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Each Summer Sound Is a Summer Round for Concert Band
"Each Summer Sound Is a Summer Round," commissioned for the 80th anniversary of the University of New Hampshire's Summer Youth Music School's Senior Blue Concert Band, directed by Andrew Boysen, was made possible through the generous support of the Duane Whittier Music Fund.
The title comes from a series of texts by Henry David Thoreau found in the collection of essays and nature writings titled Excursions. In these texts, Thoreau celebrates the abundance of woodland bird sounds in May and June. I found his comparison of the multitude of singing birds to a round intriguing and decided to explore one of the earliest and most famous rounds, "Summer is Icumen in," (Summer has arrived). This six-part medieval English folk song from the thirteenth century is an early example of polyphonic music. Throughout the piece, the round's thematic elements are used in increasingly intense instrumental textures, leading to a forceful statement of the main theme and a spirited conclusion.
About SYMS
The Summer Youth Music School at UNH is an amazing experience for aspiring young musicians and one of New England’s long-running music camps. At both the Junior and Senior sessions, students perform in a variety of ensembles—concert bands, choruses, orchestras, and jazz bands—while receiving top-notch instruction in masterclasses and group lessons from outstanding teachers and freelance artists. Private lessons, small ensembles, elective courses, evening activities, and other opportunities designed to stimulate the growth of each student's passion and musical development are available to students at all levels. High school aged student seeking a more immersive experience can apply for the tuition-free Chamber Music Intensive session in addition to their enrollment in the Senior session.
SYMS campers concentrate on a primary instrument or voice part and choose electives to broaden their experience. They associate with talented young musicians who share their excitement about music, and they study with caring and encouraging teachers.
Students and faculty members give a variety of evening recitals throughout the sessions, and the Junior and Senior sessions conclude with final concerts, open to the public. All SYMS campers are fully supported by a team of camp counselors carefully selected from the UNH Music Department, led by a professional staff of experienced educators.