of my youth. It triggers a lot of memories. By September 2017 all the pieces of the puzzle were found and the basics met the brief. Inspiration was triggered and direction found, but emotions raised. Focus and discipline were required.
Founding an orchestra or band is a process based on the dynamics of internal versus external factors. What we as musicians want is one thing, what the market demands may be another. The challenge lies in finding the overlap and bridging differences. Our struggle is based on expectations, both outspoken and silent. Since I have gone through this process before, I decided to use another approach this time around.
Result is a Wind Band with flexible formation. Stepping stone was found in outdoors events o.b.o. 75 years ending WW II. The Sound of Liberty is brought forward by American Wind Band music and the repertoire by John Philip Sousa fits perfectly. So all we needed was a fitting brandname which became the Sousa Tribute Band.
During my studies at the Sweelinck Conservatory of Music in Amsterdam, I was the only student to perform music by 20th century American composers on a regular basis. Modern Classical, Jazz, Musical Theatre, etc. Now one of my friends asked: ‘American music again, Stanley?’ Yep! It felt like going full circle.
Stanley E. van Wel MM – Music Director
Posted on LinkedIn.com dated 1 November 2023