Kalinnikov's First Symphony - the night the balcony shook

When I was in a freshman in high school (1967-68 school year) I made All-State Orchestra. The final performances of the various groups were held in the main auditorium at North Little Rock High School. This is a large room with a low balcony that juts out with several rows of seats below it. It was in this area underneath the balcony that I and my teacher were sitting when we listened to the All-State First Band performance. It included a transcription for band of the finale of Vasily Kalinnikov's First Symphony. (This is a much-loved and much-used transcription, and deservedly so.)

We were were sitting there, just enjoying a fine performance when, at about the 6:09 point of the recording below, the conductor turned back toward the audience and gestured with his baton. Suddenly it seemed like the balcony started shaking - literally. Keep in mind that we were sitting under the balcony, so we could not see what was above us. What we did not know is that the Henderson University Brass Choir was seated in the balcony, and the conductor had devised an antiphonal situation with them. Needless to say, this was a great opportunity for the Henderson group to "let out all the stops," and they did indeed. The effect was absolutely stunning.The brass choir played  for to about 40 seconds, and then stopped. The band played for a while by themselves, and then the brass choir kicked in again at about 8:11 and played to the end. (For reference, if you would like to hear when it happened, check the Youtube LINK to this recording by the University of Michigan band of the same piece. According to the comments underneath the Youtube spot, this recording made use of the same antiphonal effect.)

It was one of the most remarkable musical experiences I have ever had, perhaps in part because it was to unexpected. It has been about 45 years since that happened, and I still remember it vividly.

MICHIGAN BAND