MinnesotasyMphonic

WindstiMothy Mahr, conductor

WilliaM Webb, associate conductor

t h e M i d W e s t c l i n i can international band and orchestra conference

december 19, 2008, 5:30 pMinternational ballroom

hilton chicago & towers

historyThe Minnesota Symphonic Winds, a nonprofit volunteer organization, was founded by Miles H. “Mity” Johnson, who served for 37 years as

professor of music at St. Olaf College and conductor of the St. Olaf Band. Mity had a dream of creating an outlet for adults to continue playing their instruments and pursue musical opportunities after college. Upon the advice of his good friend and colleague John Paynter, founder of the Northshore Concert Band, Mity contacted a group of former students in 1978 to consider the possibility of forming a new adult community band. Shortly

thereafter, a letter was sent to St. Olaf Band alumni in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul to determine a level of interest. Based upon the positive responses, an organizational committee was formed, and a few months later, in March 1979, the band held its first rehearsal with 47 musicians in attendance.

A great deal of enthusiasm and excitement was present at that first rehearsal, as well as a common feeling among the musicians that this was the start of something very special. The band’s first performance, a joint concert with the St. Olaf Band, took place only a few weeks later. Under Mity’s direction, MSW quickly established an outstanding musical reputation. By the early 1980s the band’s roster grew to over 70 instrumentalists. Although the group was initially formed around a nucleus of St. Olaf Band alumni, membership was open to any instrumentalists having sufficient proficiency and seeking musical excellence. MSW’s associate conductor during this time was Paul Niemisto, then assistant professor of low brass and band at St. Olaf College.

Through the 1980s and 1990s, MSW continued to grow in size and musicianship. The band further distinguished itself as a quality musical organization by expanding its audience reach to venues throughout the state of Minnesota and abroad. Additionally, the group became active in commissioning and premiering new works. This period also brought changes to the leadership of MSW. In 1987, MSW member and Edina High School band director Bill Webb became associate conductor. In 1999 after 20 years of inspirational leadership and personal dedication to MSW, Miles Johnson retired as conductor, handing the baton to Dr. Timothy Mahr, professor of music at St. Olaf College.

MSW is currently in its 31st season of delivering top-quality performances of the finest concert band literature. Over the years the group has drawn musicians from a variety of occupations, ages, and musical backgrounds, and from all across the Twin Cities area. Today membership is by audition and the ensemble consists of more than 90 musicians who rehearse weekly from September through early June.

perforMances/travelsMSW presents five to six concerts each season in churches, schools, colleges, concert halls, and parks in the Twin Cities; throughout Minnesota; and occasionally on tour to other states, as well as international venues. The band strives to reach new audiences and

broaden its musical experiences.During the 1980s the band was regularly heard on Minnesota Public Radio’s “Live from Landmark” series.In 1990 and 2002 the group appeared in concert at the Minnesota Music Educators Association Mid-Winter In-Service Clinic. In 2001 MSW presented a clinic of “Chosen Gems for the High School Band” at this event.In 1991 MSW was distinguished as one of only seven American community bands invited to perform in the Adult Band Festival in Lucerne, Switzerland, commemorating the 700th anniversary of the founding of the Swiss Confederation.In the summer of 1997 the band toured the Caribbean, performing with the internationally

renowned Rising Stars Steel Drum Band on the island of St. Thomas and at Parliament Square in the Bahamas.MSW was the first United States concert band to perform in the Concert Hall at the world famous Singapore Esplanade Theatres on the Bay during its premier season in June 2003.MSW performed on tour to Alaska in June 2006, presenting concerts in North Vancouver, British Columbia and in Juneau, Alaska at the invitation of then First Lady Nancy Murkowski.

collaborationsThrough the years, some of the band’s favorite activities have involved joining forces with other high school, college, and community bands, as well as hosting guest conductors, composers, and artists.

