Apri 26th
Wind Symphony Concert Band University Band
Dr. Alex Wimmer, Conductor
Olivia Bazanos, Graduate Assistant Conductor
Cally Bitterlin, Graduate Assistant Conductor
Preston Thomas, Graduate Assistant Conductor
Travis Turner, Graduate Assistant Conductor
Ann Barker, Student Conductor
Taton Bennett, Student Conductor
James Probst, Student Conductor
Kristen Schrag, Student Conductor
Daniel Smith, Student Conductor
Brandon Wells, Student Conductor
Wind Symphony
Dr. Alex Wimmer, Conductor
Godspeed, John Glenn (2018).................................................................................Ryan Nowlin (b. 1978)
The Promise of Living (2002).........................................................................Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
trans. Kenneth Singleton
Undertow (2008)......................................................................................................John Mackey (b. 1973)
Concert Band
Terracotta Warriors (2017).....................................................................................Scott Watson (b. 1962)
Conducted by Travis Turner, Graduate Assistant
Let Your Spirit Sing (2003)...........................................................................................Julie Giroux (1961)
Conducted by Olivia Bazanos, Graduate Assistant
Variations on a Ninth (1992)................................................................................James Curnow (b. 1943)
Conducted by Preston Thomas, Graduate Assistant
Cradle of Liberty(1905).............................................................................................Al Hayes (1881-1956)
arr. Laurie Lafferty (b. 1951)
Conducted by Cally Bitterlin, Graduate Assistant
University Band
The Sphinx (2004).................................................................................................Gary P. Gilroy (b. 1958)
Conducted by Taton Bennett
Balladair (1958)...............................................................................Frank William Erickson (1923-1996)
Conducted by Kristen Schrag
Zig Zag(2019)...................................................................................................Sean O’Loughlin (b. 1972)
Conducted by Brandon Wells
Acropolis (2021)...........................................................................................Matthew R. Putnam (b. 1970)
Conducted by Ann Barker
Suite from Bohemia (1969)...........................................................................Vaclav Nelhybel (1919-1997)
Conducted by James Probst
- Procession to the Castle
- Folk Tale
III. Tournament
- Round Dance
Codebreaker (2013).............................................................................................Robert Buckley (b. 1946)
Conducted by Daniel Smith
Wind Symphony Program Notes
Godspeed, John Glenn (2018).................................................................................Ryan Nowlin (b. 1978)
In this composition, Godspeed, John Glenn, the composer draws on all aspects of Glenn's life. The piece is not programmatic in nature but is instead an impression of the many complex facets of his makeup. While there are cinematic moments reflecting the adventure of Glenn's life, the piece remains grounded in his humility; partnership with his wife; and steadfast love and commitment to his family, his country, and his faith.
The piece begins very distantly with an extensive trumpet solo. This solo is taken up by the trombone and played in echo briefly by the trumpet until the two voices find each other. The music continues into a playful modal section reminiscent of Glenn's small-town roots and fascination with flight. Just after lift-off, the piece dissolves into a reverent anthem that attempts to embody the essence of his spirit. This anthem serves as the primary melodic material through various keys and triumphant treatments climaxing in a quote of the hymn Be Still My Soul.
-Program notes from publisher.
The Promise of Living (2002).........................................................................Aaron Copland (1900-1990)
trans. Kenneth Singleton
The Promise of Living (1954) is a quintet that unites hobos and family at the end of the first act in celebration of the harvest and its traditions. Even without voices, the use of the folk hymn Zion’s Walls and Copland’s transparent scoring create a clear dramatic sequence. A dramatic gesture gives way to a quiet, lyrical passage, in which the gentle rise and fall of the melody suggests the unfolding sequence of wistful thoughts. Woodwinds gradually interject to create a sense of dialogue, both internal and, eventually, external.
The answer comes, this time fuller, building to a passage that is signature Copland: a smooth melody rooted in open harmonies, with bits of short, repeated motives in call and response style which keep the music moving. Brass eventually join the scene, their chorale style underscoring the ritualistic role of the moment without losing the introspective quality that draws together community and individual, past and present.
-Program notes from windrep.org.
