Symphonic Songs for Band

Composed in 1957, Symphonic Songs for Band is one of Robert Russell Bennett's most famous compositions for wind band. The work was commissioned for the National Intercollegiate Band by Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, national honorary band fraternity and sorority, as part of the two organizations' commissioning program.[1] Since its premiere, it has become among the most frequently performed works in the wind band repertoire.[2] It is considered to be a cornerstone of the band literature.[3]

Symphonic Songs is a suite of three movements: Serenade, Spiritual, and Celebration. It was premiered in the Salt Lake Tabernacle in Salt Lake City on August 24, 1957, by the National Intercollegiate Band under the direction of Lieutenant Colonel William F. Santelmann, retired director of the United States Marine Band.[4][5] The band comprised 112 musicians from Utah, Florida, Maryland, Colorado, Ohio, Texas, Indiana, and New Mexico.[5]

Robert Russell Bennett, Symphonic Songs for Band (1957)
Excerpt from movement 1 of Symphonic Songs for Band, performed by the Eastman Wind Ensemble with Frederick Fennell
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  1. ^ Kappa Kappa Psi (2011). "The Fraternity and Sorority Commissioning Program". In Smith, Nick (ed.). Guide to Membership for the 2011–2013 Biennium (PDF). Stillwater, OK: Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma. p. 53. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-01-02.
  2. ^ Hawkins, Roy Benton (August 1989). "A Television Pioneer, An Elder Statesman (1952–1981)". The Life and Work of Robert Russell Bennett (PDF) (Ph.D. diss.). Lubbock: Texas Tech University. pp. 134–5.
  3. ^ Archer, Kimberly (2009). "Ten Works All Band Conductors at All Levels Should Study". In Camphouse, Mark (ed.). Composers on Composing for Band. Vol. 4. Chicago: GIA Publications. pp. 23–6. ISBN 978-1-57999-739-7.
  4. ^ "Collegiate Band Plans Tabernacle Concert Saturday". Deseret News and Salt Lake Telegram. Salt Lake City. August 15, 1957. p. B13. Retrieved June 26, 2012.
  5. ^ a b "Collegiate Band To Give Concert Aug. 24 In S. L." Deseret News and Salt Lake Telegram. Salt Lake City. August 23, 1957. p. A9. Retrieved June 26, 2012.