UGA WIND ENSEMBLE
S H A P E S H I F T E R
by Andrew Blair
TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.
HODGSON CONCERT HALL
NICHOLAS ENRICO WILLIAMS, conductor
S H A P E S H I F T E R
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall
UGA Performing Arts Center
Southwest DeKalb High School Wind Symphony
James O. Seda, Conductor
University of Georgia Wind Ensemble
Nicholas Enrico Williams, Conductor
R. Scott Mullen, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Gilbert P. Villagrana, Doctoral Conducting Associate
P. Justin White, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Caroline Wright Pfisterer, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Georgia Brass Quintet
Philip Smith, Trumpet
Brandon Craswell, Trumpet
James Naigus, Horn
Joshua Bynum, Trombone
Matthew Shipes, Tuba
Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare
Illumination
Big City Lights
Letters
Chimes of Liberty
Overture in Five Flat
Richard Strauss
David Maslanka
Marie A. Douglas
Kelijah Dunton
Edwin Franko Goldman
arr. Loras J. Schissel
Julie Giroux
INTERMISSION
Shapeshifter Andrew Blair
P. Justin White, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Georgia Brass Quintet
Vientos y Tangos
En mi, Familia
Festive Overture
Gilbert P. Villagrana, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Michael Gandolfi
Ivette Herryman Rodríguez
Caroline Wright Pfisterer, Doctoral Conducting Associate
R. Scott Mullen, Doctoral Conducting Associate
Dmitri Shostakovich
trans. Donald Hunsberger
Shapeshifter (2024) (7’)
Andrew Blair (b. 1987 )
Shapeshifter draws inspiration from many mythologies, each associated with the concept of changing form at will. The work alters, morphs, and transforms a few simple motives across its duration, featuring each section of the brass quintet and band in varying emotional and textural settings, all representative of the nature of change. The solo trumpets represent the Marid Jinn (genies) of Arabic mythology. The tuba, echoing the essence of the Greek sea god Proteus, showcases its mastery of transformation through the deep and resonant tones of the instrument. The horn serves as a symbolic bridge, representing the shapeshifting abilities of Vishnu mythology. The trombone, being a shapeshifter itself, embodies the Kitsune, exploring the instrument’s versatile and expressive qualities
Shapeshifter weaves together these varied mythological influences using the expressive capabilities of the brass quintet and the wind band to bring to life the tales of shapeshifting beings from Arabic, Greek, Hindu, and Japanese traditions. The composition takes the performer and listener on a musical journey, exploring the dynamic interplay between these mythical entities and the challenges inherent in seeking their wisdom and favors.
Program Note by the Composer
Dr. Andrew Blair is an American percussionist, conductor, and composer. He earned a Bachelors in Music Education from Western Carolina University in 2010, graduating with honors as a NC Teaching Fellow and Sudler Trophy winner. Before pursuing graduate studies, he taught middle school, high school, and college ensembles for eight years, earning Superior ratings across various performance assessments. From 2018 to 2023, Blair was a graduate teaching assistant at the University of Georgia, where he earned a dual Master of Music in conducting and percussion (2021) and a Doctor of Musical Arts in percussion with a minor in composition (2023). He worked extensively with the UGA Redcoat Band and other ensembles in the Hugh Hodgson School of Music.
Vientos y Tangos (2004) (12’)
Michael Gandolfi (b. 1956)
Vientos y Tangos (Winds and Tangos) was commissioned by The Frank L. Battisti 70th Birthday Commission Project and is dedicated to Frank Battisti in recognition of his immense contributions to the advancement of concert wind literature. It was Mr. Battisti’s specific request that I write a tango for wind ensemble. In preparation for
this piece, I devoted several months to the study and transcription of tangos from the early style of Juan D’arienzo and the “Tango Nuevo” style of Astor Piazzolla to the current trend of “Disco/Techno Tango,” among others. After immersing myself in this listening experience, I simply allowed the most salient features of these various tangos to inform the direction of my work. The dynamic contour and the various instrumental combinations that I employ in the piece are all inspired by the traditional sounds of the bandoneon, violin, piano, and contrabass.
