Blue Mambo

Blue Mambo was written by Michael Sweeney (see below) in 2017.

Founded in 1900, Woodward Academy is the oldest independent school in Atlanta, Georgia, and the largest in the continental United States. In its early years, the school had a cordial relationship with the country of Cuba, resulting in a number of Cuban students boarding at the academy.

Honoring this historical connection and looking ahead to the future, Blue Mambo uses as its basis the musical form and dance style “mambo”, which developed originally in Cuba. Opening with a slow introduction which features rich harmonies in a “bluesy” style, the piece finishes with the infectious dance rhythms in the flavor of the Cuban mambo.

Blue Mambo was commissioned by the Woodward Academy Middle School Advanced Band, directed by Aaron Hill, and premiered at the school on April 23, 2017.

Composer Michael Sweeney (born 1952) is an ASCAP award-winning American composer and musician. He studied music education and composition at the Indiana University at Bloomington.

Mr. Sweeney taught for five years in publics schools of Ohio and Indiana, where he taught many concert, jazz and marching programs for students from elementary to high school.

Since 1982, Sweeney has worked full time for Hal Leonard Corporation in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and is currently Director of Band Publications. In addition, he contributes as a composer and arranger in all instrumental areas. Sweeney is particularly known for his writing at the younger levels for concert and jazz bands, and has over 500 publications to his credit. His works appear on numerous state contest lists and his music is regularly performed around the world.

Mr. Sweeney is also in high demand as a clinician and conductor for honor bands and music festivals.

The music for Blue Mambo was provided for the band by Marian and Tom Jensen.