Charles Booker... News & Reviews

Centra-fuge: Homage to Don Ellis and Hank Levy
Recorded by NMSU Wind Symphony

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This Centra-fuge recording is now available on Amazon.com!!!

Read about the "Centra-fuge" Premier

Posted by: Charles Booker on June 14, 2007

Last Texas Bandmasters Association Convention (2006), I was approached by Dr. Ken Van Winkle, Director of Bands and conductor of the Wind Symphony at NMSU, about the possibility of recording a CD of my compositions, especially my "Symphony #1." Of course, I thought it was fabulous idea!!!

After much preparation and correspondance, Claudette and I visited Las Cruces, New Mexico May 14-15, 2007 to attend and assist in the recording of my music by the New Mexico State University Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Van Winkle. I am honored and at the same time humbled by the experience.

Although graduation was over and school was out, the students remained in Las Cruces to record the CD. They were prepared, excited and inspired by their very talented and articulate conductor and the band played great! The recording session was scheduled for three days, but since the the band performed so magnificently, the session lasted only two days. Dr. Van Winkle chose the following works:

• Carillon Celebration
• Symphony #1 "Prophecy"
• American Dances
• The Rough Rider: Life and Times of Theodore Roosevelt