FACULTY & STAFF
Jay S. Gephart.....................................................................................................Director and AI G. Wright Chair
Matthew R. Conaway......................................Professor, Director of “All-American” Marching Band
Dr. Pamela J. Nave................................................................Associate Professor, Director of Percussion
Adam Bodony..........................................................................Associate Professor, Director of Orchestras
Bethany Robinson...............................................Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Jazz Bands
Jarrard Harris..............................................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. David M. Blon.......................................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Lucas H. Petersen.............................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Douglas R. Fletcher.............................................................................................................Director of Operations
Amy Brandfonbrener................................................................................................Chamber Music Instructor
Esther Kirgiss........................................................................................................Director of External Relations
Caitlin Cotten........................................................................Manager of Recruitment & Student Success
Humza Nasir..............................................................................................................................Multimedia Designer
Susan Lipscomb.............................................................................................Senior Administrative Assistant
Kim Delks.........................................................................................................................................Business Assistant
Adisyn Nichols..................................................................................................................Student Office Assistant
Elora Ifeguni............................................................................................................................Graphic Design Intern
Udochukwu Akorah...................................................................................................Social Media Ambassador
PROGRAM
UNIVERSITY BAND
Jay S. Gephart, conductor
Proud Spirit (1990).................................................................................................James Swearingen (b. 1947)
Symphonic Narrative (1992)....................................................................................Robert Sheldon (b. 1954)
Among the Aspens (2022).............................................................................................Aaron Perrine (b. 1979)
Aaron Perrine, guest conductor
Across the Desert Sands (2024).................................................................................Michael Oare (b. 1960)
Secret Valley (2024).................................................................................................Michael Sweeney (b. 1952)
The Texans (1986)...............................................................................................................James Barnes (b. 1949)
ALUMNI CONCERT BAND
Jay S. Gephart, conductor
Westport Overture (1988)..............................................................................................James Barnes (b. 1949)
Relax! (1955)..........................................................................................................................Paul Yoder (1908-1990)
Big Bowl March (1956)..............................................................................Gladys Stone Wright (1925-2025)
Southwest Saga (1987)...............................................................................................Robert Sheldon (b. 1954)
COLLEGIATE BAND II
Dr. David M. Blon, conductor
Celebration Fanfare (2007)......................................................................................Steven Reineke (b. 1970)
Wolves in Moonlight (2019)................................................................................................Julie Giroux (b. 1961)
In Memory of Gladys Stone Wright Jay S. Gephart, conductor
Black Granite (1996)......................................................................................................James L. Hosay (b. 1959)
Tears of St. Lawrence (2014)........................................................................................Aaron Perrine (b. 1979)
Aaron Perrine, guest conductor
