RADIANT WORLDS
BRITISH BRASS BAND
Gilbert Villagrana, bandmaster
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
HODGSON CONCERT HALL
Friday, October 24, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall
UGA Performing Arts Center
RADIANT WORLDS
BRITISH BRASS BAND
Gilbert P. Villagrana, Bandmaster
PROGRAM
Fanfare der Stadt Wien
Havana Fire!
Sanctuary
Saint-Saëns Variations
Prismatic Light
Light of the World
The Australasian
Puttin’ on the Ritz
INTERMISSION
Richard Strauss arr. Howard Lorriman
Alan Fernie
Philip Sparke
Philip Sparke
Alan Fernie
Dean Goffin
William Rimmer
Irving Berlin arr. Stephen Roberts
Gilbert P. Villagrana, Bandmaster
Soprano Cornet
Tim Jackson
Principal Cornet
Will Tomaszewski
Solo Cornet
Adriano Estraiotto
Toby Johnson
Will Cuneo
Antonio Urias
Repiano Cornet
Michael Mank
Second Cornet
James Vaughn
Jack Rozza
Third Cornet
Palmer Hartley
Hayes Thomas
Flugel Horn
Colin Kennedy
Solo Horn
Jonah Hammett
Dakota Meeks
First Horn
Ian Welch
Second Horn
Daniel Alford
First Baritone
Ava Rogers
Second Baritone
Steven Lubitz
First Trombone
Ian Wolff
Ben Novo
Second Trombone
José Vasquez
Bass Trombone
Trip Drennan
Solo Euphonium
Jared Barry
Euphonium
Andrew Haynes
Eb Tuba
Hunter Kane
Jack Neja
Bb Tuba
Moses Bannister
Charlie Pratt
Percussion
David MacPherson
Miles Bell
Jack Sweeney
The “UGA British Brass Band” (UGABBB) was established in August 2014, coinciding with the appointment of Philip Smith as Prokasy Professor in the Arts to the trumpet faculty of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music. Members of the band are chosen through auditions each semester. Its instrumentation, which is standard for brass bands around the world, is…
• 1 Eb Soprano Cornet
• 10 Bb Cornets
• 1 Bb Flugelhorn
• 3-4 Eb Tenor (Alto) Horns
• 2 Bb English Baritones
• 3 Bb Tenor Trombones
• 1 Bass Trombone
• 2 Bb Euphoniums
• 2 Eb Basses
• 2 Bb Basses
• 3-4 Percussionists
Because of the conical nature of these brass instruments, the sound of the band is more lush and mellow than the typical orchestral brass ensemble. The exception is the trombone section, which acts as the “trumpet sound” of the band. With these attributes, the brass band can play from the most intimate to the most dynamic and vibrant of colors.
In its short history, the UGABBB has quickly become a favorite of audiences of all ages. The band performs an annual Fall and Spring Festival on campus and has performed numerous times in the Athens/Atlanta area. Performances have included the 2023 Inauguration of Governor Brian Kemp, UGA Holiday Concerts, Chick-fil-A Christmas Open House, UGA Performing Arts Center’s Saturday Morning Club, and UGA JanFest. The band has also performed at the Oconee County Civic Center, and in concert series at the Milledge Avenue Baptist Church in Athens and Gainesville First United Methodist Church. The UGABBB has also performed in a joint concert with the prestigious Salvation Army Southern Staff Band. The band embarks on occasional weekend trips to bring the joy of banding to others.
The UGABBB has competed at the North American Brass Band Association competition in 2017, scoring a Third Place standing in the First Division, and in 2022. Performing guests have included David Childs, Euphonium; Sheona White, Tenor Horn; Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone, NY Philharmonic; Stuart Stephenson, Principal Trumpet, Dallas Symphony Orchestra; James Scott, Principal Trombone, Calgary Philharmonic; Joseph Turrin, pianist and composer; David Zerkel, Professor of Tuba and Euphonium, University of Michigan; and UGA Professors Joshua Bynum, Brandon Craswell, Jean Martin-Williams, James Naigus, and Matthew Shipes. The band also regularly features its own soloists from within the band.
