Ensemble and Faculty Concert:

2007-04-25 -- University Band, Concert Band, and Mark Weiger, oboe

Audio Playlist

Access to audio and video playlists restricted to current faculty, staff, and students. If you have questions, please contact the Rita Benton Music Library at [email protected].

Scroll to see Program PDF The University of Iowa COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS & SCIENCES Division of Performing Arts School of Music

I University Band Ward Miller, conductor

and Concert Band Kevin Kastens, conductor

I April 25, 2007 Clapp Recital Hall 8 p.m. This program is being presented by Ward Miller in partial fulfillment of the requirements for his Master of Arts degree in conducting.

Tonight's program is No. 102, 2006-2007 The University of Iowa School of Music Progratn University Band Dedicatory Overture (1964) Clifton Williams (1923-197 6)

Scenes from "The Louvre" (1966) Norman Delio Joio I. The Portals (b. 1913) II. Children's Gallery III. The King of France IV. Finale

The Veteran's March (1900) Gabriel Pares (1860-1934) arr. Lucien Calliet

Shenandoah (1999) Frank Ticheli (b. 1958)

Festal Scenes (1986) Yasuhide Ito (b. 1960) Concert Band Children's March (1919) Percy Aldridge Grainger (1882-1961)

Fantasie sur Martha, op. 23 (184 7) Th. Lalliet Mark Weiger, oboe (1837-1892) trans. Kevin Kastens

George Washington Bridge (1951) William Schuman Darrin Oehlerking, conductor (1910-1992)

The Year of the Dragon (1984) Philip Sparke I. Toccata (b. 1951) II. Interlude III. Finale University Band Program Notes

, Dedicatory Overture was commissioned by the Epsilon Upsilon chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia at Evansville College (Indiana) for the dedication service of a new music building. This work is a concert overture in form and employs the composer's own setting of the Evansville College Alma Mater hymn contrasted with other original material.

Scenes from "The Louvre" is a five-movement work depicting different aspects of the Louvre museum by presenting music in the style of Renaissance composers. Norman Dello Joio originally composed the music for a 1964 NBC television series on the Louvre. After the score won an Emmy for outstanding television score that year, the composer adapted a concert band suite for the ·Baldwin­ Wallace College \"(!ind Ensemble. Dello Joio conducted the premiere on March 13, 1966.

The Veterans' March is a turn-of-the-century march written by Gabriel Pares and originally entitled Le Grognard. Pares had a storied career in the French military bands, culminating in the early 1890's with his assuming leadership of the world famous Garde-Republican band in Paris. Under his direction the band toured both Europe and North America, and appeared at the St. Louis \'?orld's Fair in 1904. He retired. from the band in 1911 but later in 1917 was asked to return and conducted the band in a tour of 100 American cities. Lucien Callier, a student of Pares, transcribed the American band version in 1960.

Shenandoah is Frank Ticheli's setting of the 19rh_century folksong. The Shenandoah River valley is located in Virginia, and the song's text tells the story of a valley settler who fell in love with a Native American woman. Speaking about the work, Ticheli states: "In my setting of Shenandoah I was inspired by the freedom and beauty of the folk melody and by the natural images evoked by the word, especially the image of a river ... The work's mood ranges from quiet reflection, through growing optimism, to profound exaltation."

