Stephenson High School Janfest Program 2023

STEPHENSON

HIGH

SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE

The 73rd University of Georgia January High School Music Festival

Thursday January 19, 2023 Hugh Hodgson Performing Arts Center

Quentin R. Goins, Director of Bands Noah Speaks, Associate Director of Bands

Principal’s Letter

Dr. Vasanne S. Tinsley, Interim Superintendent January 19, 2023

To the Participants of the 73rd University of Georgia January High School Music Festival and 2023 HBCU-

National Band and Orchestra Director’s Consortium, The entire community of DeKalb County proudly presents the Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble.

The continued success of the complete Stephenson High School Music Program reflects the well-

coordinated efforts of the band directors, parents, students, administration, and the greater community.

The Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble exemplifies all the best attributes of a quality instrumental

music program.

Under the leadership of Director of Bands, Quentin R. Goins, Assistant Director Noah Speaks, and their

staff, this outstanding ensemble continues to model the high-performance standards established for

DeKalb County Schools. The ensemble directors are incredible leaders and master teachers in their field

who have assembled a team of students that are willing to go beyond the call of duty. The directors are

highly respected and admired by students, parents, administrators and colleagues. Their expectations

and work ethic are a culmination of standards that are evident in their performance today. The

Stephenson High School Instrumental Music Program empowers and nurtures students to reach their full

potential as a scholar, musician, and human being.

On behalf of the DeKalb County Schools Department of Music, it is my sincere pleasure to present to the

73rd University of Georgia January High School Music Festival and the 2023 HBCU- National Band and

Orchestra Directors Consortium, the Superior Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble for your listening

pleasure. We would like to thank all entities for providing these opportunities for our DeKalb County

students to share their musical gifts and talents.

Musically,

Ms. Monica Fogg K-12 Music Coordinator

DeKalb County School District

Robert R. Freeman Administrative Complex 1701 Mountain Industrial Blvd. | Stone Mountain, GA 30083 678.676.1200 | www.dekalbschoolsga.org

Mr. Diijon DaCosta, Sr., Board Chair Mrs. Deirdre Pierce, Vice Chair Mrs Anna Hill Mrs. Whitney McGinniss Mrs. Allyson Gevertz Mrs Vickie B. Turner Dr. Joyce Morley

Interim Superintendent’s Letter

Board of Education Chair’s Letter

Program Notes

Cenotaph Fanfare……………………….Jack Stamp

Jack Stamp is Professor of Music and Director of Band Studies at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP), where he conducts the Wind Ensemble and Symphony Band and teaches courses in undergraduate and graduate conducting. His compositions have been commissioned and performed by leading military and university bands across the United States. His piece cenotaph is one of his many compositions. A cenotaph is defined as, “A statue or monument to a person not buried there.” The Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monuments are familiar examples of cenotaphs. This fanfare connotes a breathtaking structure such as one of these. After an explosive percussion introduction, the work begins with a five-part fugue. An accelerando leads to a layering of ostinati and when the original subject returns in the end it is augmented and harmonized in chorale style. Cenotaph was commissioned by Mitchell Fennell and the California State University at Fullerton Bands for the 1992 Southern California All-State Band.

…………….Vincent Perscichetti

Psalm for Band was commissioned by the Alpha Chapter of Pi Kappa Omicron National Band Fraternity at the University of Louisville, and was premiered in 1952 by the University of Louisville Concert Band with the composer conducting. In the title, Persichetti refers to a poem of worship that was, in ancient times, sung or accompanied by harp. Using a single musical idea as a foundation for the entire piece, Persichetti explores different facets of the psalm -- worship, reflection is a piece constructed from a single germinating harmonic idea. There are three distinct sections -- a sustained chordal mood, a forward moving chorale, followed by a paean culmination of the materials. Extensive use is made of separate choirs of instruments supported by thematic rhythms in the tenor and bass drums. It is both a reflective and fervent work, and it highlights the warmer, deeper sonorities of the band – doing so primarily through a hymn-like setting. Psalm begins solemnly, and this opening is followed by a chorale-style section leading into a joyful allegro vivace. After an exhilarating development section, the work concludes

