Centra-Fuge

Charles L. Booker Jr.

This article is a stub. If you can help add information to it,
please join the WRP and visit the FAQ (left sidebar) for information.

Subtitle: Homage to Hank Levy and Don Ellis

General Info

Year: 2007
Duration: c. 6:25
Difficulty: VI (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Lecta Publications
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $200.00 | Score Only (print) - $35.00

Instrumentation

(Needed - please join the WRP if you can help.)

Errata

None discovered thus far.

Program Notes

Centra-fuge Homage to Hank Levy and Don Ellis was commissioned by the University of Central Arkansas Music Department for the UCA Wind Ensemble, Dr. Ricky Brooks, Conductor. The piece is meant to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the University of Central Arkansas and to capture the vitality, energy and continuous growth of this exceptional university. The composer chose the title from the word "centrifuge," a mechanical device causing centrifugal force. This force impels a “thing” or parts of a thing outward from a center of rotation (Webster). The university is the “center of learning” that teaches and prepares students to begin their journey in this world and to have hopefully, a positive impact on our society and nation.

In 1970 at the age of 18, the composer, Charles Booker entered college and discovered many kinds of music including the big band music of the Don Ellis Orchestra and the arranger/composer, Hank Levy of the Stan Kenton Orchestra. This music in particular is especially noteworthy in respect to its asymmetrical meters and exciting and vibrant tempos. Centra-fuge is all that and more. The trumpet section is featured emulating Don Ellis’s fiery trumpet playing and later, in the middle section, “walls of sound” are heard from the brass in pure Stan Kenton/Hank Levy vintage.

- Program Note from publisher

Media

Audio: Reference recording. Wichita Wind Ensemble (Charles L. Booker, Jr., conductor)
Audio CD: New Mexico State University Symphonic Winds (Ken Van Winkle, conductor) - 2011

State Ratings

None discovered thus far.

Performances

To submit a performance please join The Wind Repertory Project

University of Central Arkansas (Conway) Wind Ensemble (Ricky Brooks, conductor) - 23 April 2018 (Carnegie Hall, New York)

Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music

Holiday Prelude (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (2013/2020)
March On (Flex instrumentation) (2020)
Silent Night (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1818/2015/2020)
St Louis Blues (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1914/2017/2020)

All Wind Works

American Dances (2006)
American Jubilee (2011)
A True Friend (2004)
The Black Horse Troop (as editor) (1924/2020)
Boston Mountain Overture (2004)
Brilliant Legacy: Suite For Symphonic Band (2009)
Capriccio and Intermezzo (1999/2007)
Carillon Celebration (2003)
Celebrate the Music (2022)
Centra-Fuge (2007)
Civil War Saga: The Battle of Prairie Grove 1862 (2008)
Concerto for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble (2008)
Crossed Sabres (1998)
Eternal Waves (2011)
Declaration 1776 (2003)
Gazebo Portraits (2003/2013)
Glorious Journey (2011)
Guns Up! (1980)
Highland Spirits for Double Wind Quintet (2011)
Holiday Prelude (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (2013/2020)
Joan of Arc (2019)
La Fiesta de San Antonio (2007)
Like The Stars Forever and Ever... (2004)
Look Homeward Citizen Soldier (2010)
March On (Flex instrumentation) (2020)
Overture for a New Time (2014)
River Valley Suite (2002)
Roar of the Armor (1995)
Rough Rider: Life and Times of Theodore Roosevelt, The (2007)
Silent Night (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1818/2015/2020)
Snacks for Flute, Bb Clarinet, Bassoon and Piano (2009)
Solace (2006)
St Louis Blues (Flex instrumentation) (as arranger) (1914/2017/2020)
Switchback (2010)
Symphony No. 1 (2006)
Thundering Steel (1996)
Times Remembered (2009)
The Titan (2015)
Trailblazers, The (2004)
Valtzz! for Euphonium and Wind Band (2003)

Resources

Charles L. Booker Jr. website Accessed 19 May 2018