Festal Scenes was derived from four folk songs prevalent in the Aomori Prefecture of Japan, and is Yasuhide Ito's first major band piece. According to the composer, he was inspired to write this work upon receiving a letter from a friend who said, "Everything seems like Paradise blooming together. Life is a festival, indeed." Festal Scenes was commissioned by the Ominato Band of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Fore~, and it was premiered by that ensemble on October 8, 1986. University Band Personnel Flute Alto Saxophone Euphonium Min Kim Nick Bender Jonathan Fransen Melissa .Johnson Chris Healey · Aaron Bonney Johanna Lohman Emily Barnes Emily Leonard Emily Larson Rachel Hansen Kirsten Wallace .Jessica Wilson Tuba Malynda Chizek Alicia Villareal David Kinkennon Lauren Neybert Brandon Bakowski Hind Baydou°' Tenor Saxophone Alec Burns Jimmy Paprocki Cassandra Decker Nicole Sedivec Jessica Odendahl Percussion Brianna Maras Stephanie Nielsen Forrest Heusinkveld Jason Chiu Oboe Baritone Saxophone Justin 1forris Scott Small Erin Vaughn Pat Galligan Leighanna Rutt Trumpet Librarian Bassoon Leah Ledtje Christie Zimmerman .James Zimmerman Mary Edwards Kyle Sustich Stage Crew Clarinet Lara Sberna Alex Young John Froehlig Nolan Symmonds Matthew Srednick Karl Zelle • Graduate Assistants Chelsea Doggett Timothy Beckler Melissa Weets Horn Tasondra Huyck Annie Meyers Ernest Jennings Lauren Kvedaras Jenna Skophammer Trevor Loes Zach House Abby Wilbanks Ward !\filler Christian Harms Stephanie Walz Rose Munderloh Ana Ziegler Dena Dubin Darrin Oehlerking Alyssa Penningroth Becky Bmmeister Trombone Scholarship Recipients Kevin Murphy 6 John Hill Scholarship Bass Clarinet Eric Jcsteadt Ryals Parker Johanna Grant Myra Laird Theresa Heitz Jim Schreitmueller Roger VanDonselaar :tvlike Crim Kathleen Kessler Concert Band Personnel Flute Tenor Saxophone Percussion Emily Fenton Erika Whitney Adam Balling Scott Jen11erjohn Jeong Min Kim Baritone Saxophone Anne Grobstich Rob McCabe Trevor Loes Anne Buchele Joe Pa11ganiban Meghan Grobe Bass Saxophone Molly Rod Gina Co]e David Solomon Oboe Jena Spaulding Jill Staudt Trumpet Anna Schwenker 2 Heather Lovell Librarian Miriam Pusateri Spencer Duniap Christie Zimmerman Natalie Ramlow Lesley Howell Stage Crew English Horn Christie Zimmerman Brett Messenger Michael Wellman Stuart Breczinski Alex Young Krystle Stehno Bassoon Mary Edwards Graduate Assistants Timothy Beckler Rachel Koeth Horn Tasondra Huyck Rosanne Truog Matt Block Ernest Jennings Rebecca Coe 12 Julia Meredith 3 Trevor Loes Sylvia Russell 13 Amy Schnitz Ward .Miller Clarinet Rose Mw1derloh Rose Munderloh 4 Aaron Kirschner Justin Miller Darrin Oehlerking Jane Vance 12 Trombone Scholarship Recipients Erin Gagan Ryan Arp 1 Meredith Willson Scholarship Lucas Petersen Brady Schlue 2 Himie Voxman Scholarship SaraBeth Van Wyk Austin Peiffer 12 3 Rose & Angelo Garizo Scholarship Anne Talbot Adam Schroeder 4 Matthew Schurman Nathan Stark Paul Anderson Scholarship Erica Huttner s Presidential Scholar Bass Trombone Katie Lee 6 John Hill Scholarship Ben Bogenrief Chris Copeland 7 Iowa Center for the Arts Scholarship Corin Nisly 8 Rhodes Dunlap Honor Scholarship Euphonium Bass Clarinet 9 Howard Robertson Scholarship Justin Kvedaras 10 Roller Family Memorial Scholarship John Froehlig ChetAliga 11 Contrabass Clarinet Andrew Philbrick 9 Dean's Scholar 12 Old Gold Scholarship Howard Chen Tuba 13 & 5 Richard Fredda Caplan Scholarship Alto Saxophone Pau·ick Bigsby Shawna Pennock Kristina Gavin Kalle Anderson Concert Band Program Notes

Percy Grainger was born in Brighton, Melbourne, Australia in 1882 and he immigrated to the United States in 1914. Grainger gained respect and admiration throughout the world as a concert pianist. Edvard Grieg was so impressed by Grainger's playing that Grieg invited Grainger to his No1way home in 1906, and Grainger later became known as one of the great interpreters of Grieg's Concerto for Piano. Grainger enlisted as an army bandsman at the outbreak of World War I, and he learned to play and appreciate most of the wind and percussion instruments. He particularly enjoyed the saxophone, and felt that the saxophone family most resembled the human voice. Grainger taught at the Army Band School for eight months and used this time to rescore some of his orchestral works for military band such as: Colonial Song, Irish Tune, and Shepherd's Hey.

