Thursday, April 23, 2026  •  7:30 p.m.

Weigel Auditorium
Columbus, OH
 

Program

University Band

Paul Bissler and Brooke Woods, conductors

Rollercoaster!

Jim Mahafey (b. 1938)

Brooke Woods, conductor

Rollercoaster captures the excitement and energy of a thrilling amusement park ride, with driving rhythms, and Hollywood-style harmonies. The piece races to a finish, leaving audiences with the rush of one final ride.

John Williams in Concert

John Williams (b. 1932), arr. Paul Lavender

Brooke Woods, conductor

From movies to television to important national events, the thrilling music of John Williams continues to inspire audiences everywhere. Here are some of his musical contributions, spotlighted in an impressive medley, which includes Theme from E. T.; The Mission (NBC News); Star Wars, Imperial March, Cantina Band; Olympic Spirit and Theme from Jaws.

— Note from the publisher

Fate of the Gods

Steven Reineke (b.1970)

Paul Bissler, conductor

Fate of the Gods, a programmatic work for symphonic band, was inspired by tales of Nordic mythology. The piece tells the story of Ragnarok, also known as the Twilight of the Gods. An incredible war between the forces of good and evil is fought, bringing about the end of the cosmos. After the destruction, a new and idyllic world will arise and this new earth will be filled only with joy and abundance.

— Note by the composer 

Bandology

Eric Osterling (1926–2005)

Paul Bissler, conductor

Published in 1963, Bandology remains Osterling’s most popular march. The composer stays within the march format but uses rich, full dance band chords and interesting rhythms for contrast. A stop-time section for brass and percussion, and a pleasingly lyrical trio help to make this light concert march an audience favorite.
 

UNIVERSITY BAND PERSONNEL
 

Collegiate Winds

Phillip Day, conductor
Christopher Hoch, guest conductor
Brooke Woods, guest conductor

Fanfare — HAYABUSA (2011)

Satoshi Yagisawa (b. 1975)

Christopher Hoch, guest conductor

Hayabusa (Japanese for "Peregrine falcon") was a robotic spacecraft developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to return a sample of material from a small near-Earth asteroid named 25143 Itokawa to Earth for further analysis. Hayabusa was launched on May 9, 2003, and rendezvoused with Itokawa in mid-September 2005. After arriving at Itokawa, Hayabusa studied the asteroid's shape, spin, topography, color, composition, density and history. In November 2005, it landed on the asteroid and collected samples in the form of tiny grains of asteroidal material, which were returned to Earth aboard the spacecraft on June 13, 2010.

Japanese composer Satoshi Yagisawa graduated from the Department of Composition at Musashino Academia Musicae, and later completed the master's coursework at the graduate school of Musashino Academia Musicae. He studied composition with Kenjiro Urata, Hitoshi Tanaka and Hidehiko Hagiwaya, in addition to studying trumpet with Takeji Sekine and band instruction with Masato Sato.

Yagisawa's compositions for wind orchestra are popular in Japan and many other countries. They were introduced in Teaching Music Through Performance in Band published by GIA Publications in the United States, published by De Haske Publications in Holland and Bravo Music in America, selected as a compulsory piece for the University of North Texas Conductors' Collegium, and performed at the 12th World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) in Singapore and the Midwest Clinic (2008) in Chicago. In Japan, Yagisawa has composed music for National Arbor Day, National Sports Festival, and Japan Intra-High School Athletic Meets, as well as numerous leading ensembles in Japan. He was appointed Ceremonial Music Director for the National Sports Festival 2010 in the State of Chiba, Japan.

Other professional activities include festival adjudication, guest conducting, teaching, lecturing, writing columns for music magazines, and advisory work for a music publisher. Yagisawa is one of the most energetic young composers in Japan today. Currently he teaches wind, string and percussion instruments at Tokyo Music & Media Arts, Shobi. He is also a member of "Kyo-En," an organization that premieres outstanding original works by Japanese composers.

Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light (1641/2009)

Johann Schop (c. 1590–1667)
arr. J.S. Bach, David Biedenbender

The melody heard in Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light was composed by Johann Schop (ca. 1590–1664) and was first known as Ermuntre dich, mein schwacher Geist (Rouse thyself, my weak spirit). It was first published in Leipzig in 1641 in Johann Rist’s Himmlische Lieder (Heavenly or Celestial Songs). The melody had a different character in its original form, as it was more closely related to Renaissance musical style. By the time Bach harmonized the tune in the 18th century, musical preferences had shifted: the rhythm of the melody was made more consistent, the tempo became slower, and the harmony and counterpoint more complex. This setting is still sung in modern churches at Christmas and is commonly known as "Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light."

Luminescence (2009)

David Biedenbender (b. 1984)

David Biedenbender’s Luminescence is based on fragments of “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light,” and opens with an intense rhythmic gesture from the timpani before launching into shimmering harmonies and textures in the woodwinds and metallic percussion. The first fragment of the original tune is a declamatory statement of the consequent phrase in the horns, followed shortly thereafter by the antecedent phrase in the trumpets and a brief response by the upper woodwinds.