Some Treasures are Heavy with Human Tears……………….John Mackey

Some treasures are heavy with human tears begins with a simple motivic gesture: a rocking oscillation between flute and vibraphone that sounds akin to a lullaby. This principal motive carries throughout the piece, acting as the listener’s avatar through the emotional journey. A melody spins out from it, accompanied by ethereal ringing provided by crystal glasses and whirly tubes, and although the overall mood is one of melancholy, the atmosphere is also peaceful until a dis orienting fog of trombone glissandi passes over. The songlike melody continues, at times abruptly shifting from the resigned mood of the home key of G minor to the distantly bright C major, evok ing a fleeting remembrance of a more hopeful spirit, before just as quickly dissipating back. The simplicity of the opening returns, but this time fuller, with more voices joining before the glissando cloud returns (this time augmented by timpani), ushering in a new mood: confusion. The opening gesture reemerges, ceaselessly rocking in a rhythmic nature, oblivious to a building torment in the surrounding harmonies which become brasher and angrier as the piece approaches its dramatic climax. The apex of the piece is a wail, acknowledging the reality of the trauma in a moment of

agony bordering on rage. This too, however, subsides, and the peacefulness of the beginning of the work returns to stay with one exception: as the final phrase of the work cadences and the last tones decay, a single muted trumpet rises from the silence in a bright flash and is suddenly extinguished.

Program note by Jacob Wallace

Howls and Hymns………………………….Viet Cuong

While exploring repertoire for solo trombone and band over the past few years, a significant void became apparent. The lack of repertoire featuring a professional solo part paired with approachable and engaging ensemble writing for young band was curiously startling to me. Plenty of repertoire showcases the trombone with the stereotypical “schtick”, or otherwise employs simple accompaniment. The need for a work of musical substance for soloist and young ensemble, showcasing a true collaboration, became quite clear.

Having first heard Viet Cuong’s piece Moth when we shared the stage at the 2013 Midwest Clinic, I was taken by his unique voice, rhythmic drive, and the ethereal timbres his writing coaxed from the ensemble. We had casually discussed collaborating for a couple years, but this piece brought that to fruition. I trust that players and audience alike will delight in Viet’s talents showcased in this

Howls and Hymns is at its core inspired by the idea of uniting things that many people might consider to be disparate. In this case, these two entities are a young wind band and a professional-caliber trombonist. When Tim [Smith] approached me to write this piece, I found the concept incredibly inspiring, as many young musicians are not often exposed to professional-caliber musicians other than their band directors. Having opportunities to perform with such musicians is even more rare, despite the fact that these can be some of the most formative and memorable experiences for students.

Whether the trombone soloist is from the local orchestra, university, or even high school, I hope that this piece will continue to make these guest artist collaborations a normal occurrence, especially with ensembles that perform at a grade 3 level. Uniting musicians of skill levels and ages can only do good for our musical and artistic communities, and I was humbled to be a part of this project. Heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this piece possible, including Tim Smith and the

…………………………..Marie A. Douglas

Big City Lights is a piece for wind band, inspired by the Hip-Hop sub-genre “Trap Music” which finds its roots in the composer’s hometown, Atlanta, Georgia. The atonal piece has an electronic accompaniment aspect as well. There are musical elements that are meant to imitate techniques which are commonly utilized during the production of music within the genre. For example, in gen eral the timpani performs what are intended to be “808’s”, while the tuba is often performing lines that would be reserved for synthesized bass; the combination creates an often utilized distortion

Other production tactics travel through the ensemble as well. Certain aspects of the orchestration are imitating automation, which places the sound exclusively in different spots of the ensemble

(specifically on the left or right of the conductor). Sudden and gradual ensemble crescendos and dovetailing of melodies imitate low and high pass filters and volume knobs. Additionally, the piece aims to give the performers and audience a peek into a day in the life of an Atlanta resident.