Percy Grainger composed Children's March "Over the Hills and Far Away" from the fall of 1916 through February of 1918 as a piano piece, and he dedicated it to "my playmate beyond the hills." The "playmate" was believed to be a Scandinavian beauty by the name of Karen Holton. The two corresponded for eight years but they did not marry because of his mother's jealousy. Grainger began the band arrangement in 1918 while a member of the U.S. Coast Artillery Band, and the Goldman Band first performed it on June 6, 1919 with Grainger conducting. Children's March features the woodwinds throughout, giving particular attention to the low reed instruments. The march demonstrates both the fierceness and the tenderness of Grainger's personality, and he considers Children's March to be the first composition for band utilizing piano. - Trevor Loes

Casi mer Theophile Lalli et (183 7-1892), born in Evreux, France, was admitted to the Paris Conservatory in 1858. He was recognized for possessing remark~ble technique and an elegant manner of phrasing, ,-vhich is likely what landed him in the Paris Opera-Comique. As was the tradition with many Paris Conservatory oboists, he took to writing works that showcased the oboe as a virtuoso solo voice. While he published a number of virtuosic fantasies for winds and piano or winds with orchestra, it has been said that he attempted to render homage to his own instrument with this work. ·

Fantasie sur 'Martha,' Op. 23 is drawn from the themes of the opera ·by the same name by Friedrich von Flow tow (1812-1883), which was written and premiered in 1847. The Fantasie, as a set of variations on operatic melodies, allows oboists to prove their ability to give life to melodic phrases while dazzling with two-voiced textures, double tonguing and circular breathing. Martha was transcribed by Kevin Kastens for Mark Weiger in 2004. Concert Band Program Notes Continued

George Washington Bridge is subtitled '~n Impression for Band." Composer William Schuman "vrites: "There are few days in the year when I do not see the George Washington Bridge. I pass it on my way to work as 1 drive along the Henry Hudson Parkway on the New York shore. Ever since my student days when I watched the progress of its construction, this bridge has had for me an almost human personality, and this personality is astonishingly varied, assuming different moods depending on the time of day or night, the weather, the traffic and, of course, my own mood as I pass by. I have walked across it .late at night when it was shrouded in fog, and during the brilliant sunshine hours of midday. I have driven over it countless times and passed under it on boats. Coming to New York City by air, sometimes I have been lucky enough to fly right over it. It is difficult to imagine a more gracious welcome or dramatic entry to the great metropolis."

Darrin Oehlerking is completing a DNlA in Band Conducting at The University of Iowa.

England has a rich tradition of brass band music and ensembles, and this tradition helped lay the foundation for our modern day concert bands and wind ensembles. It was in the spirit of this tradition that London-born composer Philip Sparke "\vas commissioned to write The Year of the Dragon. The piece, with the help of the Welsh Arts Council, was written for the Buy As You View (Cory Brass) Band, Wales in honor of the band's centenary celebrations in 1984, and was premiered in St. David's Hall, Cardiff in March of that year. Sparke wrote, "At the time I wrote The Year of the Dragon, Cory had won two successive National Finals and I set out to write a virtuoso piece to display the talents of this remarkable band to the full."

