Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024 • 7:30 p.m.
Weigel Auditorium
Columbus, OH
OHIO STATE SYMPHONIC BAND
Scott A. Jones, conductor
Shawn Davern, DMA student conductor
Uiliami Fihaki, MM student conductor
PROGRAM
Celebrations (1988/91)
John Zdechlik (1937–2020)
Celebrations was commissioned by Earl C. Benson, conductor of the Medalist Concert Band of Bloomington, Minnesota in honor of the 20th anniversary of that ensemble. Now in its 56th year, the Medalist Concert Band continues its rich tradition of extraordinary civic music making in the Twin Cities. The composition is highly spirited and has two primary themes. The animated first theme is characterized by rapid scale-based passages stated in the woodwinds. The contrasting second theme is stately in spirit, presented in longer note values but at the same tempo as the first theme.
Composer John Zdechlik called Minnesota home for the entirety of his life. He earned three degrees from the University of Minnesota, where a long friendship with director of bands Dr. Frank Bencriscutto was formed. Zdechlik served for nearly 30 years on the faculty of Lakewood Community College (now Century College) near White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Perhaps his most popular composition, Chorale and Shaker Dance, continues to be performed by school bands around the world more than 50 years since its premiere in 1971. A kind person with a generous spirit, Zdechlik inspired many through meaningful musical and personal relationships.
Serenade, No. 11, Op. 85 (1961)
Vincent Persichetti (1915–1987)
1. Pastoral
2. Humoreske
3. Nocturne
4. Intermezzo
5. Capriccio
Uiliami Fihaki, conductor
Vincent Persichetti demonstrated prowess as a musician from a young age, initially mastering the piano, and later organ, double bass, tuba, music theory and composition. Persichetti complemented his primary studies in the Philadelphia public schools with a comprehensive musical education at the Combs College of Music, earning a degree in 1935 under the guidance of Russel King Miller, his primary composition teacher. At 20, Persichetti was leading theory and composition departments while pursuing additional conducting and piano degrees at the Curtis Institute and the Philadelphia Conservatory. His prolific career included more than 120 published compositions of many musical genres, showcasing his versatility and craftsmanship. Persichetti’s compositions for wind band, particularly his Symphony No. 6, stand as enduring contributions to the musical canon.
Commissioned in 1960 by Frank Battisti and the Ithaca High School Band, Serenade for Band was one among 15 serenades composed by Persichetti. The opening movement, "Pastoral," presents a breezy melody atop a gently undulating accompaniment. A "Humoreske" follows which draws its thematic material from the preceding movement but here, set to a percussive foundation. The "Nocturne" presents a tender chorale characterized by a homophonic texture. In contrast, the "Intermezzo" features cascading triads set against graceful harmonies. The final movement, "Capriccio," is a dance in 6/8 time, which culminates in distinctive Persichetti way: a colorful nine-note chord that suggests multiple tonalities (A-flat major, B-flat major, D minor, F major, A minor and C major).
Of Our New Day Begun (2015)
Omar Thomas (b. 1984)
“To honor the nine victims and families of the June 17, 2015 terrorist attack on Mother Emanuel A.M.E. Church in Charleston, SC. Let us march on ‘til victory is won.”
Born to Guyanese parents in Brooklyn, New York in 1984, Omar Thomas has since garnered international acclaim as an important compositional voice of our day. His work has been praised as "elegant, beautiful, sophisticated, intense, and crystal clear in emotional intent." A composer equally adept in multiple mediums, his compositions have been performed by the Eastman New Jazz Ensemble, the San Francisco and Boston Gay Men's Choruses, The United States Marine Band, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, the Houston Symphony Orchestra, and the Showa Wind Symphony, as well as a number of our country's finest collegiate ensembles. Thomas is presently a member of the Composition and Jazz Studies departments at the University of Texas at Austin.
“Historically, black Americans have, in great number, turned to the church to find refuge and grounding in the most trying of times. Thus, the musical themes and ideas for 'Of Our New Day Begun' are rooted in the Black American church tradition. The piece is anchored by James and John Johnson’s time-honored song, 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' (known endearingly as the 'Negro National Anthem') and peppered with blues harmonies and melodies. Singing, stomping and clapping are also prominent features of this work, as they have always been a mainstay of black music traditions, and the inclusion of the tambourine in these sections is a direct nod to black worship services.”
“My greatest challenge in creating this work was walking the line between reverence for the victims and their families, and honoring my strong, bitter feelings towards both the perpetrator and the segments of our society that continue to create people like him. I realized that the most powerful musical expression I could offer incorporated elements from both sides of that line — embracing my pain and anger while being moved by the displays of grace and forgiveness demonstrated by the victims’ families.”
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14 (1912)
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873–1943)
arr. Hunsberger
Sergei Rachmaninoff was recognized as a musical talent early in life and was directed by his mother to study piano and theoretical subjects. Those studies brought the young Rachmaninoff into contact with musicians who strongly influenced the early part of his career, most notably composer Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky. A “triple threat,” Rachmaninoff would eventually go on to be internationally recognized as a pianist, composer and conductor.
His Opus 34 song cycle was composed between 1910 and 1912 and included 14 songs on poems by several of Russia’s best-known romantic authors, including Pushkin. Each song was then dedicated to a particular singer. The wordless No. 14, Vocalise, is dedicated to the coloratura soprano Antonina Nezhdanova.