The piece begins with the high-paced “It’s Lit!!” section which includes fortissimo exclamations occurring throughout the ensemble. Demonstrating the hustle and bustle of the famed Atlanta traffic. The traffic sounds perform a trio with the clarinets and marimba, who depict a sense of “hurry and wait”, as they endure the Atlanta traffic scene. The “Issa Vibe” section is much slower and intends to depict a night out on the town with friends, enjoying the city lights and the slightly slower paced environment.

For a short period, we return to “It’s Lit!!” followed by “Chopped and Screwed,” which is a halftime recapitulation of the main themes. “Chopped and Screwed” is a famous DJ style where a song is slowed down tremendously. The piece closes out with one final return to the original marking of “It’s Lit”. Enjoy a day in the life of an “AtLien” with “Big City Lights”!

…………………..Stephan Schwalgin

Erinnerung an Zirkus Renz (Memory of Circus Ring) by Gustav Peter is a popular bravura piece for xylophone. Players who have once experienced the enthusiastic reactions to this music by listeners and musicians wish to have another piece of this kind for the next concert. Stefan Schwalgin, who knows this desire from his own experience, finally wanted to fulfil the need. Running on Wood offers everything areal “hit” for xylophone requires - racing tempo, fantastic melodic line and great

Director of Bands –Quentin R. Goins

Mr. Quentin R. Goins has been the Director of Bands at Stephenson High School since the start of the 2007 school year. He has been with the Stephenson Cluster his entire teaching Career, which began as a Student teacher at Stephenson High School under the mentorship of Dr. Marvin A. Pryor in 2001. He then was hired at Stephenson Middle School where he served for two years Assistant Director at over the 6th Grade Instrumental Music program and 4 years as Director of Bands.

Mr. Goins is a native of Monroe, LA., where he began to study piano and saxophone at an early age. Mr. Goins received his bachelor’s degree in Music Education in the Spring of 2001 from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida, where he was a conducting student of Dr. William P. Foster, Dr. Julian White and Dr. Shelby Chipman. He also studied applied Saxophone with Dr. John Daniels, arranging with Professor Lindsey Sarjeant. Mr. Goins served as student arranger and section leader of the saxophones for the FAMU “Marching 100”. Mr. Goins continued his graduate studies in Education Leadership at Argosy University and completed his Master of Music Education at the University of Georgia. Mr. Goins holds membership in several professional organizations and societies: Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA), Music Educators National Conference (MENC), National Band Association (NBA), White and Gold Honor Society, Golden Key Honor Society, Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity and Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity. Mr. Goins has been nominated twice of Teacher of the Year and recommended for Who’s Who in America in 2006. He has been chosen by Star Student’s (highest SAT in graduating class) 3 times as Star Teacher and is the Stephenson High School 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Goins now resides in Stone Mountain, Georgia with his wife Celeste and son Chandler.

Associate Director of Bands –

Mr. Noah Speaks is a product of the Stephenson cluster having graduated from Ste phenson High School class of 2015. While at Stephenson, he was a part of the wind ensemble from 2012-2015 where he sat 1st chair. Mr. Speaks was also the trumpet section leader for the Sonic Sound marching band. He participated in the jazz band in 2012, Bands of America band in Indianapolis in 2012, University of South Carolina band in 2013, District Honor bands from 2013-2015 and was selected to be in the Georgia All-State band in 2015 under the direction of Dr. Kevin Sedatole, director of

Upon his departure, Mr. Speaks attended Bethune-Cookman University where he obtained his Bachelors of Science in Music Education. While at Bethune, he partic ipated in the premiere symphonic band where he was one of the 1st trumpets and

toured annually with this group across the country to places including South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia. He also did the Music Outreach Program, led by Dr. Rose Grace, where students had the opportunity to travel to local elementary and middle schools to play and teach about their prospective instruments in an effort to inspire young musicians. Mr. Speaks was also a part of the Marching Wildcats of Bethune Cookman where he served as the trumpet section leader from 2017-2020. While with this group, they performed at the Honda Battle of the Bands, Queen City Battle of the Bands and halftime shows for the NFL’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jacksonville Jaguars. He was also a member of the National Association for Music Education, Sigma Alpha Pi National Society of Leadership and Success and one for the student conductors for the concert band.