Each season MSW performs with area high school ensembles in a shared concert format as well as in a massed band setting. As an

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Minnesota syMphonic Winds

MILESJOHNSON

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TIMOTHY MAHR

important part of the organization’s outreach, MSW members serve as musical role models to inspire young musicians to continue with their music education by demonstrating that one’s interest and passion for music can continue well beyond high school and college.MSW has performed joint concerts with college ensembles, including the St. Olaf Band and Norseman Band (Northfield, MN), Concordia College Band (Moorhead, MN), University of Minnesota Symphonic Wind Ensemble (Minneapolis, MN), and St. Cloud State University Wind Ensemble (St. Cloud, MN).MSW is active in preserving the heritage of the community band by frequently sharing the concert stage with other similar groups. Past performances have included joint concerts with the Prairie Winds Concert Band (Willmar, MN), Twin Ports Wind Ensemble (Duluth, MN), Bloomington Medalist Concert Band (Bloomington, MN), Northland Community Band (East Grand Forks, MN), and Grand Symphonic Winds (St. Paul, MN). MSW is also a member of the Association of Concert Bands.Each season MSW invites guest conductors to work with the ensemble. The band has been fortunate to work with many notable conductors, including Frank Bencriscutto, James Croft, James Curnow, Timothy Diem, Frederick Fennell, William Ford, Richard K. Hansen, J. Robert Hanson, Craig Kirchhoff, Odd Terje Lysebo, Tom Maeck, Paul Niemisto, Doug Nimmo, John Paulson, Russell Pesola, Amy Roisum Foley, Trevor Sharpe, Claude T. Smith, Mallory Thompson, and John Zdechlik.A highlight in the band’s history was a Minnesota Composers Concert in 1994. The concert was broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio and featured six of Minnesota’s best known composers conducting their own works: Frank Bencriscutto, J. Robert Hanson, Libby Larsen, Timothy Mahr, John Paulson, and John Zdechlik. In 1998 as part of its 20th anniversary celebration, MSW released a compact disc of favorite works for the concert band featuring Minnesota composers John Paulsen, J. Robert Hanson, Daniel Kallman, and Timothy Mahr.MSW supports the musical endeavors of accomplished musicians by featuring some of the band’s own talented members, as well as professional artists including the Ancia Saxophone Quartet, The Copper Street Brass Quintet, Kogen Taiko Drums, Summit Hill Brass Quintet, David Baldwin (trumpet), John Ferguson (organ), and Steve Solum (synthesizer).

coMMissions/preMieres An important part of MSW’s activities includes expanding the repertoire of band music by continued support of composers through commissions. Minnesota Symphonic Winds has also premiered nearly a dozen new works for concert band since 1997.

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In 1996 MSW commissioned Daniel Kallman to develop a special composition for young people. The 26-minute work titled Yankee Doodling—A Young Person’s Guide to the Concert Band was premiered in early 1997 in honor of the band’s 20th anniversary.In 2003, as part of its 25th anniversary celebration, the band premiered commissioned works by John Zdechlik (Windsong) and Carl Schroeder (Agora).Members of MSW commissioned Daniel Kallman to write a piece titled Alyeska: The Great Land, commemorating the group’s 2006 Alaskan tour.MSW celebrated its 30th anniversary with the world premiere of Ring Out, Wild Bells, a commissioned piece by Carl Holmquist.

crossing Musical boundariesMSW is proud of its efforts to support other organizations by donating its services as a performing ensemble. Proceeds from concert ticket sales are often shared with the hosting schools, churches, or communities in support of music programs or other charitable endeavors. Beneficiaries have included:

Adath Jeshurum youth scholarship programsAlaska Cancer ConnectionEdina High School instrumental music programKinampanda Lutheran Church in TanzaniaLutheran Social Services refugee resettlement programMinnesota Composers ForumThe Cooperative Older Adult MinistryTwin Cities area food shelves

funding/supportMember dues and a grant from the Selmer Instrument Company of Elkhart, Indiana helped MSW establish its initial budget for musical directors, equipment, and publicity. Today MSW is supported in large part by member dues, the St. Olaf College band library, and Edina Public Schools which has provided rehearsal space for the band since 1987. Additional funding is provided by corporate, foundation, individual, and performing member contributions, as well as ticket sales, free-will offering, grants, and fund raisers.

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Below left: MSW in joint performance with the Tanjong Katong Girls School at its 50th Anniversary Concert, The Esplanade, Singapore; Below: MSW members with Dr. Frederick Fennell after a memorable rehearsal in November 2003.