Program Note by the Composer
Michael Gandolfi is an American composer whose work spans contemporary concert music, jazz, blues, and rock. His diverse interests connect music with science, film, and theater. Known for his orchestral compositions, Gandolfi has collaborated with leading conductors and ensembles, including Robert Spano and the Atlanta Symphony, the Boston Symphony, and the Memphis Symphony. He has also contributed significantly to the wind ensemble repertoire. His accolades include two NEA Consortium Commission grants, a Guggenheim Fellowship, a Koussevitzky Commission, a Grammy nomination for The Garden of Cosmic Speculation (2009), and the 2013 Sousa/Ostwald Award for Band. His works appear on labels such as Deutsche Grammophon, Telarc, and BMOP Sound.
En mi, Familia (2020) (8’30”)
Ivette Herryman Rodríguez (b. 1982)
I dedicate this piece to my immediate family: my parents, my brother, my nephews, and my little niece. In the piece, I include ideas such as my brother’s life search, which sometimes hits dead ends, but remains relentless after all; my dad’s sensitivity and, although subtly, his love for dancing; and my own version of a melody of a song my mom used to sing every Sunday while doing laundry. The title of the piece expresses that I believe, although I have become my own person, I am still very much connected to my family. Lots of my past memories and my present are filled with my family. This piece is a loving homage to them.
Program Note by the Composer
Ivette Herryman Rodríguez is a composer, educator, and pianist who moved to the U.S. in 2011. Her soulful compositions, inspired by Cuban roots and diverse musical traditions, have been praised as “absolutely exquisite” and “breathtakingly beautiful” (Kevin Noe). She has received numerous accolades, including the 2023 President’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities at SUNY Potsdam, a Chamber Music America Classical Commissioning Grant (2021), and a Cubadisco Special Award
(2010) for her zarzuela Cerca del Río. Her works, performed by renowned ensembles such as the L.A. Philharmonic under Gustavo Dudamel, appear on recordings by Neuma Records, Colibrí Productions, Mark Records, and MSR Classics.
As an Associate Professor at the Crane School of Music, she teaches composition, theory, and aural skills. Passionate about Cuban and Latin American music, she values mentoring students and believes in kindness.
Festive Overture (1954/1965) (6’30”)
Dmitri Shostakovich (1906-1975) trans. Donald Hunsberger
Festive Overture was composed in 1954, and its American premiere was given by Maurice Abravanel and the Utah Symphony Orchestra on November 16, 1955. A Russian band version of the overture was released in 1958 and utilized the standard instrumentation of the Russian military band, i.e., a complete orchestral wind, brass and percussion section plus a full family of saxhorns, ranging from the Bb soprano down through the Bb contrabass saxhorn. This new edition has been scored for the instrumentation of the American symphonic band. Festive Overture is an excellent curtain raiser and contains one of Shostakovich’s greatest attributes — the ability to write a long sustained melodic line combined with a pulsating rhythmic drive. In addition to the flowing melodic passages, there are also examples of staccato rhythmic sections which set off the flowing line and the variant fanfares. It is truly a “festive” overture.
Program Note by Donald Hunsberger
Dmitri Shostakovich was a Russian composer who lived under the Soviet regime. Shostakovich had a complex and difficult relationship with the Soviet government, suffering two official denunciations of his music, in 1936 and 1948, and the periodic banning of his work. Shostakovich’s response to official criticism and, more importantly, the question of whether he used music as a kind of abstract dissidence is a matter of dispute. Shostakovich prided himself on his orchestration, which is clear, economical, and well-projected. His most popular works are his fifteen symphonies and fifteen string quartets. His works for piano include two piano sonatas, an early set of preludes, and a later set of twenty-four preludes and fugues, and other works include two operas, six concertos, and a substantial quantity of film music.
