season 36, concert 4 - february 8,...

Season 36, Concert 4 - February 8, 2019

Christian Wilhjelm, Music Director

Taste of Tanglewood

FEATURED GUESTS

Christopher Martin, Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic

Ron Levy, Piano

PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM

Midland Park High School Concert Band David Marks, Director

Friday, February 8, 2019 - 8:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ

Tonight's Concert is Proudly Sponsored by Konica

Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A., Inc.

BENEFACTOR ($3,000 and above)

Thomas & Victoria Price Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs

PATRON ($2,000 to $2,999) Judy & Roger Widicus

Dr. Christian Wilhjelm & Jacqueline Sarracco

SPONSOR ($1,000 to $1,999) Michael & Darel-Ann DePompeo

John & Marilyn Wagner Daiichi-Sankyo, Inc.

Decotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLC PVH Corporation

SUPPORTER ($500 to $999) Barbara Abney Bolger

In Memory of Carolyn & Howard Crumb Gregory Fritze

In Memory of Aquilina Lim Jeffrey & Kathryn Mantel

Philip & Sheila Smith Tomomi Takamoto

In Memory of Emma Wode Fred & Patricia Yosca

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund United Way, Northern New Jersey, Somerset County

ASSOCIATE ($250 to $499) Mary & Paul Bergquist

Jeff Bittner Elaine Douvas

Naomi Freshwater Donna & Lawrence Friedman

Paul Goldberg Lois Hicks-Wozniak

Marie Kane Paul & Carolyn Kirby

Michael J. Kokola James & Cheryl Mallen

Jerry, Mary, Leah & Brendan Meyer Dorothy Neff

Richard Ostling Kathy & John Palatucci

Robert Paustian Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill Beth Seavers & Neil Sheehan

Dr. Thomas & Mrs. Kristen Siebenhuhner Jason Stier

Richard & Karen Summers

AFFILIATE ($100 to $249) Ginny Baird

John & Louise Butler David & Jacalyn Bychek

Suzanne Coletta & Seth Glasser Kenneth & Linda Dutcher Paul & Helene Emanuel

Victoria Ezra Eugene Ferraro

Sally Fillmore & David Appel Tamara Freeman

John Harley Marie Kane

Annette & Andy Lieb Marks Family

Joseph & Deborah Marsicovete Keith Mogerley Irene Montella

Roy Mortiz Walter Perog

Marcella Phelan Margaret & Gregory Pieper

Donald Reeder, Esq. Randolph Reveley Jean Roughgarden

Carol Sawitz Francis & Barbara Schott

Patricia & Robert Schreiber Christina Stier

Richard & Jessie Ver Hage Dr. Richard & Katherine Wise

Nancy Zweil BNY Mellon Community Partnership

Jewish Community Fund

FRIEND ($1 to $99) Andre Baruch

Jill Bloom Carol Ann Compasso Lawrence DeLosica Maureen J. Demes

Mary & Gregory Farrell Frances Ferraro

Arlene & Mark Glauber Katherine Grasso

Jane & Dr. Bruce Haas Richard Hahn Emily James

Emmett & Elizabeth Johnson Janet Johnston Jennifer Kaysan

Janis Keown-Blackburn Nathan Kinney Dr. Lisa Lutter

Lorraine Mariella Beth Mejia Roy Moritiz

Thelma Peres Larry & Barbara Roshon

Albert Schagen Rachel Schulman Virginia Sirinides Kathryn Smith

Steven & Ida Steiner Mr. & Mrs. Harold Sylvester

Dorene Thornton Paul Van Ness & Wanlun Esther Tsai

Janet Vidovich William Vollinger

If you are a recent subscriber or donor, we may have received your name too late to include in this program and we apologize for that, but you will be

in subsequent programs. Thank you.

2018-19 CONTRIBUTORS The New Jersey Wind Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of our

donors and subscribers whose generous support makes these programs possible.

