Solar Eclipse Arrives To Original Music By Dr. David Wilborn At Century Square
Guests of all ages viewed the solar eclipse as music from Dr. David Wilborn and his ensemble played on The Green at Century Square on April 8.
The piece by Wilborn, associate professor in the Texas A&M School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts, was commissioned by Friends of Chamber Music of Bryan-College Station to write a piece for the occasion. The gathering was co-presented by the Brazos Valley Astronomy Club.
Wilborn’s work was presented in three parts for three phases of the event. A trumpet solo was used to announce the eclipse. “Segue into Darkness” was a “peaceful piano solo that set the mood for totality,” he said. “Fanfare for an Eclipse” was a “celebration of the return of the sun in its full glory,” he said.
Musicians in the ensemble played trumpets, a French horn, trombone and tuba. The percussion and keyboard instruments included tom-toms, wind chimes, snare drum and an electric piano.
Wilborn said he thought the music was effective because they were able to piece it together during those three phases of the eclipse. He and his ensemble were also able to view the eclipse in between songs.
“I wrote the music with the intent of it being able to enhance those different phases of the eclipse, so that was what made it really special,” Wilborn said.
“I was able to look up at the sky after totality, and I could see a crescent-looking shape. I had never really seen anything like that. That is a lifetime memory right there. It really was quite a special moment to see that.”
Guests also heard a presentation from Dr. Ray Garner, postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Garner said the next partial solar eclipse will take place on Jan. 26, 2028, in College Station. The next annular eclipse will be Nov. 15, 2077.
Jane Stowell, former president of Friends of Chamber Music, said the viewing was an exciting event. She pondered what eclipse viewings used to be like years ago.
“I’m glad I could be here, and it was great to see The Green so packed with people,” Stowell said. “It is interesting to think that people used to be afraid of solar eclipses. It evoked a lot of powerful emotions in people. We now celebrate them. Thanks to Friends of Chamber Music, we had special music and tips on how to safely view solar eclipses. It was a beautiful event.”