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Small town Sketches (2008) David W. Moore I. Concert in the Park

Small Town Sketches was commissioned by the LeMars (IA) Municipal Band in celebration of the band’s 100th season. The four-movement work depicts various aspects of life in a typical smaller community. Concert in the Park is a bold opener reminiscent of asummer evening concert.

David W. Moore (b. 1968) received his music education degree from Drake University in 1992 and has since taught grades 5–12 instrumental music. Active as a performer, composer, and clinician, Moore has owned Moore Music Publishing since 1994. Several of his compositions for concert band and smaller ensembles have been published and performed internationally.

Horkstow Grange from Lincolnshire Posy (1937) Percy Grainger Adapted by Michael Sweeney

Percy Grainger’s (1882–1961) masterwork for band, Lincolnshire Posy, includes unique and striking settings of English folk melodies. The second movement, “Horkstow Grange,” is arranged here for young players in an adaptation that retains much of Grainger’s original setting. The key has been changed from D flat to B flat and one measure has been removed (before the trumpet solo), but the form is the same as in the original, and the harmonic and dynamic structure of Grainger’s setting has been retained.

Exhilaration and Cry from Southern Harmony (2008) Donald Grantham

In 1835 William “Singin’ Billy” Walker’s songbook Southern Harmony was first published. This remarkable collection contains a choice collection of tunes, hymns, psalms, odes, and anthems selected from the most pre-eminent authors in the United States. The book was immensely popular, selling an amazing 600,000 copies before the Civil War, and was commonly stocked along with groceries and tobacco in general stores across the American frontier.

The music of Southern Harmony often used modal or pentatonic rather than major or minor scales. The harmony is out of the ordinary, employing chord positions, voice leading, and progressions that are far removed from the European music that dominated concert

halls at the time. Initially dismissed as crude and primitive when they first appeared, these harmonizations are now regarded as inventive, unique, and powerfully representative of the American character. Grantham (b. 1943) used several tunes from the

original Southern Harmony in his 1998 work of the same title, preserving the flavor of the original vocal works in a setting that fully realized the potential of the wind ensemble and the individual characteristics of each song. Exhilaration and Cry combines two of Grantham’s original movements into a new work.

Grantham is the recipient of numerous awards and prizes in composition, including the Prix Lili Boulanger, a Guggenheim Fellowship, three grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, and first prize in the National Opera Association’s Composition Competition. Grantham is a professor of composition at the University of Texas at Austin.

Intrada from Banchetto Musicale (2008) Johann Hermann Schein Arranged by Ed Huckeby

Adapted from the Banchetto Musicale of German composer Johann Hermann Schein (1586–1630), Ed Huckeby’s arrangement of this Baroque era work brings out the best characteristics of early German instrumental music. The Banchetto Musicale, written in 1617, contains suites consisting of various dances. The Intrada, which was added at the end of the dance collection, was one of the earliest instrumental works to indicate specific instruments to be used in its performance.

Uncle Lumpy’s Garage (2005) Timothy Mahr and Jenna Mahr

Uncle Lumpy’s Garage is a fantasy piece that, hopefully, is a lot of fun to perform. It allows the percussion section to explore new sound sources in addition to traditional ones, and it features rhythmically punctuated materials from the winds. One might imagine an older man (don’t we all know an “Uncle Lumpy”?) working diligently in his garage, tinkering and hammering away, trying to make the machines of his life work again, and perhaps even inventing some of his own.

The work was premiered by the Northfield (MN) Middle School 6th Grade Band, guest conducted by Timothy Mahr (b. 1956) and including Jenna Mahr (b. 1993)

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on snare drum and tam-tam. An active young musician and photographer, Jenna is currently a sophomore at Northfield High School. She enjoys performing on piano and percussion and has been a member of the Northfield Youth Choir program for eight years. Jenna composed her first work for piano at the age of three. Her father/co-composer struggles with basic maintenance problems in the garage to this day.

Play! (2006) Carl Holmquist

Carl Holmquist (b. 1983) is the director of bands at the H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program in Arlington, VA. He has composed numerous works for concert band, brass quintet, string ensembles, and vocal ensembles. Two of his band works, Play! and Kirby: to my hero, have been published by C. Alan Publications. A graduate of St. Olaf College and former member of MSW, he is a contributing author to Volume Four of the Composers on Composing for Band series. Holmquist also received first prize in the 2006 Claude T. Smith Memorial Band Composition Contest for his work Play!, which is the final movement of his Symphony No. 1: A New Orleans Symphony. The composer writes about Play!:

This is a work that seeks to capture the essence of the word play, both as noun and verb. Play, as a noun, is a state of being that blends joy, excitement, and innocence. As a verb, play is an action that is completely free and whimsical.

