THURSDAY SCHOLARSHIP SERIES
the
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WIND ENSEMBLE
FEATURING: ~NOIS SAXOPHONE QUARTET
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
HODGSON CONCERT HALL
NICHOLAS ENRICO WILLIAMS, conductor
Made in aMerica THURSDAY SERIES SCHOLARSHIP
Thursday, October 17, 2024 at 7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall
UGA Performing Arts Center
University of Georgia Wind Ensemble
Nicholas Enrico Williams, Conductor
P. Justin White, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Gracee Anastyn Myers, English Horn
Victor Pires, Trumpet ~Nois Saxophone Quartet
Julian Velasco, Soprano Saxophone
Brandon Quarles, Alto Saxophone
Jordan Lulloff, Tenor Saxophone
János Csontos, Baritone Saxophone
PROGRAM
Niagara Falls
Michael Daugherty
Quiet City
Second Nature
Symphony No. 4
P. Justin White, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Aaron Copland arr. Donald Hunsberger
Gracee Anastyn Myers, English Horn; Victor Pires, Trumpet
Viet Cuong ~Nois, Saxophone Quartet | Consortium Premiere
INTERMISSION
David Maslanka
Niagara Falls (1997) (10’)
Michael Daugherty (b. 1954)
Niagara Falls (1997), a gateway between Canada and the United States, is a mecca for honeymooners and tourists who come to visit one of the most scenic waterfalls in the world. The Niagara River also generates electricity for towns on both sides of the border, where visitors are lured into haunted houses, motels, wax museums, candy stores, and tourist traps, as well as countless stores that sell “Niagara Falls” postcards, T-shirts, and souvenirs. This composition is another souvenir inspired by my many trips to Niagara Falls. It is a ten-minute musical ride over the Niagara River, with an occasional stop at a haunted house or wax museum along the way. The film that accompanies the music was created by Joshua Gillen in 2023.
Program note by the composer
Multiple GRAMMY Award-winning composer Michael Daugherty has achieved international recognition as one of the ten most performed American composers of concert music, according to the League of American Orchestras. Michael Daugherty was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in 1954 and is the son of a dance band drummer and the oldest of five brothers, all professional musicians. As a young man, Daugherty studied composition with many of the preeminent composers of the 20th century, including Pierre Boulez at IRCAM in Paris (1979), Jacob Druckman, Earle Brown, Bernard Rands, and Roger Reynolds at Yale (1980-82), and György Ligeti in Hamburg (1982-84). Daugherty was also an assistant to jazz arranger Gil Evans in New York from 1980-82. In 1991, Daugherty joined the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre and Dance as Professor of Composition, where he is a mentor to many of today’s most talented young composers.
Quiet City (1941/1992) (10’)
Aaron Copland (1900-1990) Arr. Donald Hunsberger
Quiet City was incidental music for a failed play by Irwin Shaw; its main character was a lonely Jewish boy who attempted to drive away his torment by playing the trumpet. The original was scored for a small ensemble of clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, and piano. The English horn participates in a dialogue with the trumpet, both instruments speaking a secret language — part “blues,” part temple cantor. The ensemble, at first serving as accompanists, invokes a dream-like sense of aloneness. Ultimately, they all join reluctantly together in the climax of the work, portraying the anxiety as well as the isolation of the city.
Program note by Dave Kopplin
Aaron Copland was an American composer, often referred to as “the Dean of American composers.” Copland’s music achieved a balance between modern music and American folk styles, and the open, slowly changing harmonies of many of his works are said to evoke the vast American landscape. In addition to composing and conducting, Copland wrote several books, including What to Listen for in Music (1939), Music and Imagination (1952), and Copland on Music (1960). Copland was awarded the Pulitzer Prize in composition for Appalachian Spring. His scores for Of Mice and Men (1939), Our Town (1940), and The North Star (1943) all received Academy Award nominations, while The Heiress won Best Music in 1949.
Second Nature (2024) (16’)
Viet Cuong (b. 1990)
The term “second nature” typically describes a skill that, while baffling at first, becomes effortless once mastered. Naturally, Second Nature calls for a quartet of saxophonists to tackle the virtuosic demands of the piece and make their efforts look easy. The solo quartet must also play with exacting ensemble coordination as they emulate complex electronic delay effects, which, when combined with thumping four-on-thefloor drumbeats, capture the infectious exuberance of House music. Written in three unbroken movements, this concerto often exudes pure, unbridled joy.
For many years composition felt like play, and my music was infused with much more whimsy than gravitas. That changed to a great degree in 2020. My compositions, both by intention and the unconscious intrusions of the wider world, became darker and introspective. I had even come to terms with the possibility that my music would remain in this darker place for a very long time. However, with the brightness of its opening and closing C-major chords, Second Nature is me finding my way back. In that way, “second nature” is less of a description of something that has become effortless, but rather something which is relearned, an inclination rediscovered—nature, for the second time around.