Be Ever The Hope (2021)....................................................................................................Jay Kennedy (b. 1951)
Arabesque (2008).........................................................................................................Samuel R. Hazo (b. 1966)
UNIVERSITY BAND
FLUTE
Ellie Little
Luke Favorite
Ashley Webster
Kristin O’Dell
Morgan Bedwell
Ethan Bergman
Joanna Shrimp
Annalisa Hertzler
Jayla Parks
Yuvinelly Cornejo-Torres
Andreea Munteanu
Megan Koellisch
Hetasri Galla
Ashley Smock
OBOE
Andrew Nomi
Haley Overton
Mei Pitts
Madalyn Carter
BASSOON
Alaina Marks
CLARINET
Haoxuan Tong
Paiton Fyfe
Tessa Kirchner
Alex Urankar
Hanah Bradford
Gracelyn Druelinger
Loralei Sugden
Mason Shorter
Chloe Gill
Hannah Pike
Audrey Orbin
Abigail Norvell
Alexandria Green
Brendan Crawford
BASS CLARINET
David Coombs
Alexia Gil
ALTO SAXOPHONE
Claire Harris
John Hollander
Andrew Brubaker
Eli Knasinski
Owen Pilacik
Joaquin Colon
Braeden Griffin
Kylie Bolon
TENOR SAXOPHONE
Allison Schuliger
Gabe Sivertson
Nathan Valentine
BARITONE SAXOPHONE
Madeline Little
HORN
Amelia Winkelman
Britt Holly
Barbara Cabral
Rebecca Kaluf
Nicholas Biallas
Mason Engel
Dylan Chen-Becker
Niko Hamby
Alan Wang
TRUMPET
Edward Mills
Lewis Strange
Albert Scrivner
Nathan Brettnacher
Joshua Footlik
Andrew Berry
Alexander Huxhold
Noah Miller
Colton Green
Lily Brideau
Anna Tucker
Hannah Cano
Aidan Jackson
Sophia Mae Dinglasan
Tess Carter
Emmi Doty
Abigail Green
Elisa Drouhard
Ben Boardman
Emersen Milanowski
TROMBONE
Clayton Blackburn
Finnegan Kilcoyne
Ben Calleja
Shakiya Nichols
Brendan Blair
Christopher Goseski
Grant Schnolis
EUPHONIUM
Ansel Khamapirad
Ethan Hurd
Vincent Chia
Jason Delatte
Jonathan Flinn
Alexander Asfar
TUBA
Aditi Gangasani
Connor Siurek
Tarun Rajan
Connor Bohan
Jessica Emerson
John Koellisch
PIANO
Everest Hacker
PERCUSSION
Griffin Cooper
Everest Hacker
Tyler Cox
Tyler Barnett
Kriya Anumalla
Ben MarcAurele
Ava Haan
Max Weiss
Hannah Dengler
Jordan Mark
FLUTE
Bryana Bunte
ALUMNI CONCERT BAND
Richard Cummings
Carol Downard
Sandy Feola
Margaret Heger
Samantha Howard
Ben LeBlanc
Karen Marek Meno
Tanvi Vijay
Lisa Wilcrout
CLARINET
Mary Baker
Heather Bilsland
Jerrod Day
Oliver Krefta
Vincent Iu
Andrew Nguyen
Hannah Pike
Christopher Riemer
BASS CLARINET
John Papas Dennerline
Bonyea Killebrew
ALTO SAXOPHONE
John Halkyard
Andy Sydelko
TENOR SAXOPHONE
Jason Lipscomb
Allison Salkie
HORN
Maddie Brod
Eric Faulkner
Jenn Tordil
Frank Vago
Jim Wright
TRUMPET
Will Dobert
Micah Kinnaman
Humza Nasir
Clentice Smith
Rick Whittenberger
TROMBONE
Bill Burk
Aiden Gonzalez
Mike Heger
Mike Helms
Todd MacMillan
Alex Mason
Chad Matulenko
Linwood Mielke
Adam Myers
John Sabo
EUPHONIUM
David Brown
David Moore
Axel Nielsen
Samuel Reusze
Ron Salkie
Pat Sweeney
TUBA
B.J. Gehlhausen
John Mills
Dan O’Herron
Will Rater
STRING BASS
Karen Mills
PERCUSSION
Victoria Knott
Olivia Newton
Aurie Swartz
Matthew Vaughan
COLLEGIATE BAND II
PICCOLO
Samuel Root
FLUTE
Carena Allen
Alissa Benge
Ashlie Beuter
Tucker Bremer
Stephanie Kulinski
Ryan Rose
Fiona Xie*
OBOE
Cody Hendrych-Bondra
Victoria Porter*
BASSOON
Sierra Hunnicutt
B b SOPRANO CLARINET
Maria Cesco
Mackenzie Deese
Reagan Ensminger
Kayla Fischer
Karina Hollis-Brau
Catherine Hummell
Alexander Kaufmann
Isaac Lublin*
Quinn Mitchell
Hikari Shiga
Bowen Zheng
B b BASS CLARINET
Addie Smock
ALTO SAXOPHONE
Michael Anzalotti
Elijah Bass
Riley Kirby
Claire Masters*
TENOR SAXOPHONE
Jackson Wittenberg
BARITONE SAXOPHONE
Owen Hawes
HORN
Mason Chamberlin
Annalise DeMange
Andrew Freuman*
Raelee Lance
Abigail Mackey
Noelle Schick
TRUMPET
Ben Fillmore
Andrew Gafford
MacKenzie Gall
Justin Gee
Scott Gowen
Evan Richards
Abby Shute
Peter Silvia
Katie Stockhausen
Kevin Ward*
TENOR TROMBONE
Carl Bravata
Abby Frerichs
Elena Gutierrez
Lucas Hertig
Gerrit Hostetter
Meredith Ward
BASS TROMBONE
James Strayhorn*
EUPHONIUM
Sam Ames
Quin Dumouchelle
Billie Gibson
Evan Wolfert*
TUBA
Olivia Hart
Lily Muetz
Aidan Willey*
Gavin Wilson
Harry Zheng
PIANO
Stephanie Kulinski
STRING BASS
Mr. Ben Foerster
PERCUSSION
Josie Gerlach
Philip Guglielmetti
Makayla Johnson*
Derek Larson
Jack Mathis
Izzy Swetland
This ensemble is listed alphabetically to reinforce the importance of each member to the group. * Denotes Section Leader
PROGRAM NOTES
PROUD SPIRIT - SWEARINGEN
Commissioned by the Ohio chapter of ASBDA, Swearingen’s Proud Spirit is traditional in form, yet contains the writer’s “trademark’’ contemporary sounds with a fresh approach to scoring. James Swearingen (born 1947) is an American composer and arranger. He holds a Master’s Degree from the Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and is Professor of Music Emeritus, Department Chair of Music Education at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio.