Musically, this expression flows from a simple melodic idea, one that perhaps a child would just create out of thin air while skipping along on a sunny day. The tune travels through the ensemble on a winding path of delicate moments and joyous outbursts, with each instrument adding its own character to the mix. The work is flavored with a bit of Cajun seasoning, as the rhythms and drum cadences are derived from the New Orleans second-line style that the brass bands play as they parade down Bourbon Street.

Unraveling (2005) Andrew Boysen, Jr.Andrew Boysen, Jr., guest conductor

Unraveling was commissioned by the Iowa Bandmasters Association for the 2005 All-Iowa Middle School Honor Band. Andrew Boysen (b. 1968) states:

I wanted to write a piece that would be exciting and challenging for the students, but attainable in the limited rehearsal time of only 3½ hours, so my concept was to use a rather difficult melody, but repeat that melody throughout the work, so that I only had to teach it once to the whole ensemble. The work is intended to become progressively faster, with a sense of increasing momentum and intensity. In a sense, the piece “unravels.” The title has dual meaning, though, as the concept of a repeating melodic line that gradually grows in intensity owes a great deal to Maurice Ravel’s famous orchestral work, Bolero; hence Un-“ravel”-ing.

tangents (1989) John Wasson for Brass Quintet, Percussion, and Concert Band

Dallas Brass, guest artists William Webb, associate conductor

The word tangent is defined as “a line or curve which touches another object at a single point but does not intersect.” The solo brass quintet acts in this way with respect to the larger band, playing alongside yet not doubling nor contradicting the material that the band plays. Tangent also means “a digression or change in course.” While the soloists’ material is based upon material in the band, it develops outwardly away from the band throughout the piece.

Tangents is constructed in three connected movements. In the first movement a theme appears in the solo trumpets, leading to an allegro section where the solo group constantly plays off of the band both in melodic material and rhythmic complexity. In the very lyrical second movement, the solo tuba is showcased, along with the horn and trombone soloists. In the final movement the percussion section of the band creates a flurry of activity, showcasing each of the brass soloists in highly challenging material.

Tangents was commissioned by the Dallas Brass and premiered at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago on December 16, 1989.

Composer John Wasson (b. 1956) was raised in St. Paul, MN. He attended the University of North Texas where he played with the prestigious One O’Clock Lab Band. John performed as a founding member of the Dallas Brass and has continued working with them as

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a composer and arranger, having contributed works to each of their five CD releases. His numerous published works are found in the catalogs of Alfred Music, Hal Leonard Corporation, Word Music, and Virgo Music, and many of his manuscript works are available on his JohnWasson.com website.

Carnival of the Animals (2008) Camille Saint-Saëns III. the Swan Arranged by James Curnow

Travis J. Cross, guest conductor

It is ironic that, if Saint-Saëns (1835–1921) had had his way, Carnival of the Animals would never have reached the world at large, for throughout his life he steadfastly refused to have it published, regarding it as a mere joke on par with the practical jokes in which he delighted. It was finally published for orchestra and, one hundred years after its composition, remains as fresh and engaging as ever. This full arrangement features four characters from the original thirteen: Introduction and Royal March of the Lions, The Elephant, The Swan, and Finale (with references to various animals).

the Minnesota March (1927) John Philip Sousa Edited by Frederick Fennell

One of the few marches from Sousa’s (1854–1932) pen written upon request from a university, The Minnesota March was given its premiere at the 1927 Minnesota State Fair. At the time, Sousa stated the march was “the best piece I have ever written,” a display perhaps of his uncanny ability to sell the Sousa experience to all he encountered.

Patapan (2003) Shelley Hanson Craig Kirchhoff, guest conductor

“Get your little drum…bring your flute…” is the usual English translation of the French lyrics for the carol Patapan. In this arrangement, the “little drum” plays in the style of the Irish bodhran drum, and the tune is combined with the joyful carol from sixteenth-century London, God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. As Patapan’s lyrics say, “When you play your fife and drum, how can anyone be glum?” The original version

of Hanson’s Patapan used a smaller instrumentation. This arrangement for full band was commissioned and premiered by MSW member John

Lace and the North Suburban Concert Band of Anoka, MN.

