Building on the foundation of the 2004 program where the corps first explored the idiom of 60’s and 70’s era jazz-pop bands, the 2005 version of Shenandoah Sound will explore the musical repertoire of the iconic group Chicago.
Reflecting on the longevity of the corps and the promise of eternal love, Tonight… Until the End of Time! will propel the audience back into the bucket seats of their first car and a first date on Saturday night. Only this time, the Sound will provide the mood music.
The musical selections of Chicago personify the concepts of young love gained, lost and regained. We follow our pair of young lovers through the rise and fall, glory, hope and exhilaration of finding that special someone. Just as the classic Frankie and Johnny burn of raging love and tragedy, in Tonight… we follow our couple on their emotional journey through musical time.
Arranged by Bob Menear, the music book highlights the cohesiveness and dexterity of the Sound horn line. According to Bob, “folks will be surprised when they hear what the horn line is doing with music of Chicago.”
Our story opens with the upbeat Make Me Smile, where we find our protagonists filled with angst and the thrill of the thoughts of their new love. Listen for the unison jazz line played by the entire brass section. The relationship ebbs and flows with other Chicago classics, Saturday in the Park and the hard driving Beginnings. We pause to reflect on our lover’s relationship with the soulful Color My World, highlighted by mellophone solo and introductory keyboard work.
Representing the full range of the timeless impact of Chicago, we draw from the 80’s era for the powerful and moving, You’re the Inspiration, emphasizing for our lovers that no matter the tribulations of their relationship the foundation they find in each other sustains their bond. The charging 25 or 6 to 4 closes our story with an inner reflection on the cycle of love and the un-answerable question of the meaning of life.