Guest Trombone Soloist –Dr. Calvin L. Morris, Jr.

Dr. Calvin L Morris Jr. is the current Band Director at Dekalb Elementary school of the Arts where he teaches 4th through 8th grade students. He also teaches at Applied trombone at Morehouse College and is currently on staff at Stephenson High school where he coaches low brass students. Dr. Morris completed his Doctorate in Musical Performance at the University of Georgia. Where he studied with Josh Bynum and served as a teaching assistant. Prior to starting school, he served as the Assistant Director of Bands at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. He serves as professor of brass and helps prepare all of the performing ensembles within the Stephenson Band program. The Stephenson High school choir and members of Dr. Morris trombone studio recently performed at the Eastman School of Music. The Stephenson Trombone choir under direction of Mr Morris has Performed at the Georgia Music Educators Association as a lobby group twice 2017 and opened the convention ceremonies in 2018. The group also performed at the Music for All festival in March 2018. Prior to Mr. Morris tenure at Stephenson High School, he served as Director of Bands at Stone Mountain High School. Where he turned the band program around, developing student musicians that gave their best to the performing ensembles within the band program. The Stone Mountain program received superor ratings in symphon ic and marching bands under Mr. Morris direction.

Dr. Morris is very active in the music community. He currently serves as a Music clini cian at different schools in the Metropolitan area of Atlanta, plays with the Cobb Wind Symphony who performed at the 2018 Midwest Band Clinic, and participates in the local band Big Swing. Mr. Morris has also performed at the first President Inaugura tion in 2008, the Super Bowl, the Espys in California, and many other performances. Mr. Morris is a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity Inc.,Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., the National Association for Music Education, and Georgia Music Educators Association.

Program at a Glance

The Stephenson High School Marching Band, “The Sonic Sound” is specifically designed to represent the school at football games, festivals, parades, ceremonial activities and community events.

The Wind Ensemble, Symphonic, Con

Notable Performances/Accomplishments

1998- NASPAAM(National Association for the Study and Performance of African-American Music) Conference –Birmingham, AL

Most Outstanding Instrumental Music Cluster/Directors of the Year (High and Middle Schools) 2001- NASPAAM Conference-Birmingham, AL 2000- Winter Olympic Games Opening Ceremonies – Televised Segment from Atlanta, GA 2002- Tournament of Roses Parade-Theme “Good Times” – Pasadena, CA 2004- Universal Studios Parade, Spring Festival- Orlando, FL

Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Invitational –Chattanooga, TN

Bands of America Super Regional Special Guest Performer Atlanta, GA

2005- Georgia Music Educators Association Convention –Savannah, GA Southeastern United States Honor Band Clinic at Troy University- Troy, AL Bands of America Exhibition Band at Grand Championships Indianapolis, IN 2006- Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Invitational-Chattanooga, TN

National Memorial Day Parade, Washington D.C.

81st Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade New York, New York 2008- Universal Studios Parade, Fall Festival-Orlando, FL

Georgia Veterans Day Parade- Atlanta, GA

Dixie Classic National Adjudicators Invitational Atlanta, GA

Historically Black College and University- National Band Directors Consortium-Atlanta, GA Southern Star Marching Invitational -Snellville, GA

Asymmetric National High-Steppers Championships-Many Awards-Atlanta, GA

Music for All, Bands of America Atlanta Super Regional Georgia Veterans Day Parade- Atlanta, GA

Kennesaw State University Concert Band Invitational Kennesaw, GA Dixie Classic National Adjudicators Invitational-Grand Champions 2011, Chattanooga, TN Participated in the 70th Commemoration of the Attacks on Pearl Harbor, Honolulu, HI Waikiki Holiday Parade-Honolulu, HI

2012- Music for All, Bands of America National Concert Band Festival, Indianapolis, IN 36th Annual University of South Carolina Band Clinic-Columbia, SC Featuring the Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble

Featuring Stephenson High School Jazz Orchestra Asymmetric National High-Steppers Championships-3rd Place Over-All/ Many Awards