Shelley Hanson teaches clarinet at Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Her compositions have been performed around the world. Hanson is also a conductor and record producer; she and her band, Klezmer and All That Jazz, have performed her Concerto for Klezmer Band and Orchestra with the Minnesota Orchestra, Milwaukee Symphony, North Carolina Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and many other groups.

Silverado (2008) Bruce Broughton Arranged by Randol Bass

American composer Bruce Broughton (b. 1945) scored many popular television shows during the ’60s and ’70s, including Gunsmoke, Hawaii Five-O, and Dallas. His film scoring career took off with the 1985 film Silverado; he later wrote memorable music for Harry and the Hendersons and Tombstone. Broughton’s original music for Silverado garnered an Academy Award nomination.

Program notes taken from the scores when available.

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† T I m o T h y m A h r , C o n D U C T o r W I L L I A m W E B B , A S S o C I AT E C o n D U C T o rMinnesota syMphonic Winds

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flute/PICColo† Leslie Pietila, Self-employed

flute± Lucy Arnesen, ELL Teacher

Janet Dietrich, Investment Managerheather Elliott, Artist/HomemakerDiane hallberg, Band Director

± Diane Larson, Preschool Teacher± Jodi matson, Homemaker

nancy miller, Medical ResearcherSara mize, Psychologist/Sex TherapistLaurie Peterman, EducatorAnnette ranheim, Program Managerroxanne Seidel, PR Consultant/Music

Educatorrachel Wixson, Elementary Music

Specialist*± Sue Woodhall, Banker

oBoe* Kristen Cooper, College Counselor

Annelies Lijesen, Buyer

BASSoonAndy Erickson, Band Director

* rebecca Westermeyer, Foundation Senior Associate

Jim Wilke, Businessman/Teacher (Retired)

eb CLArInETChelsea Kimpton, Closer

CLArInET± Jan Anderson, Teacher (Retired)± randy Betcher, Commodities Trader

Peggy Jackson Chun, Social Worker/Landlord

Tracy Finks, Software EngineerLeona hellesvig, Music Educator

± rose Kennealy Karas, Music EducatorJavan Larson, Music Educator (Retired)Jennifer maki, Music EducatorPamela nordmark, Music Teachermary helen o’hare, TeacherCarrie rickheim, HomemakerLisa rickman, Band DirectorSusan rolling, Project Manager

† Kat Singer, Communications CoordinatorGail Torgerson, Teacher

*± Lynn Weist, Regulatory Affairs SpecialistJill Westermeyer, Band Director Tammy Widman, Music Teacher

† reid Wixson, Band Directorrachel Wright, Homemaker

BASS CLArInET*# Tracy Dungan, Volunteer

David Fink, Consultant/Project Management

Becky odland, VolunteerAnn Sahly, Senior Editor

SoPrAno SAxPaul rippe, Printing

ALTo SAxGrant riewe, Project Manager

* Paul rippe, Printingmegan Trenda, Spanish Teacher

TEnor SAxBrett Kahnert, Band DirectorJohn Simon, Marketing

BArITonE SAxChris Gumz, Band Director

TrUmPET/CornETJonathan Grimsby, Band Director

± Dick hilden, Electrical EngineerSteve Kaare, Senior Application EngineerBrady Krusemark, Music EducatorJohn Lace, Band DirectorDavid mcGill, TeacherChuck meyer, PhysicianJohn Pohland, Music EducatorDavid rickheim, Physical Therapistmichael rickman, Computer ProgrammerErick ries, Attorney/Realtor

* Jeff Seidel, Investment Banker†± William Webb, Band Director

Chris Westermeyer, Actuary

FrEnCh horn± Claude Benson, Manufacturing Engineer* Tana Christenson, Band Director

Jan Gambaiani, Medical TranscriptionistGrace Johnson, Registered NurseAmanda Kremer, Band Director

†* Claire Larson, Band Director† Ken Lovely, Information Technology± Claire nelson, Nurse-Midwife

