Happy Birthday John Williams! Monday, February 08, 2010
“One of the most popular and successful American orchestral composers of the modern age, John Williams is the winner of five Academy Awards, 17 Grammys, three Golden Globes, two Emmys and five BAFTA Awards from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts. Best known for his film scores and ceremonial music, Williams is also a noted composer of concert works and a renowned conductor.
Williams' scores for such films as Jaws, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Schindler’s List, as well as the Indiana Jones series, have won him multiple awards and produced best-selling recordings, and his scores for the original Star Wars trilogy transformed the landscape of Hollywood film music and became icons of American culture.
Williams has composed the music and served as music director for nearly eighty films, including Saving Private Ryan, Amistad, Seven Years in Tibet, Rosewood, Sleepers, Nixon, Sabrina, Schindler’s List, Jurassic Park, Home Alone, Far and Away, JFK, Hook, Presumed Innocent, Always, Born on the Fourth of July, the Indiana Jones trilogy, The Accidental Tourist, Empire of the Sun, The Witches of Eastwick, the Star Wars trilogy, E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial, Superman, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Jaws and Goodbye Mr. Chips.” (from http://www.johnwilliams.org)
To celebrate John Williams with your concert band, Stanton's suggests that you try:
Star Wars: The Marches
Many of the stunning marches from the Star Wars motion pictures are combined into this bold medley. The arrangement features: “Star Wars (Main Theme),†“Parade of the Ewoks,†“The Imperial March,†“Augie's Great Municipal Band†and “The Throne Room.â€
Young Person’s Guide to John Williams
Here is a magnificent collection of some of Williams' most memorable melodies to delight moviegoers of all ages. Includes: Prologue from “Hook,†Theme from “E.T.â€, “Hedwig’s Theme†from Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone and “Raiders March†from Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Soaring with John Williams
Williams' epic themes embrace each character while the melodies soar. Featuring Cadillac of the Skies (from “Empire of the Sun”), Star Wars (Main Theme) and Superman (Prelude & Main Title March), this medley will have them floating right out of their seats!
A Prayer for Peace
This poignant and emotionally charged lyrical ballad from the award-winning motion picture Munich, is beautifully scored for winds by John Moss. This arrangement will bring a stirring and tender moment to your next concert.
For more information on these or other band recommendations, contact us at 1-800-42-MUSIC ex.2.