An abruptly stark clarinet solo begins a moment of respite, with players across several sections playing fragments of the source material in serene and varied orchestrations. Building in intensity, the timpani restart the motor of the piece and pass off to a rhythmic motif in the saxophones and mallet percussion. Extended and harmonically undulating material is passed throughout the ensemble. As motifs and gestures from the A section of the piece layer in, a recapitulation is imminent.

Eventually, the vibrant woodwind melody from the opening bars of the work breaks through, and the antecedent phrase of “Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light” is presented in augmentation by the trumpets. The final moments of the piece highlight Biedenbender’s signature compositional techniques, with whirling woodwinds, a triumphant statement of the primary theme, and expansive harmonies. The work culminates with three scintillating tone clusters, each dovetailed by glistening percussion.

Composer David Biedenbender’s music has been described as “simply beautiful,” “striking” and “brilliantly crafted” and is noted for its “rhythmic intensity” and “stirring harmonies.” “Modern, venturesome, and inexorable…The excitement, intensity, and freshness that characterizes Biedenbender’s music hung in the [air] long after the last note was played.” He has written music for the concert stage as well as for dance and multimedia collaborations. His work is often influenced by his diverse musical experiences in rock and jazz bands as an electric bassist; in wind, jazz, and New Orleans-style brass bands as a euphonium, bass trombone, and tuba player; and by his study of Indian Carnatic Music.

His present creative interests include working with everyone from classically trained musicians to improvisers, acoustic chamber music to large ensembles, and interactive electronic interfaces to live brain data.

In addition to composing, David is a dedicated teacher. He is assistant professor of music theory and composition at Boise State University; and was previously on the composition and theory faculty at Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, Madonna University, and the Interlochen Arts Camp. He has also taught an interdisciplinary course in creativity and collaboration in the Living Arts program at the University of Michigan. His composition students have achieved regional and national recognition for their creative work, including numerous awards and acceptance into renowned summer music festivals and undergraduate and graduate composition programs.

Southern Hymn (2009)

Samuel Hazo (b. 1966)

Brooke Woods, guest conductor

Showcasing an original theme inspired by historic folk tunes like "Shenandoah" and "Amazing Grace," Southern Hymn begins with a solo trumpet anchored by a low drone and rich harmonies. Repetitions of the theme explore new ensemble colors through instrumental pairings and metallic percussion.

Samuel Hazo received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Duquesne University where he served on the Board of Governors, and was awarded as Duquesne’s Outstanding Graduate in Music Education. He resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with his wife and children.

In 2003, Hazo became the first composer in history to be awarded the winner of both composition contests sponsored by the National Band Association. He has composed for the professional, university and public school levels in addition to writing original scores for television, radio and the stage. His original symphonic compositions include performances with actors Brooke Shields, James Earl Jones, David Conrad and Richard Kiley. He has also written symphonic arrangements for three-time Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Lucinda Williams. Hazo’s compositions have been performed and recorded worldwide, including performances by the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra (national tour), the Birmingham Symphonic Winds (UK) and the Klavier Wind Project’s recordings with Eugene Migliaro Corporon. Additionally, his music is included in the series "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band." Hazo's works have been premiered and performed at the Music Educators National Conference, Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic, World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles Convention, National Honor Band of America, National Band Association/TBA Convention, College Band Directors National Association Convention, and also aired in full-length programs on National Public Radio.

Samuel Hazo has been a music teacher at every educational grade level from kindergarten through college, including tenure as a high school and university director. He was twice named “Teacher of Distinction” by the Southwestern Pennsylvania Teachers’ Excellence Foundation. Hazo serves as a guest conductor and is a clinician for Hal Leonard Corporation. He is also sponsored by Sibelius Music Software. Recordings of his compositions appear on Klavier Records and Mark Records.

Symphonic Suite from Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves (1991)

Michael Kamen (1948–2003)
arr. Paul Lavender

Michael Kamen was an American composer, arranger, conductor, songwriter and musician. He began his work as a pop and rock music arranger, notably for Pink Floyd, and was a member of the New York Rock & Roll Ensemble and the Roger Waters Band. Starting in the mid-1980s, he achieved further prominence as a composer of film scores.

Kamen's best known scores include the Die Hard and Lethal Weapon franchises, the Terry Gilliam films Brazil (1985) and The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988), Highlander (1986), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991), Don Juan DeMarco (1994), What Dreams May Come (1998), The Iron Giant (1999), X-Men (2000), and the television series Edge of Darkness, Tales from the Crypt, and Band of Brothers.

During his career Kamen won four Grammy Awards, a BAFTA TV Award, and was nominated for two Academy Awards for Best Original Song, four Golden Globe Awards, and a Primetime Emmy Award.

Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves is a 1991 American action-adventure film based on the English folk tale of Robin Hood and loosely set in the 12th century. Directed by Kevin Reynolds and written by Pen Densham and John Watson, the film stars Kevin Costner as Robin Hood, Morgan Freeman as Azeem, Christian Slater as Will Scarlett, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio as Marian, and Alan Rickman as the Sheriff of Nottingham.

The film received mixed reviews from critics. It was a box office success, grossing $390.5 million worldwide, making it the second-highest-grossing film of 1991. Rickman received the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role for his performance as George, Sheriff of Nottingham. The theme song "(Everything I Do) I Do It for You," written by Michael Kamen, with lyrics by Bryan Adams, was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Original Song, and it won the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.

Carmen Ohio / Across the Field

arr. Roger Cichy (BM 1978, MA in Music Education 1983) (b. 1956)

COLLEGIATE WINDS PERSONNEL
 

Personnel

University Band

Musicians are listed alphabetically within each section.

Flute 
Macy Adams
Ananya Chadha
Maisyn Groves
Max Henderson
Ella Johnson
Alyssa Jones
Anna King
Elijah Tofte

Oboe
Connor Caviness
Lucia Cherok
Nik Henderson

Bassoon
Molly Schwartz
Robert Mullen

Clarinet
Emily Baker
Alex Blackstone
Ethan Campbell
Maddie Carney
Audra Franke
Aaron Geise
Lauren Haley
Anna Irwin
Haley Kramer
Lily Myers
Natalie Hall
Katarina Payamgis
Sydney Reeves
Ryder Robins

Bass Clarinet
Ryan Chan

Alto Saxophone
Markus Dixon
Austin Hamilton
Lily Ritenberg
Nicole Susko

Tenor Saxophone
Kirthin Rajesh    
Baritone Saxophone
Lucas Snouffer

Trumpet
Paolo Atriano
Adrian Cardenas
Gage Edwards
Bo Famularcano
Andrew Hsiung
Katherine Suttle
Anneliese Liedtke
Toby Martini
Julian Oconer
Colin Parker
Finn Paul
Isabelle Plummer
Eigan Reisted
Levi Rickenbach
Spencer Talarzyk

Horn
Caitlyn Bowers
Lila Smith
Haley Svec

Trombone
Cameron Mills
Abigail Rutherford
Nila Sparkes
Mathew Wheeler
Lillian Widmar

Euphonium
Christine Baird
Saya Greening
Jacob Meyer
Louis Polien

Tuba
Oliver Alban
Nick Blum
Nic Digena

Percussion
Dustin Brickner
Nolan Call
Claudia Church
Noah Sims
Jaxon Stevens
Orion Stufflebeam
Ray Williams
Avery Wilt

Collegiate Winds

Musicians are listed alphabetically within each section.

Piccolo
Maryssa Hoermle

Flute
Abby Birr *
Maryssa Hoermle
Cecillia Le
Isabelle McCulloch
Allegra Tannoury
Emma Walters
Hana Winchester

Oboe
Natalie Kittle
Layla Lubic *
River Wells

Bassoon
Conner Ozatalar
Alexia Simmons *

Clarinet
Sam Baccei *
Leena Futoryansky
Connor Gibson
Nicole Gountanis
Sophia Lipowski
Becca Plympton
Holly Rasanow
Ellie Zavaglia

Bass Clarinet
Rowan Hauer *
Tori Steinbrecher

Alto Saxophone
Connor Croley
Abigail Downs
Samuel Feldstein
Blake Steele *

Tenor Saxophone
Holly Barger
Evan King *

Baritone Saxophone
Charlie Peterson

Trumpet
Cameron Beard
Nolan Daly *
Luke Duane-Tessier
Ryan Flad
Joseph Gregg
Samantha Harvey
Alli Jones
Marlee Lawson
Brianna Nemec
Olivia Truocchio
Katie Williams

Horn
Aria Christensen
Trajan Emmert *
Lauren Palacek
MiVan Pham
Eden Piotroski
Sami Steinhauser
Randall Wiles

Trombone
Clarissa Cousart
Fernando Flores IV
Sam Harper
Raven Luman
Gavin Schooley *
Noah Schrader
Kenta Thompson
Nicholas Zahniser

Euphonium
Dominic Barnes
Sayaka Iimura *
Tori Klinger
Daniel Schiel II

Tuba
Preston Hexamer
Ryan Schoeff
Matthew Sliwinski *

Percussion 
Xander Bullinger
Garrett Campbell
Ben Hollis *
Sam Lord-Fry
Grayson Trinca

* principal player
 

Join us…

Visit Events for upcoming performances, lectures and more. Most are free. Many are livestreamed for later viewing.

Receive news and upcoming events. Subscribe to our weekly e-newsletter, OVATION.

Visit Outreach for opportunities for middle/high school musicians and educators.

Registration is now open for our Youth Summer Music Programs. Ten different summer camps for middle and high school musicians.

Our Community Music School offers opportunities for all ages and ability levels.