Candice Sikel, Homemaker

TromBonErhonda Frankenfeld, Financial Analystmarc Fuller, Reliability ManagerLauren husting, MusicianJeffrey r. Johnson, Air Traffic Controllerryan Johnson, Treasurer

± Gary nelson, Energy ConsultantJeff nesler, Senior Director, Global ServicesJeff ruhnke, Band Director

* Julie Wrase, Attorney

BArITonE*± Jim Blood, Management Information

Specialist± Gregg Isaacson, Attorney

Paul Kile, Band DirectorJohn Larson, Engineer

tuBAKelsey Brown, Structural Engineer

* Dave Peterson, TeacherPhillip richardson, TeacherJerry Van Cleave, Attorney

STrInG BASSCarissa Koerner, Accountant

PErCUSSIon * Eric Christenson, Band Director

Jeff Christiansen, Band Directormatt Dockendorf, Band Director

§ Eric Dungan, Software ArchitectJohn E. ranheim, Residential Builder/

RemodelerDennis Svendsen, Technology TrainerSonja Van Guilder, Artist/Special Education

Assistant

KeyBoArdLisa rickman, Band Director

† Officer/Board Member* Section Leader# Librarian§ Manager± Charter Member

dr. tIMotHy MAHr is in his tenth season as the principal conductor of the Minnesota Symphonic Winds. A professor of music at St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN), Mahr conducts the St. Olaf Band; teaches courses in composition, music education, and conducting; and supervises instrumental music student teachers. The St. Olaf Band has performed at the national conventions of the American Bandmasters Association and the Music Educators National Conference under his baton, as well as toured to Great Britain and Ireland, Mexico, and twice to Norway.

A graduate of St. Olaf College, Mahr earned his M.A. and D.M.A. degrees from The University of Iowa. A past president of the North Central Division of the College Band Directors National Association, Mahr has served on the board of directors of the National Band Association and the Minnesota Band Directors Association. Active in 37 states as a guest conductor and clinician, Mahr has also appeared professionally in Norway, Mexico, Singapore, Thailand, and Canada. He has been in residence on over 35 college and university campuses as a guest composer/conductor and has twice conducted performances with the Duluth-Superior Symphony Orchestra. Mahr has conducted over 25 all-state and intercollegiate bands. This year, Mahr has led the New York All-State Symphonic Band and will conduct a premiere with the Salina Symphony Orchestra (KS) and serve as a guest conductor/clinician in Oregon, Tennessee, Ohio, New York, Indiana, and Kansas.

Mahr’s compositions have received performances worldwide and many have been published. The first recipient of a commission from the American Bandmasters Association Commissioning Project, Mahr continues to be commissioned by universities, colleges, high schools, state bandmasters associations, and community groups nationally. Notable commissions have included works for the Music Educators National Conference, the United States Air Force Band, the American School Band Directors Association, and the Kappa Kappa Psi/Tau Beta Sigma National Intercollegiate Band. He received the 1991 ABA/Ostwald Award for his work The Soaring Hawk. Mahr was elected to membership in the American Bandmasters Association in 1993. He is married to music educator Jill Mahr, and they have two daughters, Jenna, 15, and Hannah, 10.

MsW conductors

tiMothy Mahr

WilliaM Webb

wIllIAM weBB is a charter member of the Minnesota Symphonic Winds and has been its associate conductor for over 20 years. He received his masters degree from VanderCook School of Music in Chicago. As the band director at Edina High School, he is a leader in a variety of Minnesota music organizations. He is a founding officer and past president of the Minnesota Band Directors Association, a past president of Phi Beta Mu–Minnesota Chapter, has served on the Minnesota Music Educators Association board of directors, and currently serves on the Minnesota State High School League board of directors representing music.

Webb is a past recipient of the Edina Public Schools’ Excellence in Education Award and was awarded School Music Educator of the Year by the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies organization. In 2005 and 2007 the Edina High School music program was named a Grammy Signature School, and, under Webb’s leadership, the Edina Concert Band has continued a record of superior ratings at the Minnesota State High School League music contest that now spans 55 consecutive years.

Webb has been active in commissioning new works for wind band and chamber ensembles, including commissions from Dean Sorenson, Rolf Rudin, Daniel Kallman, Timothy Mahr, Adam Gorb, and a selection by Samuel Hazo titled Minnesota Portraits that was commissioned and premiered by the Edina band at the 2007 MMEA clinic.