Gilbert P. Villagrana, a conductor, trumpeter, and educator from El Paso, TX, currently serves as a Limited-Term Assistant Professor of Trumpet and Conductor of the British Brass Band at the University of Georgia. He is also pursuing his Doctor of Musical Arts in Conducting at UGA, where he previously served as a Doctoral Conducting Associate with the UGA Bands. He earned his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance under Philip A. Smith at UGA and his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas.
Prior to his graduate studies, Villagrana served in the United States Marine Corps with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, performing as a trumpet instrumentalist, principal trumpet, brass quintet leader, and assistant enlisted conductor. He is also the first-call substitute trumpet with the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra and has performed with ensembles including the Quantico Marine Corps Band, in addition to being a multi-year finalist in the National Trumpet Competition.
As an educator, Villagrana has taught conducting at UGA, contributed to the Community Music School, and worked with young musicians through UGA’s Summer Music Camps. He has served on staff with the Redcoat Marching Band, where he helped shape both musical and visual instruction, and has maintained a private teaching studio while working as a clinician across Georgia, Texas, and the Carolinas. Since 2017, he has been a brass technician with the Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, contributing to multiple Jim Ott Brass Caption Awards while mentoring hundreds of performers. His primary teachers include Dr. Nicholas E. Williams, Philip A. Smith, Christopher Martin, Allen Vizzutti, Dr. Jason Bergman, and John Holt.
JOIN US FOR A FULL SEASON OF FINE AND PERFORMING ARTS AT UGA
On stage and in the gallery — over 100 performances, exhibitions and lectures await you this season at the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. Enjoy a dazzling variety of free events plus explore our ticketed seasons in dance, theatre and music starting at just $15. Students, faculty and guests of UGA fine and performing arts offer Athens premier programming all year round.
SUPPORT THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC
HOW TO GIVE
Under each of the available funds below is a QR code where you can scan and donate directly to that fund. However, if you would like to learn more about alternative ways to donate, scan the QR code now to visit our “How to Give” page with additional details and options.
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
MON 10/27
FERE
7:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA SYMPHONIC BAND
University of Georgia Symphonic Band is one of the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s large wind bands. The Symphonic Band focuses on the classic band repertoire as well as exciting new music, and has recorded for C. Alan Publications. Symphonic Band is conducted by Michael C. Robinson.
TUES 9/9
WED 10/29
7:30 p.m.
5:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall
FREE CONCERT
WED 10/29
7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall
FREE CONCERT
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA JAZZ ENSEMBLES I & II
Jazz Ensemble I is the Hugh Hodgson School of Music’s advanced level big band group, comprised of traditional big band instrumentation: saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and a rhythm section featuring drums, piano, guitar, and bass, conducted by David D’Angelo.
Jazz Ensemble II introduces students to the experience of performing in a traditional big band, and teaches students the evolution of big band music, familiarization with stylistic comparisons, and refinement of improvisational skills.
Jazz Ensemble II is co-conducted by Greg Satterthwaite and James Weidman.
UNIVERISTY OF GEORGIA WIND SYMPHONY
As one of the University of Georgia’s large wind bands, the Wind Symphony has performed extensively throughout the Southeast, including concerts at regional conferences of the College Band Directors National Association. Wind Symphony is conducted by Jack Eaddy, Jr.
TUES 9/9
THURS 10/30
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall
FREE CONCERT
RSVP ENCOURAGED BUT NOT REQUIRED
FACULTY ARTIST SERIES: Sing and Rejoice!
A Musical Celebration of Jewish Joy ANNE SLOVIN, soprano ANDREW VOELKER, piano
Anne Slovin, soprano, joined the UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music voice faculty this fall as assistant professor of voice. Andrew Voelker also joined the School of Music this fall as opera coach. Both received their doctorates from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
This event includes a reception with the artist immediately following.