Composer James Beckel
On June 9, 2024, Dr. Mallory Thompson leads the Northshore Concert Band in a performance of James Beckel’s "Symphony for Band". This will be the Band’s first performance of this work.
Mr. Beckel describes this work:
"Symphony for Band" could be easily subtitled "Passages" as this work represents the passages of life that most of us travel through during our lifetimes. The first movement is representative of the carefree nature of childhood and is in the normal sonata allegro form.
The second movement is more somber in nature and for me represents the loss of a loved one. In my case this occurred with the passing of my parents, whom I loved dearly. I, in fact, would like to dedicate this movement to their memory. For me, the famous sonnet by John Donne entitled "Death, Be Not Proud" embodies the second movement. The opening theme of this movement is the death theme, and to me represents the absolute nature of death in this life. The music that follows portrays the emotions and memories of the loved ones left behind. The death theme occurs three times in this movement portraying the inevitable consequence of life's battle against time. The theme is always slightly different with the final statement of the unavoidable being the most defiant, suggesting, as does John Donne's poem, that in the end, death itself will die.
The final movement of this work is by far the most intense. In everyone's life there are moments that challenge us to our core beliefs. The opening section to this final movement represents such challenges and threats with the opening unison trumpet theme. The form of this final movement is basically a theme and variations. The pastoral nature of the music that follows the climax represents the return to reason as one deals with one's demons in life. The coda section of the final movement brings back the b theme from the opening movement, which culminates this work in one's triumph over life with a major tonality.
Composer James Beckel has written compositions that have been played by nearly every major orchestra in the United States and internationally in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Before attending Indiana University as a trombone major, his interest in composition had already begun. In high school, after studying composition at jazz camps, he entered a nationwide composition contest and won. His career started with the Indianapolis Symphony as Principal Trombone, a position he held for 49 years until 2018. During his tenure in the symphony, Mr. Beckel was able to learn from the masters and apply this knowledge to his own compositions. He began writing music for orchestra in earnest in the late ‘80’s and early 90’s. His A Christmas Fanfare, written in 1992, has become a staple for many orchestras during the holiday season.
In addition to playing in the Indianapolis Symphony, he taught at the University of Indianapolis and DePauw University. He has retired from college teaching to concentrate on composing.
We contacted James Beckel and asked him to share his journey in music, inspiration, and advice for young musicians with us.
Please tell us about your journey in music and life.
I knew I wanted to be a musician early in life. My sister and I used to fight over who would get to practice the piano in the third grade. I started trombone in the fifth grade and by the ninth grade, I knew I wanted this as a career. I won a national jazz band composition contest in my senior year, went to Indiana University to study trombone performance, and landed a job as principal trombonist with the Indianapolis Symphony when I was 20. I started composing works for the Indianapolis Symphony and military bands. I received composition grants from the national endowment for the arts as well as the Indiana Arts Council. Some of my music has been played globally. I am blessed with a lovely wife and two incredible grown children.
Please share your favorite musical memories.
I have had many wonderful teachers in my life, some on trombone, others in composition. I would like to thank Irey Halt, Ed Miller, Lewis Van Haney, Henry Charles Smith, Jay Friedman, Arnold Jacobs, and Phil Wilson for their trombone teaching. David Baker was a great mentor in the jazz idiom for me. Maestro Raymond Leppard, John Nelson, Ray Harvey, Al Savia, and Mario Venzago were great supporters of my work. Sitting in a major symphony orchestra for half a century and studying the works of the great composers was hugely significant in my learning process.
Please share a bit about your favorite musical memory.
The Indianapolis Symphony once performed Shostokovich’s 5th Symphony under the baton of his son, Maxim Shostokovich. It was magical. He never really rehearsed the 3rd movement, knowing that the orchestra knew this piece backward and forward. He wanted the musicians on the edge of their seats for the performance. The performance was incredible. Performing Dvorak’s New World Symphony under John Nelson in Mannheim, Germany on the orchestra’s first foreign tour has a special place in my memory.
What is on your Spotify playlist or in your music library?
A little bit of all good music. Country Western music might be the exception.
Which composer/musician, past or present, would you most like to meet for a coffee and why?
Bernstein, because his West Side Story changed my life. I first heard this when I was in the 8th grade and was blown away.
What inspires you?
A good idea. For me, beginning a new composition is the scariest part of the process. Sometimes it takes me months to come up with a single idea that I feel is worth pursuing.
What do you do to relax?
Watch a well-crafted movie, which is far and few between.
Do you have any advice for young musicians?
Study with the best teachers you can find and afford. Work as hard as you can if you are serious about music as a career. There is always room at the top.
Please share any thoughts that you may have about the Northshore Concert Band.
I know that this is a highly respected ensemble, and I am very excited to know that they are performing my piece. I am looking forward to hearing it if I am able to get up there.
Please add anything else that you would like our audience to know about you.
I am currently writing a double bass concerto to be premiered by the Indianapolis Symphony in May of 2025, with Ju-Fang Lui as soloist.
A special thank you to James Beckel for speaking with us and giving permission to reproduce this material. Please visit his website jimbeckelmusic.com to learn more about him and his work.
LIFE CYCLES
Sunday, June 9, 2024, 3:00 p.m.
McGrath Family Performing Arts Center, Wilmette, IL
Learn more about the Northshore Concert Band at www.northshoreband.org
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