SYMPHONIC NARRATIVE - SHELDON
Symphonic Narrative by Robert Sheldon is a masterful concert piece that weaves intricate melodies and harmonies to tell a captivating musical story. This piece challenges musicians to express the work’s rich, emotive landscape.
AMONG THE ASPENS - PERRINE
I love trees and have been surrounded by them most of my life. Capturing their essence is an impossible task, and yet one that permeates my mind on an almost daily basis. Given this, it is perhaps not a surprise to learn this passion has extended beyond music to photography: specifically, nature photography. While planning a recent trip to Colorado, I realized my visit would coincide with the annual fall foliage. Upon arrival, I was mesmerized by the golden beauty of the aspens sprinkled throughout the evergreens. Many photos were taken, and musical ideas connected to these images began to develop. The title of the work also emerged rather quickly. Coincidentally, I later discovered famous nature photographer Thomas Mangelsen’s stunning image of the same name: Among the Aspens.
ACROSS THE DESERT SANDS - OARE
Let’s go on a captivating musical journey inspired by the vast landscapes and rich culture of desert-dwelling peoples! The opening is bold and majestic before leading to a percussion-driven rhythmic obstinate. The exotic flute melody evolves throughout the ensemble and leads to a dance-like celebration. The pace quickens and the intensity builds to an exhilarating and dramatic finish.
SECRET VALLEY - SWEENEY
In the Mississippi River valley, portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois lie in a “driftless” region bypassed by ancient glaciers. The resulting scenic beauty is characterized by magnificent rocky bluffs, steep ravines, and forested hills. Secret Valley is a musical journey exploring a winding road through the misty bluffs, or an unexpected forested valley, a grand view of the mighty river, or a surprising burst of foliage on a crisp Autumn day. The piece uses imaginative textures and striking effects to help your imagination run wild.
THE TEXANS - BARNES
Commissioned by the Lakeview Centennial High School Band in Garland, Texas, George Jones, conductor, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the great state of Texas (1836 - 1986).
CELEBRATION FANFARE - REINEKE
In 1995, Maestro Erick Kunzel celebrated his 30th season as a conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra. Steven Reineke composed this fanfare to commemorate Kunzel’s 30th anniversary. This became the first of many commissions the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra will ask Reineke. With ecstatic and majestic energy, this piece showcases bold and brassy contemporary feel as well as rich harmonies that contrast with the lyrical and broad story to form a fresh and familiar perfect balance. Reineke later completed a wind band transcription of this composition in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard Band in December, 1998.
Steven Reineke, an American composer, arranger, and conductor, as well as a native of Ohio, graduated from Miami University of Ohio with a Bachelor of Music degrees with honors in trumpet performance and music composition. Reineke was the Music Associate and Principal Arranger/Composer of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra for 15 years. Reineke is considered as one of America’s most dynamic emerging talents
in the symphonic pops genre and is recognized as the sound of Cincinnati Pops with Reineke’s over 100 plus arrangements for that orchestra performed worldwide. Now, Reineke serves as the music director of the New York Pops at Carnegie Hall, Principal Pops Conductor of the National Symphony Orchestra for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., and Principal Pops Conductor of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
- Program Note by Hikari Shiga
WOLVES IN MOONLIGHT - GIROUX
On December 19, 2019, Wolves in Moonlight premiered at The Midwest Clinic by the Louisville Winds. This piece is dedicated to Gladys Stone Wright, who was the founder of Women Band Directors International (WBDI), specifically in celebration of the organizations 50th anniversary. Gladys’s deep affection for animals was well-known. This piece captures the spirit and emotion of a wolf howl and evokes some of the sounds heard at one of Glady’s favorite places to visit, Wolf Park in Battle Ground, IN.
The Purdue Bands & Orchestras family mourns the loss of our dear friend and the former first lady of PBO, Gladys Stone Wright, who passed away peacefully at the age of 100, on the evening of Wednesday, October 29th, 2025. She was a pioneering American band director, composer, author, educator, and champion for women in music education.