Undertow (2008)......................................................................................................John Mackey (b. 1973)
Undertow (2008) was commissioned and premiered by the Hill County Middle School Band in May of 2008. Undertow (2008) is John Mackey’s first work specifically for intermediate band. Though not technically difficult as his other works, the characteristics that Mackey’s music is known for (minor tonality highlighted by open fifths, biting semitone dissonance, frequent use of asymmetrical meter, heavy percussion, etc…) is retained and accessible to developing ensembles. Composed in a traditional ternary form, an energetic melody, active countermelody, and explosive percussion writing helps paint a vivid picture of a strong undertow (current beneath the water’s surface). Allow yourselves to be taken away on this exciting journey through the raging river currents, fighting for air, and desperately searching for solid ground!
John Mackey was born on October 1, 1973, in New Philadelphia. Mackey was not involved in any instrumental or choral program while growing up but found a fascination with electronic music notation from an Apple IIe computer program called, “Music Construction Set.” He holds a Master of Music degree from The Juilliard School and a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music, where he studied with John Corigliano and Donald Erb, repectively. Mackey’s words have been performed in venues such as the Sydney Opera House, Carnegie Hall, and the Kennedy Center. Groups such as the Parsons Dance Company, the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra, the American Bandmasters Association, and for the New York Philharmonic Principal trombonist, Joseph Alessi, have commissioned Mackey. He has received numerous grants and has held residencies at numerous universities such as Florida State, Ohio State, Oklahoma, the University of Texas, and the University of Southern California. He currently resides in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he composes full-time through his publishing label, OstiMusic (ostimusic.com).
-Program notes by John Mackey.
Concert Band Program Notes
Terracotta Warriors (2017).....................................................................................Scott Watson (b. 1962)
Terracotta Warriors was inspired by the extraordinary "spirit army" of clay statues -- numbering more than 6,000 -- created in the third century B.C. for the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, first emperor of China. This astounding array of armed sculptures was placed in the emperor's tomb, along with hundreds of terracotta horses and chariots, to protect the emperor in the afterlife.
The music begins with a brief, plaintive folk chant summoning the army from their centuries-old sleep. The faithful warriors respond, coming to life to protect their emperor with musical representations of uniform marching and weapons display. Terracotta Warriors captures the legend and grandeur of the Qin dynasty in this striking and unique piece for band.
-Program notes by composer.
Let Your Spirit Sing (2003)...........................................................................................Julie Giroux (1961)
Let Your Spirit Sing was inspired by a concert by the Vienna Boys Choir. The entire concert I kept thinking to myself "if angels gave a concert, it would sound just like this." It was like Jesus was singing through those young boys. Several days after hearing that glorious concert while walking through the woods behind my house, I heard the melody for Let Your Spirit Sing. Sometimes melodies come to me accompanied by lyrics and this one did. I don't recall all the lyrics because I knew I would not be using them. I do remember the last 7 notes of the three main 16 measure phrases were always " Jesus is singing through me" and whenever I hear this piece, I always hear those words.
-Program notes by composer.
Variations on a Ninth (1992)................................................................................James Curnow (b. 1943)
Variations on a Ninth was “commissioned by the Ovid-Elsie Area High School Band Boosters for the Ovid-Elsie High School Band, Roger and Nadine Weyersberg, Band Directors. Variations on a Ninth was premiered at the 1992 Mid-Western Conference on Vocal and Instrumental Music in Ann Arbor, Michigan on January 16, 1992 with the composer conducting. This composition is dedicated to the past, present and future Ovid-Elsie High School Band members, their parents and our communities.
Opening with a bold brass fanfare based on a ninth chord (a chord which consists of the third, fifth, seventh and ninth notes above the root), and gradually working its way through three contrasting variations, Variations on a Ninth features melodies and chord structures based on melodic ninths, intervals of the ninth or ninth chords and their permutations. Though the three variations are distinct in character, they are presented in one continuous work.”
-Program notes from composer.
