Austin Symphonic Band Performing Midway March

Austin Symphonic Band ( https://austinsymphonicband.org/ ). May 17, 2025. ASB performing Midway March by John Williams (arr. Paul Lavender). [NOTE: Click 'more' to read the program notes.] Assistant Music Director Bill Haehnel conducting. "A John Williams Celebration!" concert at the Festival Concert Hall at Round Top Festival Institute in Round Top, Texas. This program was part of a joint concert with the Mansfield Wind Symphony and the Sugar Land Winds.

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Video and Sound Production: Eddie Jennings

From the program notes written by David Cross:

Midway March (1976)
John Williams (b. 1932)
Transcribed by Paul Lavender

Program note from the Marine Band:

The 1976 feature film Midway chronicles the incredible Battle of Midway, which was a turning point in the Pacific during World War II. Until this critical stand and victory led by the U.S. Marines, the Imperial Japanese Navy had been undefeated in battle for nearly eighty years. The film highlighted the remarkable American strategy and success against all odds with an all-star cast including Charlton Heston, James Coburn and Henry Fonda, who played the part of legendary Admiral Chester Nimitz. Several scenes in the film were shot using the USS Lexington, the last Essex-class aircraft carrier from World War II in service at the time of production.

The movie also employed a special sound mix called “Sensurround.” This early technique of enveloping the audience in the sonic action of the movie was used in only four films of the era and required special speakers to be installed in theaters where they were shown. John Williams provided the dramatic and visceral musical score for the movie. Williams had recently won his first Academy Award for his score to Jaws in 1974 and was quickly becoming one of the most sought after composers in Hollywood at the time of Midway’s release. Right after his work on this film, he composed the now iconic music to the first installment of Star Wars.

Listen for:
• A dignified clarinet statement of the main theme
• A contrapuntal woodwind / percussion reel
• Heroic horn writing