Gladys Stone Wright will be missed by all who knew her, but her legacy will endure through her music, her family, and the many people she inspired to lead with confidence and creativity in the world of band and music education.
- Program Note compiled by Hikari Shiga
BLACK GRANITE - HOSAY
Black Granite was composed to celebrate the valor, courage, and honor of those who served and gave their lives in Vietnam, whose names are forever engraved in the solemn stone wall of the Vietnam Memorial. This piece incorporates a balance of rigid style with beautiful lyrical segments within the march style context.
James Hosay joined the United States Army as a trumpet player after high school and graduated from the U.S. Armed Forces School of Music. In 1981, Hosay earned the position as Staff Arranger for the United States Army Band, where Hosay wrote many arrangements as well as compositions that were performed for the numerous high level events, such as ceremonies for the Washington Monument. During his 20-year military career, Hosay received two Army Commendation Medals and two Meritorious Service Medals.
- Program Note by Hikari Shiga
TEARS OF ST. LAWRENCE - PERRINE
Tears of St. Lawrence was commissioned by the McFarland High School 9th Grade Concert Band in McFarland, Wisconsin. This piece reflects a time when Perrine gazed at the annual Perseids meteor shower, often referred to as the “Tears of St. Lawrence”, with Perrin’s then five-year old daughter. As they watched the stars, they took turns telling stories of the wonders the next year will bring. Tears of St. Lawrence was inspired by the variety of emotions experienced during that memorable night. The melodies and dynamic contrasts encapsulate the essence of the celestial spectacle that make this poignant work spectacular.
Aaron Perrine, an American composer, earned his Bachelor’s Degree in trombone performance and music education with high distinction from the University of Minnesota, Morris in 2002. Dr. Perrine completed his Ph.D. in composition from the University of Iowa and is an assistant professor of music at Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Dr. Perrine has been commissioned by various colleges, high schools, and middle schools across the country. Some of his compositions were awarded the prestigious ABA Sousa/Ostwald Prize and was a finalist in the first Frank Ticheli Composition Contest.
- Program Note by Hikari Shiga BE
EVER THE HOPE - KENNEDY
Be Ever the Hope was composed upon the request of Mallory Thompson who is the conductor of the Northwestern University Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Northshore Concert Band. Thompson’s request for a slow, melodic, and lyrical piece that conveys positivity, which is portrayed exquisitely in the piece. Additionally Kennedy stated that Thompson is a very hopeful person and believes that the piece reflects that quality in her. When it came to Kennedy to title the piece, it was a challenge, but through reflection it became clear. Thompson being the reason for this composition, Kennedy titled Be Ever the Hope (BEtH), which is Thompson’s middle name.
Jay Kennedy, an American composer and academic administrator, earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees from Northwestern University. Kennedy was a musical director and arranger for the Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps as well as a judge administrator for Drum Corps International for five years. Kennedy was also a Berklee Executive Officer, Vice President for Academic Affairs/Vice Provost at the Berklee College of Music in Boston, and retired in 2022. Kennedy has composed music for hundreds of television commercials, such as Coca Cola, McDonald’s, etc. He was a 2002 Grammy Award finalist for arrangements and he continues to be an active arranger and composer for concert band, percussion ensemble, and marching band.
- Program Note by Hikari Shiga
ARABESQUE - HAZO
Arabesque was commissioned by the Indiana Bandmasters Association for the 2008 All-State High School Honor Band. Arabesque is based on the mystical sounds of Middle Eastern music and is composed of three parts. First a soloistic, Arabic taqasim, then dabka, a traditional Arabic line dance, and finally a chorale that recapitulates the previous mystical themes. This Middle Eastern style piece for the contemporary wind band is filled with depth and drama with rapid rhythms and frenzied percussion.
Samuel R. Hazo, an American composer, received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Duquesne University. In 2003, Hazo became the first composer in history to be awarded the winner of both composition contests sponsored by the National Band Association. Furthermore, in 2004, Hazo’s compositions were listed as the “Top Twenty Compositions of All Time” for wind bands in a published national survey. He has composed for a wide range of school levels in addition to writing scores for radio, television, and stage. Hazo’s compositions have been performed and recorded worldwide from Birmingham Symphonic Winds (UK) to Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. Additionally, Hazo has been a music teacher for every educational grade level from kindergarten to college with tenure as a high school and university director.