Cradle of Liberty(1905).............................................................................................Al Hayes (1881-1956)
arr. Laurie Lafferty (b. 1951)
Conducted by Cally Bitterlin, Graduate Assistant
Henry Fillmore published music under several pseudonyms, most famously as Harold Bennett. One of his earliest published marches, Cradle of Liberty of 1905, was published under the pseudonym Al Hayes. Fillmore eventually used this name on more than fifty publications. The title is typical of those selected during the early years of the twentieth century as the United States was becoming a world power and the nation was feeling a surge of patriotism after the Spanish-American War.
-Program notes by composer.
University Band Program Notes
The Sphinx (2004).................................................................................................Gary P. Gilroy (b. 1958)
The Sphinx is an exciting concert opener for intermediate concert band that offers extensive percussion writing for younger players. The work is inspired by the following:
What begins life with four legs, then two, and finally three? The answer - humans. As babies we crawl on four "legs", and then learn to walk on two. The idea is that humans often end their existence on earth walking with a cane, thus three "legs" at the end of our lives.
This work uses a rhythmic motive that is made up of series of eighth notes in patterns of four, two, and finally three. After a mysterious opening with some unusual percussive effects, the 4-2-3 motive is heard throughout the work in both eighth notes and quarter notes. The minor mode is overtaken only in the final measures as the work comes to a climactic finish.
-Program notes by composer.
Balladair (1958)...............................................................................Frank William Erickson (1923-1996)
Balladair was written in an era where military band was the prominent style for wind band music. Frank Erickson, being a relatively new composer at the time, wanted to break the mold and write a ballad that utilized a modified song form as well as jazz chords. Wind band repertoire was becoming more and more popular because WW2 had ended, so Erickson wanted to write repertoire that could be utilized by young and intermediate bands.
-Program notes by composer and taken from Teaching Music through Performance in Band, VOL. 3.
Zig Zag(2019)...................................................................................................Sean O’Loughlin (b. 1972)
An exciting and electrifying composition for young concert bands. Full of flair and rhythmic motifs that you can't help but enjoy, it has energy pulsating throughout. Even the slower middle section has an underlying tension that can't be ignored. Take a deep breath and hold on tight!
-Program note by composer, retrieved from jwpepper.com.
Acropolis (2021)................................................................................................Matthew R. Putnam (1970)
The Acropolis is an Ancient Greek citadel located above Athens on an outcrop. The Acropolis contains the remains of several buildings including the Parthenon. Matthew R. Putnam’s Acropolis is a beginning band piece that serves as an excellent introduction to syncopation and style changes while only using the first six notes of the B-flat major scale.
-Program notes by composer.
Suite from Bohemia (1969)...........................................................................Vaclav Nelhybel (1919-1997)
Suite from Bohemia is based on medieval Bohemian folk-songs that were influential in the life of Nelhybel. The four movements depict life in Bohemia, now a part of the Czech Republic. The first movement features a very simple theme that is developed in various styles. The second contains a clarinet solo that states the theme. This theme can be heard throughout the movement. The third movement depicts a tournament. The percussion section is featured in the opening section and the trumpets slate the main theme. Nelhybel uses a layering effect to develop the melodic material. The fourth movement consists of music for a round dance. Metal percussion instruments begin this movement. The melodic material is presented in the clarinets and grows in intensity as more instruments are added. The piece concludes with an accelerando that drives to the end.
-Program notes by Illinois State University, retrieved from https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/somp/1782.
Codebreaker (2013).............................................................................................Robert Buckley (b. 1946)
The pursuit is on! In the compelling style of classic spy music, Codebreaker takes your band into the world of intrigue and espionage. Though written for young band, Codebreaker's effective orchestration gives it the sophisticated sound and intensity of a much more advanced piece. With a cinematic approach, the music portrays a secret agent in a race against time to find the hidden code and break it before enemy agents hatch their evil plan! A non-stop thrill ride full of suspense and adventure!
-Program notes by composer, retrieved from halleonard.com.