The first of three movements, Toccata, is tc be played con maliza (with ma]jce) and opens with an arresting snare drum and brass figure. Small motivic themes from various sections of the band try to develop until a powerful, central theme emerges from the middle of the band. A dance-like section is then utilized but eventually succumbs to the return of the central theme, which diminishes until faint echoes of the opening material fade to a close. Interlude is a melancholy solo for English horn. A chorale from the whole band provides an indication of optimism before the English horn returns to quietly close the movement. The Finale is described by Sparke as a real "tour-de-force" containing numerous sections of racing 16th notes combined with lighter, more playful episodes. The main theme is heroic and march-like, and a distant fanfare to the sound of bells is introduced and ultimately returns to bring the work to an exciting close. - Trevor Loes MarkWeiger

Mark Weiger is Professor of Music teaching oboe and chamber music at the University of Iowa. Since coming to Iowa in 1988, he has performed as a soloist throughout the United States, Canada, England, Mexico, Brazil, Austria, France and Italy, presented two Carnegie Hall recitals, been a finalist in nine international competitions, was the Second Prize winner in the New York International Oboe Competition and the First Prize winner in the Queens Philharmonic Concerto Competition (NY), performed double concertos with Chicago's principal oboist, Ray Still, and presented solo recitals with such notables as Ronald Roseman, Marc Fink, and Bert Lucarelli.

In 1996-97, Weiger became the first solo oboist to serve as an Artistic Ambassador. As such, he has recitaled in Israel, Jordan, Pakistan, India, Greece, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In 1998, his CD Oboe on the Road, was released through Centaur Records. In 1999, his CD Grand Sonatas for Oboe, was released through Crystal Records and was followed up ·with his CD Romantic Road for Oboe in 2001. His CD, The Devil's Tongue, featuring works that showcase double and triple tonguing and circular breathing, _will be also released on Crystal Records.

Weiger is a founding member of the double reed quartet WiZARDS! which has released three CDs to critical acclaim, toured 18 states, and has done educational residency programs in Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Illinois, and Wyoming. WiZARDS! has recordings out through Crystal Records (Fantasy for WiZARDS!, Classical WiZARDS!), CRS (W'iZARDS!), and in October 2003 their CD, WiZARDS! Works, was released through Bost

Nir. Weiger received his degrees from the New England Conservatory of Music and the Juilliard School. He has been principal oboist with the Albany Symphony (1\TY), Erripire State Institute for the Performing Arts (NY), Ohio Light Opera Company, Portland Symphony (ME), Maine Opera Orchestra (ME); and English hornist with the Portland (IvfE), Charlotte (NC), New Hampshire, and Vermont Symphony Orchestras. Since his tenure began at the University of Iowa he has served as principal oboe with the Kansas City Chamber Orchestra, and the Illinois Symphony and Chamber Orchestras. He has also performed with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, the Boston Pops and Esplinade Orchestra, the New Hampshire Music Festival, Yellow Barn Festival (V1), Iowa Woodwind Quintet, Ensemble da Camera, the Bear Lake Music Festival (U1), the Britt Festival (OR), The Young Musicians Festival (WY), and the Great Music West Festival (ID /\XlY).

Reviewers have remarked "Weiger was splendid. His middle register was rich and woody. The very highest notes were like those of a coloratura soprano," says the Kansas City Star. The New York Times "Mellifluous, haunting oboe playing by Mark Weiger." The Sri Lanka National News writes "These American Artists Are Aces. The program, which drew two encores--an unheard of feat--was described as 'brilliant'." From the Tel Aviv News, "The quality of collaborative artists in the US Artistic Ambassador program is now unparalleled. On balance, perhaps the most successful Artistic Ambassadors USIS has ever programmed." Kathmandu, Nepal "These artists have brilliance, glamour, and wit." "With every SL'Cteenth-note Weiger made the music come to life," The NY Times. And from the SCI News, "Weiger's virtuosic abilities were a perfect match for this difficult work. .. Not since Heinz Bolliger in his prime have we heard an oboist with his control and mastery." Upcoming Events

Wed., May 2 Symphony Band/Symphony Orchestra Myron Welch and William Jones, conductors 8 p.m., Hancher Auditorium

Iowa Summer Music Camps June 10-16 - Band, Orchestra, Chorus & Adult Band June 17-22 - Pen:ussion, Piano, Musical Theater June 24:-30 - Jazz

For details regarding our Iowa Summer Music Camps call 319-335-1635 or toll-free in Iowa: 1-800-553-IOWA, ext. 1635 or visit our website: http:/ /www.uiowa.edu/-bands/ismc/

l b THE UNLVERSllY Jllll! OFlOWA