Bill Webb comments, “My association with MSW has been a great part of my adult musical life. I have many cherished MSW friendships and many fantastic MSW experiences, and I would encourage all musicians to find a way to pursue and enjoy their music-making for a lifetime. Adult music-making has many great rewards.” Bill lives in Edina with his wife, Susan, and they have two daughters, Andrea, 21, and Corinne, 23.

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AnDrEW BoySEn, Jr. is an associate professor in the music department at the University of New Hampshire where he conducts the wind symphony and teaches conducting, composition, and orchestration. Previously, Boysen served as an assistant professor and acting associate director of bands at Indiana State University, where he directed the Marching Sycamores, conducted the symphonic band, and taught in the music education department. Prior to that appointment, he was the Director of Bands at Cary-Grove (IL) High School and the music director and conductor of the Deerfield Community Concert Band. He is active as a guest conductor and clinician, appearing with high school, university, and festival ensembles across the United States, Great Britain, and Australia.

Boysen earned his doctor of musical arts degree in wind conducting at the Eastman School of Music, where he served as conductor of the Eastman Wind Orchestra and assistant conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble. He received his master of music degree in wind conducting from Northwestern University in 1993 and his bachelor of music degree in music education and music composition from The University of Iowa in 1991.

Boysen maintains an active schedule as a composer, receiving commissions from the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Orchestra Festival, the Iowa All-State Band, the Rhode Island All-State Band, the Nebraska State Bandmasters Association, and many university and high school concert bands across the United States. Boysen won the International Horn Society Composition Contest in 2000, The University of Iowa Honors Composition Prize in 1991, and has twice won the Claude T. Smith Memorial Band Composition Contest, in 1991 for I Am and in 1994 for Ovations. Boysen has several published works with the Neil A. Kjos Music Company, Wingert-Jones Music, Masters Music, and C. Alan Publications.

guest conductors

andreW boysen, jr.

travis j. cross

TrAVIS J. CroSS is an assistant professor of music at Virginia Tech, where he conducts the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and teaches courses in conducting. Previously, Cross taught at Edina (MN) High School, where he conducted two concert bands and oversaw the marching band program. During this time he was a percussionist with the Minnesota Symphonic Winds. In 2004 he was selected to participate in the inaugural Young Conductor/Mentor Project sponsored by the National Band Association. The same year he received the Distinguished Young Band Director Award from the American School Band Directors Association of Minnesota. In 2006 Cross was named a Jacob K. Javits Fellow by the United States Department of Education. He has guest conducted ensembles in several states and will lead honor bands in New Hampshire, North Dakota, and Virginia during the 2008–2009 season.

Cross has completed doctoral coursework at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL, where he studied with Mallory Thompson. He earned a bachelor of music degree cum laude in vocal and instrumental music education from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN, and a master of music degree in conducting from Northwestern.

Cross served as staff arranger for the Ankeny (IA) Marching Hawks from 1995–2002, during which time the band earned top honors at contests in Iowa, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. In 1996, he was named Collegiate Composer of the Year by the Minnesota Music Educators Association. Cross recently contributed a chapter to Volume Four of the Composers on Composing for Band series. His original works and arrangements for band, choir, and orchestra are published by Boosey & Hawkes, Daehn Publications, and Theodore Music.

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CrAIG KIrCHHoff is a professor of conducting and director of university bands at the University of Minnesota, where he conducts the University Wind Ensemble and guest conducts in the University Opera Program. Professor Kirchhoff coordinates the graduate program in Wind Ensemble/Band Conducting and guides all aspects of the University of Minnesota wind band program. Mr. Kirchhoff brings to his position a wide knowledge of both traditional and contemporary literature. He has won critical acclaim from composers Warren Benson, Henry Brant, Elliott Carter, Michael Colgrass, John Corigliano, Karel Husa, Libby Larsen, George Perle, Vincent Persichetti, Stephen Paulus, Gunther Schuller, Joseph Schwantner, Steven Stucky, Elliott Schwartz, Chen Yi, and others.