Kansas State Wind Symphony
Flute Jordyn Allen Sarah Baden Laura Bogner Ella Greenup Brenda Heard (Picc) Kristen Schrag Gabby Yager
Oboe Alli Gladfelder* Bailey Walke
Clarinet Angel Amaro Erin Flax Sabrina Gary Sarah Kelley* Bernice Poulter Anna Ridgeway Ashby Schwanz Alexis Sutton John Woods
Bass Clarinet Grace Dice Corrine Bergstrom
Bassoon Ethan Karnes | Alto Saxophone Craig Brinkman* Keith Hancock Abby Vetter
Tenor Saxophone Jasmine Bates
Baritone Saxophone Kenny Davies
Trumpet Shelton Lauderbaugh Eric Niewohner Bryce Schreiber Haley Schwartz* Kate Washburn
French Horn Sam Allison Sophia Burnett Isabel Grafel* Drake Middleton | Trombone Jared Carlton Blake Davis* Braden Raines Corbin Wood
Euphonium Thomas Keller* Austin Perr Drake Thompson
Tuba Keialani Baker Robert Brown* Joey Lederhos Ethan Willsey
Percussion Noah Dial Gabby Fluke Daniel Hubin Ethan Jeffries* Owen Markwart Jacob Morgan Jake Wall Christopher Wells
Piano Andrew Wilson |
*Denotes Principal Section Player | ||
Kansas State Concert Band
Flute Sam Crawford (Picc)* Tia Cole Alora Duran Madi Quinn
Oboe Lily Linville*
Clarinet Corrine Bergstrom Nathaniel Chaput Mallory Libby Paidge Rosebaugh Alexis White*
Bass Clarinet Sarah Jane Kelley Andrew Otto
Bassoon Kenny Davies Cassidy Schmidt | Alto Saxophone Katie Anderson* Andy Bell Brenden Vining
Tenor Saxophone Kristen Schrag
Baritone Saxophone Grace Dice
Trumpet Katie Bailey Donald Gaspar Colby Johnston Kaytlynn Kuder Samuel McGowan Zakary Oster Aaron Peterson Caden Roark* Braden Tinder
French Horn DJ Donnelly Eileen Rogenkamp Kayla Schinkel* | Trombone Jess Hergett Malachi Williams*
Euphonium Kaylee Flaata Chase Keesling William McCreight Stazzi Simmons
Tuba Tom Colling Sabrina Gary Thomas Keller
Percussion Ainsley Balthazor Trenton Lowry* Jesse Solorzano Tristan Thompson Ben Thorne |
*Denotes Principal Section Player | ||
Kansas State University Band
Flute Taton Bennett Blake Davis Audrey Farrell Christopher Hovis Sarah Jane Kelley Corbin Wood
Oboe Kristen Schrag Gabby Yager
Clarinet Josie Anderson Laura Bogner Grace Dice DJ Donnelly Alora Duran Trenton Lowry Mason Ringer
Bass Clarinet Nathaniel Chaput Erin Flax
Bassoon Krissy Davis Briele Vollmuth Brandon Wells | Alto Saxophone Ann Barker Noah Dial Logan Peralez Alexis Sutton Kate Washburn
Tenor Saxophone Ella Greenup Drake Middleton Bryce Schreiber
Baritone Saxophone John Eldridge Ethan Karnes
Trumpet Angel Amaro Nathan Davis Chase Keesling James Probst Tristan Thompson Ben Thorne Jake Wall
French Horn Mitchell Betancourt Craig Brinkman Kenny Davies Thomas Keller | Trombone Jasmine Bates Sabrina Gary Elizabeth Guevara Ethan Hill Ethan Jeffries Drake Thompson Brenden Vining
Euphonium Sam Allison Johnny Hensley Hannah Mancini Stazzi Simmons Jessica Vanstory
Tuba Katie Kimmel Lily Linville Christopher Wells
Percussion Katie Anderson Kaylee Flaata Kyle Grimes Caleb Niehoff Caden Roark Daniel Smith
|
*Denotes Principal Section Player | ||
Wind Symphony Conductor
ALEX WIMMER is currently serving as the Assistant Director of Bands at Kansas State University. His duties include directing the Wind Symphony, Cat Band (basketball pep band), Volleyball Band, Pub Crawl Band, Assistant Marching Band Director for the Pride of Wildcat Land (KSUMB), arranger and drill designer for the KSUMB, and instructor of undergraduate and graduate courses in conducting, arranging, and marching band techniques. During the summer he coordinates the K-State Summer Music Camp and K-State Leadership and Auxiliary Camp, and serves as one of the Assistant Directors of the Manhattan Municipal Band. Prior to his appointment at Kansas State University, Dr. Wimmer was a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the Kansas State University Bands. He assisted with all concert and athletic ensembles, undergraduate conducting courses, and Percussion Ensembles. His research interests include undergraduates conducting with expressivity and qualitative research.