- Program Note by Hikari Shiga
GUEST COMPOSER & CONDUCTOR
Aaron Perrine creates vividly colorful and rhythmically infused layers of music, inspired by the soundscapes and unparalleled allure of the natural world. He is a two-time winner of the American Bandmasters Association Sousa/Ostwald Award for his compositions: Only Light in 2015 and Pale Blue on Deep in 2013. Another one of his compositions— Temperance—won the 2017 CBDNA Young Band Composition Contest. His music for winds has been featured at ABA Conventions, CBDNA National and Regional Conferences, TMEA, The Midwest Clinic, The Western International Band Clinic, and at numerous all-state concerts and state conferences.
Perrine’s works for solo instruments with winds have garnered much attention in recent years. Drifting, for euphonium and wind ensemble, was awarded the 2023 ITEA Harvey Phillips Award for Excellence in Composition. In 2018, Perrine’s saxophone concerto—It Has to Be Beautiful— was premiered by Kenneth Tse with the Symphonic Wind Orchestra of Croatian Armed Forces at the World Saxophone Congress in Zagreb, Croatia. In 2024, Tse performed the concerto at the International Saxophone Symposium with the United States Navy Concert Band, conducted by Captain Kenneth Collins. Later that year, Carolyn Braus and the United States Air Force Concert Band performed It Has to Be Beautiful numerous times on tour.
A native of Minnesota, Perrine’s education includes a doctorate from the University of Iowa, a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota, Morris. He was elected to the membership of the prestigious American Bandmasters Association in 2024. For more information, please visit www.aaronperrine.com.
On April 29th, the Purdue community will rally together as we celebrate the 13th annual Purdue Day of Giving!
Nearly 40% of the Purdue Bands & Orchestras annual budget comes from the generosity of our alumni and friends. Purdue Day of Giving makes your gifts go even further by helping us win additional bonus funds throughout the day. By participating in hourly giving challenges and unique social media contests all day long, you can win thousands of bonus dollars for the department.
Follow along on the Purdue Bands & Orchestras Facebook page for the entire 24-hour event to participate and see the results of hourly challenges in real time.
Every gift of $10+ counts toward the Purdue Bands & Orchestras total number of gifts during various hourly challenges. You can make an even bigger impact by dividing a larger gift into multiple $10 gifts during strategic hourly challenges.
Visit https://dayofgiving.purdue.edu/organizations/purdue-bands-and-orchestras on April 29th to donate to Purdue Bands & Orchestras on Purdue Day of Giving.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
APRIL
18 | Spring Showcase III | 7:30 PM | Elliott Hall of Music
Featuring Varsity Band and Symphonic Band
19 | Spring Showcase IV | 2:00 PM | Elliott Hall of Music
Featuring McCutcheon HS Band, Purdue Concert Band, and Purdue Wind Ensemble
19 | Percussion Ensemble | 7:30 PM | Elliott Hall of Music
21 | Chamber Recital I | 7:00 PM | St. John’s Episcopal Church
22 | Chamber Recital II | 7:00 PM | St. John’s Episcopal Church
23 | Chamber Recital III | 7:00 PM | St. John’s Episcopal Church
MAY
1 | Orchestras | 7:00 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring Concert Orchestra and Philharmonic Orchestra with Concerto Competition Winners
2 | Orchestras | 7:00 PM | Long Center for the Performing Arts
Featuring University Orchestra and Symphony Orchestra
3 | Jazz on the Hill | 11:00 AM | Slayter Center of Performing Arts
Featuring Marshall Gilkes and all Purdue Jazz Ensembles
EVENTS CALENDAR
Visit our website - www.purdue.edu/bands/events - for the most up-to-date concert information.
CONCERT SPONSOR
Today’s concert is in part sponsored by Visit LafayetteWest Lafayette, your guide for all things local! Explore the vibrant culture and community that make this region a unique destination! Check out their website to discover the attractions and experiences that Lafayette-West Lafayette has to offer.
SUPPORT PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS
Scan the code or visit www.purdue.edu/bands/donate to support Purdue Bands & Orchestras today. Your generosity directly contributes to our students’ success through ensemble travel, scholarships, new instruments, and more! We would not be the program we are today without the ongoing support from alumni, family, and friends.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Scan the code or visit www.purdue.edu/bands/sponsorship to become a Purdue Bands & Orchestras corporate sponsor today! We offer a variety of sponsorship opportunities and enjoy creating ways to support your organization in return. When you become a corporate sponsor, you become part of the Bands & Orchestras family.