Program note by the composer
Called “alluring” and “wildly inventive” by The New York Times, the music of American composer Viet Cuong has been performed on six continents by musicians and ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Eighth Blackbird, Alarm Will Sound, Atlanta Symphony, Sandbox Percussion, Albany Symphony, PRISM Quartet, and Dallas Winds, among many others. Cuong’s music has been featured in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, and his works for wind ensemble
have amassed several hundreds of performances worldwide. Passionate about bringing these different facets of the contemporary music community together, his recent projects include a concerto for Eighth Blackbird with the United States Navy Band. He is currently the Pacific Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence and serves as Assistant Professor of Music Composition at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Cuong holds degrees from Princeton University (MFA/PhD), the Curtis Institute of Music (AD), and Peabody Conservatory (BM/MM).
Symphony No. 4 (1993) (27’45”)
David Maslanka (1943-2017)
The roots of Symphony No. 4 are many. The central driving force is the spontaneous rise of the impulse to shout for the joy of life. I feel it is the powerful voice of the Earth that comes to me from my adopted western Montana and the high plains and mountains of central Idaho. My personal experience of the voice is one of being helpless and torn open by the power of the thing that wants to be expressed – the welling-up shout that cannot be denied. I am set aquiver and am forced to shout and sing. The response in the voice of the Earth is the answering shout of thanksgiving and the shout of praise. Out of this, the hymn tune Old Hundred, several other hymn tunes (the Bach chorales Only Trust in God to Guide You and Christ Who Makes Us Holy), and original melodies which are hymn-like in nature, form the backbone of Symphony No. 4. Program note by the composer
David Maslanka was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1943. He attended the Oberlin College Conservatory, where he studied composition with Joseph Wood. He spent a year at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and did master’s and doctoral study in composition at Michigan State University, where his principal teacher was H. Owen Reed. Maslanka’s music for winds has become especially well-known. Among his more than 150 works are over fifty pieces for wind ensemble, including eight symphonies, seventeen concertos, a Mass, and many concert pieces. He served on the faculties of the State University of New York at Geneseo, Sarah Lawrence College, New York University, and Kingsborough Community College of the City University of New York, and was a freelance composer in Missoula, Montana, from 1990 until his death in 2017.
Nicholas Enrico Williams is a Professor of Music and serves as the Director of Bands at the University of Georgia, where he coordinates one of the country’s largest and most comprehensive university band programs, conducts the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble, and oversees the graduate wind band conducting area. Prior to his time in Athens, he was the Director of Wind Bands at the University of Melbourne Conservatorium of Music (Melbourne, Australia). Before venturing to Australia, Dr. Williams flourished for sixteen years as the Assistant Director of Wind Studies, the Conductor of the Wind Ensemble, Brass Band, and Concert Band, as well as the Director of Athletic Bands at the University of North Texas.
Professor Williams has been a guest conductor with the Opole (Poland) Philharmonic Orchestra; the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own”; United States Navy Band; United States Army Field Band; United States Air Force Band; Royal Australian Defence Force Bands; World Youth Wind Symphony at the Interlochen Arts Camp; Dallas Winds; Lone Star Wind Orchestra; at the annual Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago, Illinois; the College Band Directors National Association national and regional conferences; the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention; and the Texas Music Educators Association Annual Clinic/Convention.
P. Justin White is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with an emphasis in Wind Conducting at the University of Georgia, where he studies with Dr. Nicholas Enrico Williams. Previously, Mr. White served as Interim Director of Bands at Samford University and Assistant Director of Bands at the University of Alabama. He is a graduate of the University of Alabama and the University of North Texas. While at UNT, he was a conducting student of Nicholas Enrico Williams, Dennis Fisher, and Eugene Migliaro Corporon.
In 2020, Mr. White was selected as the winner in The American Prize conducting competition for winds and Outstanding Young Band Director by the Alabama Chapter of Phi Beta Mu. He was chosen as the winner of the World Music Competition’s Conducting Competition – North American Regional and represented the U.S. at the 2017 World Music Competition in Kerkade, Netherlands. The Alabama Music Educators Association selected Mr. White as the 2018 Outstanding Young Music Educator. Also, in 2018 he conducted the United States Coast Guard Band during a clinic with H. Robert Reynolds at the Midwest Band and Orchestra Clinic.
Gracee Anastyn Myers is a senior at the University of Georgia pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in choral music education and oboe performance. Under the mentorship of Dr. Reid Messich and Dr. Gregory Broughton, Gracee has developed a deep passion for both teaching and performing. Her future aspirations include completing graduate studies and forging a career that blends her love for education and performance.
