ELLISVILLE – The Jones College Symphonic Band was recently commissioned by retired band director and composer from Gulfport, Greg Fhiaras to record one of his new works called, “Tale of the Trolls.” Fhiaras dedicated the piece to the JC band and the Director of Bands, Dr. Ben Burge, who has decided to debut the music before a live audience at the Spring Band Concert on Tuesday, April 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the A.B. Howard Gymnasium.
“This is a first ever for the Symphonic or any band at Jones College to be recorded for a music publisher. It’s also the first time anyone has dedicated a piece of music to me!” Burge explained excitedly.
After rehearsing and recording the music in January, the band enjoyed it so much that Burge recently decided to add it to the concert line up.
“‘Tale of the Trolls’ has a mixed meter, and it has a variety of dynamics with some cool percussion work that we are eager to play for the public,” shared Burge. “One day, one of our students will run across this and remember playing this piece. I think that’s just cool!”
Initially, Fhiaras shelved the Troll piece after his mother became ill, until recently. Stepping out of his comfort zone, Fhiaras, who typically writes for young band students and small groups, realized the “Troll” piece was more complicated when he finished it.
“It’s probably the hardest piece I have ever written,” explained Fhiaras. “When I finished, I was amazed I wrote it! It reminded me of crazy dancing and a sad troll, and that’s partly why I named it, ‘Tale of the Trolls.’”
After working 11 of his 27 years in the Jones College district as a band director for Collins, Mt. Olive and Bay Springs, he was familiar with the JC Honor Band Clinics. As a college student, Fhiaras fondly remembers former Jones College band director George Arnold.
“The Jones College Auditorium was always a great place to play and I remember being amazed at the marching band in 1976, when I played for Gulf Coast Community College’s band. George Arnold transformed the band, and we were blown away. I knew George, (and former JC Band Directors) Sammy Barr and David Young, and I also know Dr. Burge is from the Pearl River area. In a way, he inspired the ‘Trolls’ piece,” said Fhiaras.
The Jones College Symphonic band has also recorded two other pieces for Fhiaras, “Horn Island March” and “A Festive Celebration.” He invited each of three community colleges, Co-Lin, Jones College and Pearl River to record three of his new musical pieces in an effort to promote community college bands. The new tunes by Fhiaras are expected to be published and recorded by the Texas music publishing company, Tux People’s Music, in May. For more information about the Jones College band program email ben.burge@jcjc.edu or view the Jones College of the Arts, Music and Performance website at https://www.jcjc.edu/programs/finearts/