Dixie Classic Concert Band Invitational Festival- Atlanta, GA

Inaugural Page Theater Organ Dedication Concert featuring Organist Jelani Eddington and the Stephenson Music Department(Wind Ensemble and Chorus) Music for All, Southeast Regional Concert Band Festival at Georgia State University-Atlanta, GA Kennesaw State University Concert Band Invitational-Kennesaw, GA

Featured Ensemble for Home Depot Corporate Veterans Day Celebration “Sonic Sound” Marching Band featured as a fictitious Collegiate Band in the BET Televisio

Dixie Classic Grand National Adjudicators Invitational-Chattanooga, TN

-44th Annual Bayou Classic Parade- New Orleans, LA

2018- Stephenson Trombone Choir Performed Opening Session for Georgia Music Educators In-Service in Athens, GA

-Stephenson Trombone Choir performs at Music for All, National Chamber Festival, Indianapolis, IN

2019 - Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble performed at GMEA In-Service Teacher Conference-The Classic Center Theater, Athens, GA

-Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble performed at University of South Carolina Honor Band Clinic. Koger Center for Performing Arts- Columbia, South Carolina

-Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble performs at MBDNA Concert Band InvitationalMorehouse College-King Chapel- Atlanta, GA

-Stephenson High School “Sonic Sound” Marching Band wins Grand Champion at Southern Heritage Classic- Memphis, TN

2020- Stephenson High School Trumpet Choir performed at GMEA In-Service Teacher Conference- Athens, GA

-Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble selected to perform at Historically Black College and University-National Band Directors Consortium(postponed due covid closure)

Stephenson High School “Quatour Double” Saxophone Ensemble performed at GMEA In-Service Teacher Conference- Athens, GA

-Stephenson High School “Sonic Sound” Marching Band places 3rd in Tennessee State University Homecoming Parade(only band selected)

-Stephenson High School “Sonic Sound” Marching Band places 1st Over-All in the East Nashville Marching Band Showcase

-Stephenson High School “Trombone Expressions” Trombone Choir performs at Eastman School of Music as guest ensemble.

Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble Performs at 73rd University of Georgia High

-Stephenson High School Wind Ensemble to Perform at Historically Black College and University, National Band and Orchestra Directors Consortium (March, 2023)

Thank You

to the Stephenson Wind Ensemble Class of 2022 for your achievements that were integral in this performance opportunity. You left your Legacy.

Marcus Baugh - Tuba

Kaylin Brown - Clarinet

Kyla Brown - Tenor Sax

Darrez Chandler - Baritone Sax

Arionna Cunningham - Horn

Christopher Dallas - Trumpet

Brooklynn Dennis - Percussion

Jonathan Exposé - Bass Clarinet

Imani Gans - Clarinet

Bradley Howard - Trombone

Jakai Jackson - Trumpet

Isyss May - Oboe

Micah Mosby - Percussion

Jordan Reese - Saxophone

Christian Russell - Euphonium

Malcolm Sweeting - Percussion

Cynthia Thomas - Clarinet

Chloe Waites - Flute/Piccolo

Acknowledgements

Stephenson High School Fine Arts Department

Bryce Duncan- Orchestra LeRoy Kennedy- Chorus

Eda Murray-Kettle- Visual Art, Fine-Arts Department Chair Susan McGhee- Crawford, Dance Cheryl Prempeh- Drama

Feeder Directors

Vincent K. Rosse- Director of Bands Stephenson Middle School

Adrienne Laurence- Director of Orchestras Stephenson Middle School Curtis Sanders- Director of Elementary Bands- Pine Ridge, Wynbrooke, Princeton, and Rock

Chapel Elementary Schools

Stephenson High School Band Boosters, Inc.

Glenda Barner- President Fred Williams, Jr- Vice President of Operations

Tacsha Short- Vice President of Finance

Vernita Brewer- Financial Secretary Jamila Cooke- Recording Secretary Lesia Sullivan- Business Manager

University of Georgia, Hugh Hodgson School of Music Dr. Nicholas Williams- Director of Bands Mr. Rob Akridge- Director of Band Festivals

Stephenson High School Band • Stone Mountain, GA 30086 770-469-4080 • www.stephensonhighband.net 13