About the New Jersey Wind Symphony Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, community leaders, and musicians founded the Ridgewood Concert Band (RCB) in 1983 with the idea of providing high quality performing venues for the many accomplished wind and percussion players living in the New York metropolitan area. On July 1, 2017, the Ridgewood Concert Band formally changed its name to the New Jersey Wind Symphony (NJWS) to better reflect the identity of the organization. Through the years, consistently high level performances have led to the production of two commercially released CDs, performances on the East Coast, and peer recognition through the awarding of the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s coveted Sudler Silver Scroll Award in 1996. The NJWS performs an annual series of concerts presenting the very finest in wind band literature for capacity audiences. Ranging from light classics and famous marches to cutting edge compositions by today’s brilliant composers, the band’s programming has drawn critical attention for its variety and depth. Originally launched as the Ridgewood Community Concert Band, an early review praising the band’s fine performance proclaimed this is no “Community” band. The Board of Directors decided to incorporate as the Ridgewood Concert Band. The members of the New Jersey Wind Symphony come from all walks of life. The musicians and board members are drawn together by a common dedication to the study, performance and support of great music. The quality of NJWS performances has attracted world-class soloists from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, radio and television personalities and other nationally renowned performers and conductors. The New Jersey Wind Symphony has also been active in the commission and performance of new works. The New Jersey Wind Symphony is actively engaged with area schools, offering opportunities for talented school musicians to perform with the band. In 2006, the band launched a scholarship program that reaches a large network of high schools in the region, inviting musicians who plan to seek a career in music to compete for scholarship funds. Winners showcase their talent as a featured soloist with the band. The competition and concert is one of the highlights of each season. Each year the NJWS performs a subscription series of concerts at their performance home in the West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The NJWS has also obtained world-wide recognition through international touring: 1998 – Central Europe: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 2003 – Southern France: The Riviera Reeds Festival, La Croix Valmer; Le Pradet 2008 – China: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xian, Beijing 2009 – Brazil: Sao Paolo, Santos, Novo Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Ouro Preto 2010 – Germany, Austria, Italy: Garmisch, Munich, Salzburg, Schladming Festival, Venice 2018 – Southern France, Spain

Printing of this program generously underwritten by Ace Reprographics.

________________________________________________________________________

Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State,

through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

________________________________________________________________________

The New Jersey Wind Symphony would like to thank all of the many volunteers who have made this concert possible.

________________________________________________________________________

The New Jersey Wind Symphony would like to give a special “thank you” to David Marks and the Midland Park

School District. The Midland Park High School band room is our weekly rehearsal site.

________________________________________________________________________

Music folders for the New Jersey Wind Symphony are generously donated by The Music Shop.

973-334-8484 www.TheMusicShop.com

________________________________________________________________________

For additional NJWS information, please visit our website or scan our QR code:

WWW.NJWINDSMPHONY.ORG

Christopher Martin joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal Trumpet, The Paula Levin Chair, in September 2016. He served as principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) for 11 seasons, and enjoyed a distinctive career of almost 20 years in many of America’s finest orchestras, including as principal trumpet of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and associate principal trumpet of The Philadelphia Orchestra. He made his New York Philharmonic solo debut in October 2016, performing Ligeti’s The Mysteries of the Macabre, led by then Music Director Alan Gilbert.

Praised as a musician of “effortless understated virtuosity” by The Chicago Tribune, Christopher Martin has appeared as soloist multiple times nationally and internationally with the CSO and music director Riccardo Muti. Highlights of Mr. Martin’s solo appearances include the 2012 World Premiere of Christopher Rouse’s concerto Heimdall’s Trumpet; Panufnik’s Concerto in modo antico, with Mr. Muti; a program of 20th-century French concertos by André Jolivet and Henri Tomasi; and more than a dozen performances of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. Other solo engagements have included Mr. Martin with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa’s Saito Kinen Festival, Atlanta and Alabama Symphony Orchestras, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico. Christopher Martin’s discography includes a solo trumpet performance in John Williams’s score to Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (2012), the National Brass Ensemble’s Gabrieli album, and CSO Resound label recordings, including the 2011 release of CSO Brass Live. Dedicated to music education, Mr. Martin has served on the faculty of Northwestern University and coached the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In 2010 he co-founded the National Brass Symposium with his brother Michael Martin, a trumpeter in the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and in 2016 he received the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation from the American Bandmasters Association for outstanding contributions to the wind band genre. Christopher Martin and his wife, Margaret — an organist and pianist — enjoy performing together in recital and, most especially, for their daughter, Claire. Ron Levy, internationally acclaimed pianist, has been called “first-class” by the New York Times. He regularly appears in major venues, both as a soloist, and in partnership with many of the world’s leading singers and instrumentalists. A graduate of Oberlin, Mr. Levy has been pianist and harpsichordist of the Oberlin Orchestra, the Westchester Symphony, and the Albany Symphony, among others. Presently, he is the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood Music Director, Associate Artist with the All Seasons Chamber Players, and is the pianist of the Orpheus Men’s Chorus and the award-winning Palisades Virtuosi of which he is a founding member. For over 20 years, Mr. Levy was associated with the Manchester (VT) Music Festival, of which he was a faculty and Board member. While living in Vermont, he was Music Director & Conductor of the Opera Theatre in Weston, and impresario of the “Third Saturday” chamber music series at the historic Equinox Hotel, as well as the “Music on the Hill” music series at the Southern Vermont Art Center. Mr. Levy has taught at numerous colleges and is currently an instructor at Montclair State University; he maintains an active and on-going affiliation with the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard, and NJ PAC. A two-term President of the Professional Music Teachers’ Guild of NJ, he is a contributing editor to BIM Music Publications, Switzerland. In the Spring of 2011 Mr. Levy made his debut at the Academy of the Arts and the University in Oahu, Hawaii. Recordings by Mr. Levy are available on the Albany, Centaur, Eroica, Koch International, MMF and High Point labels.