The wind setting by Donald Hunsberger of the Vocalise is dedicated to Frederick Fennell in celebration of his 90th birthday — July 2, 2004. Fennell, founder of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, enjoyed a long friendship with Hunsberger that began when both were members of the Pennsylvania All-State Band in 1949. Hunsberger would follow Fennell at the Eastman School of Music, where he served as conductor of the famed ensemble from 1965 to his retirement in 2002.
The music possesses a stunningly beautiful and haunting quality. The composition’s two full verses and ensuing coda are clearly discernable even to the first-time listener. Hunsberger’s masterful use of orchestration allows for subtle and satisfying colors to emerge.
We dedicate this evening’s performance to the memory of Donald Hunsberger who passed in November.
Wayfaring Stranger (2015)
Christopher M. Nelson (b. 1987)
Shawn Davern, conductor
Christopher M. Nelson is an educator, conductor, composer and arranger. Currently, he serves as an associate instructor in the band department at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, where he is pursuing a doctorate in wind band conducting. Before his doctoral studies, Nelson served as a high school music educator in Oregon and Utah. He holds degrees from both Washington State University and Brigham Young University.
Of this setting the composer writes, “Wayfaring Stranger is a setting of the American folk spiritual known as 'Poor Wayfaring Stranger.' While many versions of the lyrics to this tune exist, they all tell the story of a Traveler who makes their way on a journey despite a rough road, difficult circumstances and gathering darkness. The Traveler does this, the lyrics say, for the promise of green pastures and a reunion with their Father and Mother at journey’s end. This setting is intended to convey not only the difficulty experienced by the Traveler, but also the resolve which is displayed as they move forward despite hardship and disappointment. Wayfaring Stranger is offered as a sort of resolute battle-hymn for anyone who must endure a long journey of hardship before the promised green pastures can be enjoyed.”
Fantasia Sobre Motivos Colombianos (1924, 26)
Pedro Morales Pino (1863–1926)
ed. Gonzalez
Composer, conductor and music teacher Pedro Morales Pino was born in Cartago, Colombia. Regular and meaningful contact with street musicians and troubadours as a child aroused an early interest in music. He began formal studies in music at the National Academy of Music in 1882. In 1897 he created the Lira Colombiana, a group of 16 musicians in which he was both first bandola and director. This ensemble popularized many of the typical songs of Colombia and became known internationally. The Lira Colombiana had the privilege of being the second group of musical artists from Colombia to tour the world.
Fantasia Sobre Motivos Colombianos (Fantasy on Colombian Motifs) utilizes national musical motifs as its source material. Following a slow and dramatic introduction featuring solo oboe, the ensuing faster section presents the melodic and rhythmic motifs through which the remainder of the work is unified. A fugal setting of the themes brings the composition to a close.
All are invited to a reception in the lower lobby following the performance sponsored by the Chi Chapter of Tau Beta Sigma (TBS) Honorary Band Sorority.
The musicians of the Symphonic Band extend deep gratitude to the Chi Chapter of TBS for their recent gift of new music folders for the ensemble.
PERSONNEL
Musicians are listed alphabetically by section.
Piccolo
Lance Korte
Grace Reven
Flute
Karis Brennan
Katelyn Cheng ∆
Nic Digena
Hanna Everding
Grace Gregg
Lance Korte
Grace Reven
Haley Svec
Oboe
Maddie Wittman ∆
Adil Zafar
English Horn
Adil Zafar
Abby Yeakle Held *
Bassoon
Will Harper
Lucas Swiderski ∆
Contra Bassoon
Laila Elhamri *
E-flat Clarinet
Jacob Behrend
Clarinet
Jacob Behrend ∆
Samantha Buckley
Mackenzi Buynak
Ethan Dale
Zachary Grant §
Jenna Harkin
Favius Pena-Amaya
Nicholas Ritchey
Bass Clarinet
Quinn Jensen ∆
Rowan Hauer
Contra Clarinet
Quinn Jensen
Alto Saxophone
Colin Fogerty
Zach Langbein ∆
Nick Paul
Tenor Saxophone
Alyssa Hartman
Baritone Saxophone
Katia de Jong §
Trumpet
Jude Abuzeide
Graham Bentley
Connor Caviness
Ben Dickson ∆
Will Fisher
Jonathan Levene
Connor Milner
Abbey Zunic
Horn
Caleb Anderson
Nicholas Blum
Shawnta Hunter §
Katherine Indyk
Nora Lemmon ∆ §
Mirai Nawa
Allie Polzin
Trombone
Lucia Cherok
Anthony Frankowski
Nik Henderson
Ashleigh Mastilak
Katie Moore ∆
Jordan Updegrove
Euphonium
Ayden Casa ∆
Zack Ferko
Sayaka Iimura
Clayton Messinger
Tuba
Michael Flowers
Adam Johnson
Lucas Snouffer
Garrett Woolbert ∆
Percussion
Brody Fogle ∆
TJ Mann
Cierra Miller
Mary Paydock §
Adam Quinn
Polly Regan
Harp
Jillian Davis
Double Bass
Dallas Carpenter *
Piano
Alex Buckley
∆ principal player
§ board member
* assisting musician
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