Nicholas Enrico Williams, Conductor
Flute
Kimmie Bateman
Heesoo Jeong
Sam Malave ^
Shana Stone ^
Oboe
Emma Gordon^
Ashley Na
Brenna Sexton
Amanda Withrow
Clarinet
Lily Kate Akins
Sarah Christie Frois ^
Ryan Hanling
Riley Hartman
Elise Larson ^
Jonathan Mack
Yash Mahadkar
Avery Pate
Garrison Rider
Jaden Skelton ^
Taylor Spires
Bassoon
Jazmyn Barajas-Trujillo
Caleb Jackson
Daniel Johnson
Saxophone
Addison Aycock ^
Owen Cotton ^
Carter Naughton ^
Yun Que Tan
Christopher Victor ^
Horn
Peter Dixon
Jacob Evarts ^
Gracie Gambrell^
Joseph Johnson
Jake Wadsworth ^
Trumpet
Cameran Butryn
Adriano Estraiotto
Palmer Hartley
Toby Johnson
Ben Stocksdale ^
James Vaughn
Gilbert Villagrana
Trombone
Eli Boudreaux ^
Zachary Nelson ^
Ian Wolff
Bass Trombone
Trip Drennan
Jonas Ventresca ^
Euphonium
Andrew Haynes
Tuba
Jack Gordon
Jacob Norris
String Bass
Leonardo Lopes ^
Piano
Eva Panagou
Harp
Isabel Hardy
Percussion
Henry Campbell
Tanner Fallin ^
Carrington Lauck
Rachel Martin
Reece Moseley
Mackenzie Roquemore ^
Angelina Vasquez
*Members of the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble are listed alphabetically to acknowledge each performer’s unique contribution to our shared artistic endeavors.
^ denotes final UGA Bands performance
James O. Seda is the Director of Bands at Southwest Dekalb High School. A product of the Atlanta Public School System, he graduated from Southside Comprehensive High School. Mr. Seda earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Florida A&M University, where he studied conducting under Dr. William P. Foster and Dr. Julian E. White. He also studied trumpet with Dr. Marty Robinson. Additionally, he pursued further studies in the Master of Music Education program at Northern Illinois University in Dekalb, Illinois.
Mr. Seda has been the Director of Bands at Southwest Dekalb High School since 2001. Before that, he spent two years as the Assistant Director of Bands at Chapel Hill Middle School, the primary feeder school to Southwest Dekalb, where he also assisted with the high school’s band program. He is a distinguished member of several professional organizations, including the American Bandmasters Association, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity, the Minority Band Directors National Association, Phi Beta Mu International Bandmasters Fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, the Screen Actors Guild, the International Trumpet Guild, MACE, and the NAACP. He has been recognized multiple times by Who’s Who Among America’s Teachers and is a four-time recipient of the Citation of Excellence award from the National Band Association.
Caroline Wright Pfisterer is a dedicated musician and educator currently pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting at the University of Georgia. With a 4.0 GPA throughout both her doctoral studies and her Master’s degree from the University of Alabama, she has excelled in various leadership roles, including Assistant Director of Festivals Band and Doctoral Conducting Associate. Caroline’s conducting experience spans a wide range of ensembles, from the Wind Ensemble to the Redcoats Marching Band, and she has co-taught courses such as Introduction to Conducting and Instrumental Techniques. She is also deeply involved in community music education, having served as a clinician and coordinator for honor bands and workshops. An accomplished conductor, Caroline has performed internationally and received numerous accolades, including the Osborne Fellowship and the Mike Moss Conducting Grant. With a passion for nurturing young musicians, she combines her extensive teaching experience with a commitment to excellence, fostering creativity and collaboration in her students.
R. Scott Mullen is a conductor and music educator, pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Georgia. Scott is a Doctoral Conducting Associate for UGA Bands, with duties with the Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and the Redcoat Marching Band. Prior to UGA, Scott was a Graduate Assistant at the University of Central Florida, in Orlando, Florida. Scott was previously a teacher in Orange County
Public Schools, and has maintained activities as an educator, and clinician with band programs in Florida and Georgia. His professional affiliations include the National Association for Music Education, the Georgia Bandmasters Association, The Florida Bandmasters Association, The College Band Directors National Association, Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity, and Pi Kappa Lambda Music Honor Society. Scott was previously a teacher in Orange County Public Schools, most recently as Director of Bands, Chorus, and Orchestra at Wedgefield School. Scott has maintained activities as an educator and clinician with band programs in Florida and Georgia.
Gibert P. Villagrana is currently serving as a Doctoral Conducting Associate for the University of Georgia Bands. Originally from Texas, he earned his Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of North Texas. Recently, he completed his Master of Music in Trumpet Performance at the University of Georgia. Before joining the University of Georgia, Gilbert served with distinction in the United States Marine Corps stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC. During his enlistment, he showcased his musical prowess as a trumpet instrumentalist with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing Band. His diverse roles also included serving as an assistant enlisted conductor, a leader of small ensemble units, and as principal trumpet.