Prior to his appointment to the faculty of the University of Minnesota, Professor Kirchhoff served in a similar capacity as director of bands at The Ohio State University for 14 years. Mr. Kirchhoff was the recipient of The Ohio State University Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award and The Ohio State University School of Music Distinguished Teaching Award. Professor Kirchhoff is an advisor to the BandQuest Series published by the American Composers Forum; he joins James Galway, Eddie Daniels, Wynton Marsalis, and Dawn Upshaw on the advisory board for SmartMusic produced by the MakeMusic Corporation; and he serves as the artistic advisor for the Windependence Wind Band Series published by Boosey & Hawkes.

Professor Kirchhoff is a past president of the College Band Directors National Association and is a member of the American Bandmasters Association, National Band Association, World Association of Symphonic Bands and Ensembles, Music Educators National Conference, and he served as the founding editor and principal advisor of the College Band Directors National Association Journal. He has appeared as guest conductor, clinician, and lecturer throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, Europe, and Scandinavia. He has guest conducted the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra and recorded with them on the Kosei Publishing label.

Since its founding in 1983 by Michael Levine, the dAllAS BrASS has become one of America’s foremost musical ensembles. The group has established a unique blend of the traditional sounds of a brass quintet combined with percussion which creates a performing entity of extraordinary musical intrigue. The Dallas Brass repertoire includes a wide variety of musical genres, including classical masterpieces, music of Broadway and Hollywood, big band music, patriotic music, and unbelievable specialty features.

The high-energy, six-member Dallas Brass has delighted audiences of all ages throughout the United States and around the world. They have performed with the world’s finest orchestras, performed on the world’s finest stages, played for U.S. presidents, traveled around the world, and have been featured on national television shows. The ensemble has released five recordings: Debut, Dallas Brass II, A Merry Christmas with Brass, Windborne, and Nutcracker. It is a pleasure to combine the talents of the Minnesota Symphonic Winds and the Dallas Brass.

Members:michael Levine, trombone, directorBrian neal, trumpetD.J. Barraclough, trumpetChris Castellanos, hornnat mcIntosh, tubaJeff handel, percussion

craig Kirchhoff

dallas brass

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MSW would also like to thank Andrew Boysen Jr., Travis Cross and Craig Kirchhoff, guest conductors; Eric Christenson and Shakopee High School; Carl Holmquist, for trusting MSW with the premiere of Play!; Mark Kelly, Midwest Clinic liason; Michael Levine, the Dallas Brass, and production manager Dwight Sump; Northfield Bus Company; Rippe Print Communications; Simon and Simon Travel Company; John Wasson; The Association of Concert Bands; Calvary Lutheran Church, Edina MN; The Copper Street Brass Quintet; Dungan Family Foundation; Edina Public Schools; Kleven Family Foundation; St. Olaf College; Schmitt Music.

MSW acknowledges with great appreciation the contributions of its officers, board members, and section leaders past and present whose leadership has been essential to the success, longevity, and continued growth of this fine organization.

dedication With deep gratitude, MSW dedicates its appearance at the 2008 Midwest Clinic to:

mILES “mITy” JohnSon, for his vision in founding MSW, for his tireless work in developing MSW into an outstanding musical organization, and for the legacy he created through the selfless dedication and tremendous inspiration he gave to thousands of musicians.

myrnA JohnSon, for her enthusiastic and unwavering support of MSW during the decades of Mity’s leadership, and for her continued support today.

acKnoWledgeMents

Below: MSW in performance under the baton of Mity Johnson at Emancipation Gardens in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands in 1997.

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www.rippeprint.com800-557-4773

GRAPHIC DESIGN& 2008 MSW CONCERT PHOTOGRAPHY© Kat Singer, katsinger.com

COVER PHOTO Cover photo is based upon the original

work “Chicago Skyline” by Nimesh Madhavan. The photo is found online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nimeshm/3013235262. Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under http://creativecommons.org/license/by-sa/3.0/.

CUrrEnT mSW oFFICErS AnD STAFF:Timothy mahr, ConductorWilliam A. Webb, Associate ConductorClaire Larson, PresidentKat Singer, Vice President, Webmasterreid Wixson, Vice President Ken Lovely, Treasurer

Leslie Pietila, SecretaryEric Dungan, ManagerTracy Dungan, Librarian roxie Seidel, Publicity Sue Woodhall, Program Editing

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