With a wide-ranging musical repertoire, Gracee is proficient in several instruments and enjoys exploring music from diverse genres. She is also actively involved at Prince Avenue Baptist Church, serving as a vocalist, pianist, and bass player on the worship team. In addition to her musical commitments, Gracee enjoys spending her free time reading, running outdoors, and volunteering with her church’s preschool ministry.
Gracee attributes much of her growth to the dedicated instructors at UGA, who have encouraged her to strive for excellence beyond the classroom. She holds a special appreciation for her former teachers, Susan Brashier and Claudia Minch, for fostering her love of the English horn. Above all, Gracee is deeply grateful to God for guiding her journey and to her parents for their unwavering love and support.
Victor Pires was born in Bauru in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. It was there that he started his studies on the trumpet with Devanildo Balmant in the Guri Project. He also studied with João Xavier in the Tatui Conservatory at a young age. During his experience as a foreign student, he lived in Texas for his Junior year of high school. There, Pires studied with Dr. John Kennedy and won the Texas All-state 5A Symphony Band 1st Chair, 2015 All-region, TMEA HS Symphony Orchestra 1st Chair, and Solo and Ensemble state competition with “Outstanding Solo” award. Pires returned to Brazil and did his bachelor’s degree in trumpet performance at University of Campinas with Dr. Paulo Ronqui as his trumpet instructor. He also did several music festivals and has experience in many groups, including the Piracicaba Symphony Orchestra, Mozarteum Symphony Orchestra, and São Paulo Youth Symphony Band.
During the fall of 2021, Pires moved back to the USA for his master’s degree in trumpet performance at Georgia State University, where he studied with Dr. Alex Freund. In 2022, Pires won the 1st prize at the International Trumpet Guild competition in the Orchestral Excerpts division, and in 2023 the 3rd prize at the National Trumpet Competition in the graduate solo division. In 2024, Pires made it to the semifinals of the National Trumpet Competition in the Military Excerpt division. Pires is currently working on his DMA in trumpet performance at the University of Georgia, studying with Mr. Phillip Smith, and holds an adjunct trumpet professor position at Georgia College and State University. Pires is active in the Atlanta area as a performer and teacher and also works as the principal trumpet in the First Baptist Church of Atlanta.
~Nois
Take your preconceived notions of ‘noise’ and toss them out the window. Equal parts “fiendishly good and fiendishly goofy” (Chicago Tribune), ~Nois is a Chicago-based saxophone quartet dedicated to connecting with diverse audiences through the creation of new work. The ensemble has been awarded top prizes at prestigious chamber music competitions, including the M-Prize International Arts Competition, the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, and has presented over 150 performances spanning 24 states. With more than 100 world premieres to date, the members of ~Nois has had the privilege of working closely with some of the world’s leading voices in composition. ~Nois is János Csontos (he/him), Julian Velasco (he/him), and Jordan Lulloff (he/him).
FLUTE
UNIVERSITY
Nicholas Enrico Williams, Conductor
P. Justin White, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Isabella Cabrel-Watson
Emily Elmore
Rachel Lee
David Ma
Alexia Toma
OBOE
Marissa Ankeny
Xander Herman
Gracee Myers
Michelle Moeller
Brenna Sexton
CLARINET
Lily Kate Akins
Tan Charintranont
Tim Fitzgerald
Riley Hartman
Emily Johnston
Elise Larson
Jonathan Mack
Yash Mahadkar
Claudia Reve Romero
Jaden Skelton
Taylor Spires
BASSOON
Hsin Cheng
J.T. Holdbrooks
Drew Kruszynski
Natasha Pizarro-Guerrero
SAXOPHONE
Owen Cotton
Carter Naughton
Yun Qu Tan
Christopher Victor
TRUMPET
Will Cuneo
Colin Kennedy
Victor Pires
Jack Rozza
Ben Stocksdale
Will Tomaszewski
Gilbert Villagrana
HORN
Baylee Cook
Marianna Schwark
Makenzie Shields
Anleah Walker
Joshua Wood
TROMBONE
Joshua Hadaway
Zachary Nelson
José Vasquez
BASS TROMBONE
Tripp Drennan
Victor Guevara
EUPHONIUM
Tianxiang Gu
Andrew Haynes
TUBA
Jack Neja
Jacob Norris
STRING BASS
Michael Farrick
PIANO
Daijing Ren
PERCUSSION
Hsiao Huang
Thomas Huff
Reece Moseley
Grayson Pruitt
Angelina Vasquez
Meme Walton
Dane Warren
ORGAN
David MacPherson
Daijing Ren
HARP
Isabel Hardy
*Members of the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble are listed alphabetically to acknowledge each performer’s unique contribution to our shared artistic endeavors.
Nicholas Enrico Williams
Jack A. Eaddy, Jr.