Gilbert’s dedication to his craft is evident through his extensive training with notable mentors such as Philip Smith, Allen Vizzutti, Dr. Jason Bergman, and John Holt. As a performer, Gilbert has excelled, achieving recognition as a finalist in the Military Band excerpt division at The National Trumpet Competition for multiple years. His musical journey has led him to perform with prestigious ensembles including the Quantico Marine Corps Band, University of North Texas Symphonic Band, and as principal trumpet in the University of Georgia Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond his musical pursuits, Gilbert has been deeply involved in the world of marching arts since 2012, both as a skilled performer and an adept educator. Within the University of Georgia Redcoat Marching Band, he plays an active role as a dedicated staff member, helping contribute to the musical and visual demands of the organization. Currently, he lends his expertise to the acclaimed Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, where he serves as a brass technician, contributing to the corps’ brass performance awards.
P. Justin White is pursuing a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with 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 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.
The Georgia Brass Quintet is comprised of members of the brass faculty from the University of Georgia Hugh Hodgson School of Music. The quintet champions a broad array of repertoire from Renaissance to contemporary music, as well as arrangements of familiar jazz and pop tunes.
Philip Smith joined UGA in August, 2014, as the Prokasy Professor in the Arts. He was Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic for 36 years, as well as being a former member of the Chicago Symphony.
Brandon Craswell is Professor of Trumpet and Associate Director for Undergraduate Studies for the Hodgson School of Music. He has played with the Atlanta, Charleston, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, and Honolulu Symphonies, as well as guest principal trumpet with the Santiago, Chile Philharmonic.
James Naigus is Assistant Professor of Horn at the University of Georgia and hornist with the Georgia Brass Quintet. He is co-founder of the Cor Moto Horn Duo with Dr. Drew Phillips, and co-editor/contributor of the Creative Hornist and Technique Tips columns in the Horn Call, the journal of the International Horn Society.
In addition to serving as Professor of Trombone at the University of Georgia, Josh Bynum is an artist & clinician for the Edwards Instrument Company. He spends summers as artist faculty for the Sewanee Summer Music Festival and performs regularly as a first-call substitute with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Atlanta Opera Orchestra.
Matthew Shipes is the Associate Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at The University of Georgia. Prior to his 2020 appointment, Shipes held a position in the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass and was also principal tubist with the San Angelo Symphony.
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
WED 4/2
5:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall FREE CONCERT
UGA PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE SPRING CONCERT
Under the leadership of co-directors Timothy Adams, Jr. and Kimberly Toscano Adams, the University of Georgia Percussion Ensemble has gained notoriety in the collegiate percussion community.
WED 4/2
7:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall FREE CONCERT
LATIN AMERICAN MUSIC ENSEMBLE
The UGA Latin American Music Ensemble is a nonauditioned performance group that features a variety of music from Latin America. This year features a special focus on Brazilian music, Afro- Brazilian percussive forms, and the role these traditions play in the region’s social life.
FRI 4/4
5:30 p.m.
Ramsey Concert Hall FREE CONCERT
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA TROMBONE CHOIR
The UGA Trombone Choir provides a musical outlet for studio members and non-majors alike. Repertoire ranges from original literature to transcriptions of classical and popular music. Directed by Dr. Josh Bynum.
TUES 4/1
FRI 4/4
7:30 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall
Hodgson Concert Hall
$15 - Adult
$3 - Child/Student
$15 - Adult
$3 - Child/Student
MON 4/7
7:30 p.m.
Hodgson Concert Hall FREE CONCERT
ARCO CHAMBER ORCHESTRA “ALL CLASSICAL”
UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA WIND ENSEMBLE - “SHAPESHIFTER”
Thursday Scholarship Series Performance
The “Classical” period in music directly followed the Baroque. This concert features two composers who were quintessential in creating the sound known today as Classical music. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a short-lived but prolific composer, creating over 800 works. Franz Joseph Haydn is considered instrumental in the development of chamber music such as the string quartet and piano trio.
UNIVERSITY
OF GEORGIA CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE
Under the direction of Vicki Lu, several distinguished guest artists join this ensemble which features instruments such as the erhu, guzheng, pipa, hulusi and the yangqin.
