New work for choir and steel band

[Pan Times]

Pasadena, Texas - The Central campus’ choir and steel drum band will combine forces for the world premier of “In the Shadows of the Forest,” a pioneer work exclusively composed for steel band and choir. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will take place on March 25 at 7 p.m. in Slocomb Auditorium, located at 8060 Spencer Hwy in Pasadena.

The 45-minute steel drum/choral score is composed by Seattle, Washington steel panist Gary Gibson, who recently won Trinidad’s “Symphony & Steel” composition contest, which encouraged new works for orchestra with steel pan ensemble. This is Gibson’s first composition to combine choir with steel band. He will spend a week in residence at San Jacinto Community College to assist in the preparation of the concert.

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[Brad]

I went to this concert last night at SJCC. Man, it was totally happening. The choir was okay (they had to be miked and the concert hall wasn't the best), and the steel band was great. Very tight. And the compositions were superb. Very wide variety of styles and moods and the audience was totally into it the whole time. Standing ovation about one second after the last note. They didn't have an encore prepared, and so the audience started shouting which movement they wanted to hear again, and the band played it (even better than the first time). They're playing this piece again at the Kemah Pan Festival this Saturday. Kemah is near Houston. If you ever get a chance to see this piece, GO.

[Gale E]

Yes! Let's hear a clip as soon as one is available.This is exciting.

[Gary Gibson]

I believe the plan is that the choir and steel band will be producing at least a CD of the work, and perhaps even a DVD of it. I will also be self-publishing the scores for purchase, and those will be available some time in late spring or summer.

If any clips are available of the performance, I'll post them here. Thanks for your interest.

-GG

[Mr. Riteous]

My son sings in a choir and also plays pan would love to impress his conductor with a sample of the recording when its available

[Tina Walton]

yes, would love to hear a clip when available. Looking into choir and steel as well.

[GospelPan]

Wow...a 45 minute steel drum/choral score, I would like to hear a sound clip if or when one is available.