Originally from Gretna, Nebraska, Dr. Wimmer received his Bachelor of Music degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 2007, his Master of Music degree in Education with an emphasis in Wind Conducting from Kansas State University in 2014, and his Doctorate in Philosophy in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University in 2017. Dr. Wimmer was the Director of Bands at Gretna High School and the Assistant Director of Bands at Gretna Middle School from 2007-2012. Under his direction his concert, jazz, and marching bands received consistent superior ratings. He was a recipient of the Jack R. Snider Young Band Director Award in 2011 and served on the Nebraska Music Educators Association Leadership Academy from 2011-2012.
Dr. Wimmer is in demand as a conductor, clinician, and adjudicator as well as a percussion specialist. His professional affiliations include the Kansas Music Educators Association, the Kansas Bandmasters Association, the National Association for Music Education, the College Band Directors National Association, the Percussive Arts Society, Kappa Kappa Psi, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, and Phi Kappa Lambda.
Concert Band Conductors
OLIVIA BAZANOS is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and is one of the graduate assistants at Kansas State University. She earned her B.M. in Music Education from Slippery Rock University (SRU) in 2021. While at SRU she was extremely involved in marching band and was a section leader, fundamentals of marching chair, and head drum major during her undergraduate career. She has taught instrumental band grades 4-12 in public school teaching. Olivia was also an active performing member with the Slippery Rock University Winter Guard for two years.
Olivia has instructed as visual technician, guard instructor, and woodwind instructor at local high school marching bands and substituted within various Pennsylvania school districts. Olivia is also an active volunteer with Music For All, spending two weeks of every summer as a S.W.A.G. Team Member during her Summer Symposium held in Muncie, Indiana.
Olivia’s professional affiliations include Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Association of Music Education, Music For All, Kansas Bandmasters Association, Kansas Music Educators Association, Women Band Directors International, Tau Beta Sigma, and Mu Phi Epsilon.
CALLY BITTERLIN is a PhD Candidate and graduate assistant at Kansas State University. She earned both her B.M.E and M.M. from Kansas State University in 2008 and 201,1 respectively. While at Kansas State University, she was extremely involved in marching band and was a section leader and student staff during her undergraduate career. She has taught all grade levels K-12 in her 9 years of public school teaching. Cally has taught in Kansas, Texas, and Iowa.
In Texas, Cally taught at University High School where she oversaw the concert and symphonic bands and assisted with the marching, jazz, and mariachi bands. She also proposed and received a piano classroom and taught 3 sections of group piano lessons. Cally implemented a leadership program and training at the high school and continued to do the same in Iowa. She was a performing member in the saxophone section in the Waco Community Band and the Temple Symphonic Band. Cally was also a clinician and adjudicator for several schools and events for high schools and middle schools in Texas and continues to do so in Kansas. In Iowa, she oversaw the entire band program including color guard, athletic bands, concert, and jazz bands. The jazz and marching bands traveled in and out of state for several competitions during her tenure. Cally continued to perform on saxophone soloing for different occasions in the district and playing euphonium at Tuba Christmas.
Cally's professional affiliations include Texas Music Educators Association, Iowa Bandmasters Association, Kansas Music Educators Association, Women Band Directors International, Tau Beta Sigma, Kappa Delta Pi.
PRESTON THOMAS is from Lenexa, Kansas. He graduated from Kansas State University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Music Education Degree. During his time at Kansas State University, he was involved with the Pride of Wildcat Land Marching Band as section leader of the snare line and president of the percussion studio chapter of Percussive Arts Society. Preston also played in the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Brass Ensemble, Woodwind Ensemble, Volleyball Pep Band, Basketball Pep Band, and Percussion Ensemble.