Brett Bawcum
Michael C. Robinson
Mia Athanas
Marcus Morris
R. Scott Mullen
Caroline Wright Pfisterer
Gilbert P. Villagrana
P. Justin White
David MacPherson
Joseph Johnson
Michelle Moeller
Rocky Raffle
UNIVERSITY
Director of Bands
Associate Director of Bands
Associate Director of Bands/Director of Athletic Bands
Professor/Conductor of Symphonic Band
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands/Band Festivals Director
Assistant Director of Athletic Bands
Doctoral Conducting Associate
Doctoral Conducting Associate
Doctoral Conducting Associate
Doctoral Conducting Associate
Athletic Bands Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Graduate Assistant
Large Ensemble Office Manager
Follow UGA Bands on Social Media: @ugabands
INSTRUMENTAL FACULTY
Angela Jones-Reus
Reid Messich
Amy Pollard
D. Ray McClellan
Brandon Quarles
Phil Smith
Brandon Craswell
Jean Martin-Williams
Flute Oboe Bassoon Clarinet
Saxophone Trumpet Trumpet Horn
James Naigus
Joshua Bynum
Matthew Shipes
Timothy K. Adams, Jr.
Kimberly Toscano Adams
Milton Masciadri
Monica Hargrave
Liza Stepanova
Horn Trombone
Euphonium/Tuba
Percussion
Percussion
Double Bass
Harp
Piano
Daniel Bara
Emily Gertsch
Brandon Craswell
Amy Pollard
Edith Hollander
James Sewell
Shaun Baer
Paul Griffith
Eric Dluzniewski
Scott Higgins
Tony Graves
Jared Tubbs
Interim Director
Associate Director for Graduate Studies
Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies
Associate Director for Performance
Assistant to the Director
Production and Events Manager Director of Public Relations
Academic Professional, Sound Recording
Academic Professional, Sound Recording
Lead Piano Technician
Piano Technician Sectioning Officer
HUGH HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC
Scholarships and Graduate assistantships funded by donations to the Thursday Scholarship Fund make it possible for students to learn and pursue their passions at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Please consider a taxdeductible gift to the Thursday Scholarship Fund so we may continue to support our students and make their education possible. Scan the QR code now or reach out to Melissa Roberts at roberts@uga.edu or 706-254-2111.
SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL AREAS OF THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
In addition to our primary Support and Scholarship Funds, many specialized areas of interest, including our orchestra and choral programs, have support and scholarship funds you can contribute to directly. You can now learn more about all the ways and areas you can support the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Scan the QR code or visit music.uga.edu/giving-and-alumni to the support the Hugh Hodgson School of Music area of your choice.
JOIN THE DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE
Gifts of all amounts are greatly appreciated. However, annual giving at the $1,500 level and higher provides membership in the Director’s Circle, our Hugh Hodgson School of Music Honor Roll. Director’s Circle members are invited to exclusive events and performances throughout the academic year.
For large gifts, please contact Melissa Roberts at roberts@uga.edu or 706-254-2111.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA HUGH HODGSON SCHOOL OF MUSIC.
ImaginePossibilities the
3:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall
FREE CONCERT MON 10/21
7:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall FREE CONCERT MON 10/21
7:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall FREE CONCERT WED 10/23
7:30 p.m.
Edge Concert Hall FREE CONCERT THURS 10/24
7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall FRI 10/25
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE FALL CONCERT
The Percussion Ensemble features a wide variety of music and is directed by Kimberly Toscano Adams and Timothy K. Adams, Jr.
UNIVERISTY OF GEORGIA HORN CHOIR
Directed by Jean Martin-Williams and James Naigus, the Horn Choir explores traditional horn choir repertoire in addition to newer music.
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA BASSOON STUDIO SPOOKTACULAR
This year’s performance features music (and costumes) inspired by the magical world of Disney. Audience costumes are encouraged.
PETRONGELLI VOICE STUDIO RECTIAL: CHARLES IVES AT 150
Edge is located in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music, 250 River Road, Athens GA
ARCO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
IT TAKES TWO: MUSIC FROM BAROQUE TO THE 20TH CENTURY
Director Levon Ambartsumian is joined by UGA Wind Ensemble director and director of bands Nicholas Williams in leading this evening of music spanning a wide variety of musical eras.
3:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall FREE CONCERT MON 10/28
MON 10/28
7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA REPERTORY SINGERS
Braden Rymer, conductor
TABLE FOR THREE AT CHEZ JANAU: AN EVENING OF DUOS AND TRIOS
Nine HHSOM faculty present an intimate evening of exquisite music sure to satisfy your appetite. Featuring: “Table for 3 at Chez Janau,” a tonal work with jazz elements by living American composer Paul Ferguson and more.