After graduating Kansas State University, Preston went to Medicine Lodge, Kansas and taught grade 6-12 band and choir. During his time at Medicine Lodge, he was able to receive Superior ratings at both regional and state level competitions with all of his groups which had not been done in recent memory. He was also fortunate to be able to assist in acquiring new technology to the music department with a new digital sound and lighting system which helped bring a new energy to the concerts and performances.
TRAVIS TURNER is currently an M.M. candidate at Kansas State University. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree at Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) in 2020, where he was involved in the marching band, taking on the role of drum captain for the drumline and later a student staff position. He also performed with the MSSU Wind Ensemble, acting as principal trombonist, and the MSSU Jazz Orchestra. He also performed with Resistance Indoor Percussion, an independent open class ensemble based out of Tulsa, Oklahoma. While performing with Resistance, Travis took on leadership roles within the ensemble and earned the “Member of the Year” award in 2018 and 2019.
Travis has worked with several high schools in Southwest Missouri, as well as the Wichita and Tulsa areas, teaching drumline and visual fundamentals. In his most recent endeavor, he was the Assistant Percussion Coordinator for the Joplin High School Winter Drumline, where he helped lead the ensemble to their highest-scoring season in five years. He also worked with Resistance Indoor Percussion in the 2020 season, working with the bass drums and teaching visual fundamentals. Travis has also started a small design business with his brother, writing and arranging shows for marching bands.
University Band Conductors
ANN BARKER is a junior in Music Education at Kansas State University and will graduate in the Spring of 2023. She attended Blue Valley High School and graduated in 2019. Ann plays trumpet in the K-State Wind Ensemble, Orchestra, Big Bands, and Latin Jazz Ensemble. She was voted most likely to be elected president in the fifth grade. When Ann is not going playing her instrument, she enjoys spending time with her nieces, nephews, and her dogs.
TATON BENNETT is a senior in Music Education at Kansas State University and will graduate in Spring of 2023. She grew up in Cheney, KS and graduated from Cheney High School in 2018. Taton plays clarinet in the K-State Wind Ensemble and was an assistant drum major in the marching band last season. She has also been a member of the Cat Band, Pub Crawl Band, Wind Symphony, and Woodwind Ensemble in her time here. She is a recipient of the Rod Funk Award and is a Marching Pride Scholar. When she is not in band, Taton enjoys spending time with her friends, her sisters, and her dog, Hamilton.
JAMES PROBST is a senior is Music Education and will be student teaching in the Fall. He is from Lawrence, Kansas, and was home schooled in high school, graduating in 2018. James is currently a saxophonist in the K-State Wind Ensemble, the KSU Saxophone Quartet, and Jazz Lab A. Once he graduates, James hopes to be an elementary music teacher or a middle school band director. Outside of school, James loves to spend time with family and friends and is an active member of the St. Isidore’s community.
KRISTEN SCHRAG is a junior in Music education at Kansas State University and will graduate in the Spring of 2023. She attended Valley Center High School and graduated in 2019. Kristen is the principal flutist in the K-State Wind Symphony and a co-principal flutist of the K-State Symphony Orchestra. She also plays piccolo in the KSUMB. She is a Marching Pride Scholar. When Kristen isn’t playing her instrument, she enjoys hanging out with her friends and their various pets or going and supporting her friends’ musical performances in all genres.
DANIEL SMITH is from Shawnee, Kansas and is currently a Junior in Music Education at Kansas State University and will graduate in the Spring of 2023. He attended De Soto High School where he received the John Phillip Sousa award and graduated in 2019. Daniel plays Trombone in the KSU Wind Ensemble and is an Assistant Drum Major for the KSUMB. Daniel is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi and currently holds the office of Vice President of Membership. He is a recent recipient of the Phil Hewitt award. When Daniel is not playing his instrument or conducting an ensemble, Daniel enjoys binge watching TV shows and spending quality time with his closest friends.
BRANDON WELLS is a senior in Music Education at Kansas State University and will graduate in the Spring of 2023. He attended Blue Valley Northwest High School and graduated in 2018. Brandon is a member of the K-State Wind Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Cat Band. He is also a section leader in the KSUMB Drumline. He recently was a recipient of the Assistant Section Leader of the Year for the 2021 season. When he is not playing his instrument, Brandon enjoys playing board games and spending time with friends.