Appalachian Spring – Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was born in Brooklyn, New York, going on to study piano and composition both home in the United States and in Europe for some time. He became one of the century’s foremost composers with highly influential music that had a distinctive blend of classical, folk and jazz idioms. Some of Copland’s most prominent pieces included Fanfare for the Common Man, El Salon Mexico and Lincoln Portrait. Copland was also awarded an Oscar for his film score for The Heiress in 1940. By the 1970s, he had ceased crafting new works, and focused on teaching and conducting in his final years. In 1942, choreographer Martha Graham and arts patron Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge commissioned Copland to write a ballet score with an American theme. The content of Graham's script changed many times, but always centered on figures emblematic of the American tradition: Puritans, a preacher, matriarch, pioneer, citizen, abolitionist; and activities like homesteading, revival meetings, courtship, childbirth, celebrations, weddings, and war. The Shaker tune "Simple Gifts," written by Joseph Brackett in 1848, fits well with Graham's image of unity, simplicity and American rural life. Copland presents a series of variations on this Shaker tune at the climax of the ballet. Now delicate, dancelike, broad, and majestic, this section is often performed separately as "Variations on a Shaker Tune" in Copland’s own arrangement for orchestra (1967) or band (1958). The most recent arrangement of Copland’s work presented at this performance is by Kazuhiro Morita and it is a beautiful tribute to the original. The arranger wrote the adaptation for the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra of Japan. The NJWS is fortunate and appreciative to have procured this work for you through the efforts of Tomomi Takamoto who is a member and flutist in our ensemble. Taboo – Julie Giroux (b.1962) is an extremely well rounded American composer. Having received her formal education at Louisiana State University and Boston University, she went on to study with both John Williams and Gerry Goldsmith. She began writing for concert band in 1983 and since then has composed and published numerous works for professional wind ensembles, military bands, colleges, and public schools, and has conducted her music in clinics worldwide. Taboo is Ms. Giroux’s current publication written in two movements for Trumpet, Flugelhorn, and Piccolo Trumpet Soloist, and Wind Ensemble. The focus of the work is based on things that are forbidden. The first movement addresses forbidden loves. The opening and closing of the movement highlights solo flugelhorn and harp with the harp representing the strict life of a Japanese geisha and the flugelhorn representing the geisha’s forbidden love for her clients. The musical setting is meant to highlight the beauty of these instruments and the expression of the soloist. The second movement is a musical depiction of forbidden places around the world. The movement contains an exciting flourish of unspecific forbidden site visitations. The composer notes that the final phrase for the soloist does not have the typical high note ending, but rather “…challenges the soloist with a test in the last phrase to see just how long the performer could play on a single breath.” With Malice Toward None – John Williams (b. 1932) there is little doubt of the impact of John William’s music on the entertainment world. His film music, including a more than 20-year collaboration with director Steven Spielberg, has been an integral part of some of the film industry’s finest achievements. His unique talent and respected artistry have made these film scores a significant and vital part of our American culture. Spielberg and Williams came together again in 2012 for the director’s highly anticipated biopic of Abraham Lincoln starring Daniel Day Lewis in the title role. For his original score to Lincoln, Williams drew on American musical influences from the Civil War era, combining them with his own inimitable sound to bring to life the atmosphere of both the turbulent times surrounding the war and the warmth and humanity of the sixteenth president. An excerpt of music from the film includes an extended solo for the trumpet entitled With Malice Toward None after the immortal words from Lincoln’s second inaugural address: “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan

PROGRAM NOTES Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare – Richard Strauss (1864-1949) is probably best known for popularizing and refining the form of the tone poem, with works such as Don Juan, Til Eulenspiegel and Also Sprach Zarathustra that was made globally popular when it was used in the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey. Being the son of the principal horn player for the Munich Orchestra may have had something to do with the young Strauss’s ability to write for brass, but whatever his influences the brief fanfare certainly demonstrates his affinity for striking brass textures. The piece is scored for a large brass ensemble and timpani. Short but stirring, one can easily understand why this piece has remained in the repertoire of ensembles worldwide since its premiere in Vienna in 1924. Profanation from “Jeremiah, Symphony No. 1” – Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was an erudite, passionate musician whose exceptional talents and expressive gifts earned him a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. He rose to instant national fame in 1943, at age 25, when he filled in for the suddenly ill Bruno Walter as conductor of a nationally televised New York Philharmonic performance. He went on to become the Philharmonic’s music director until 1969, and remained a frequent guest conductor there until his death. Profanation is the second movement of Bernstein’s Symphony No. 1 Jeremiah. The Symphony is based on the biblical story of Jeremiah, a prophet who warned his people of the coming destruction of Jerusalem, was mocked by them for it, and famously lamented when it came to pass. Bernstein wrote the Symphony in 1942 in order to enter it in a competition. He did not win, but the piece went on to bring him great success, earning him the New York Music Critics’ Circle award for best classical composition in 1944 and helping him reconcile with his father, to whom he later dedicated the score. Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra – George Gershwin (1898-1937) transcribed by Martin Jorge. Arnold Schoenberg once said that George Gershwin was a rare composer, one "whose feelings actually coincide with those of the 'average man.'" As a Broadway composer, Gershwin had a stream of hits that earned him sums unheard of in the classical music world of the 1920’s and 1930’s. Yet he was determined to write "serious" music. In a famous story, he asked Ravel and Stravinsky for orchestration and composition lessons. Ravel reportedly replied "Why be a second-rate Ravel when you are a first-rate Gershwin?" and in fact, Gershwin's influence has been traced in Ravel's own piano concertos. The New York Symphony's conductor Walter Damrosch had fallen in love with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on first hearing. Shortly after Rhapsody's 1924 premiere, Damrosch asked Gershwin for another concerto, and the result was the most classical of all Gershwin's works, the Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra. As a whole, Concerto in F successfully combines the structure of a standard concerto for piano with many rhythmic and harmonic elements drawn from popular music and jazz. The work represents a high point in the merger of European sensibilities with the freedom, rhythmic excitement, and improvisational bravado of jazz, and with the broad-ranging appeal of American popular musical theater.



Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, conductor, professional musician and educator, has been the New Jersey Wind Symphony's (formerly Ridgewood Concert Band) Musical Director since it was founded in 1983. He was also Music Director of the renowned Goldman Memorial Band in New York City. As a guest conductor, Dr. Wilhjelm has conducted the West Point Band, the United States Army Field Band, the Virginia Wind Symphony, the Allentown Band, the Hanover Winds, the Raritan Wind Symphony, and the Norwalk Symphony. Dr. Wilhjelm has been the conductor of the annual New York City Tuba Christmas since 2000. He was recently appointed the conductor of the Ramapo College Concert Band. As a French horn player, he has performed under the world’s great conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, Sir Colin Davis and Arthur Fiedler. Dr. Wilhjelm has played the French horn with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Pops and, as a principal, with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the Boston Opera Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony. An honors graduate of the New England Conservatory, he received his doctorate from Columbia University in 1998. Dr. Wilhjelm was recently honored by his election to the American Bandmasters Association. He is the 2012 recipient of the Outstanding Conductor Award presented by the Association of Concert Bands. Dr Wilhjelm is the state chair for the National Band Association. In 2013, he was elected to the Board of Directors for the Association of Concert Bands. ___________________________________________________________________

NEW JERSEY WIND SYMPHONY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PRESIDENT: Deloss Schertz IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Mark Zettler

VICE PRESIDENT: Larry Friedman RECORDING SECRETARY: Annette Lieb

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: James Mallen TREASURER: John Harley

MEMBERS AT LARGE: Thomas Abbate, John Butler, Mike DePompeo, Naomi Freshwater, David Marks,

Rob Paustian, Mike Russo & Beth Seavers

PICCOLO Max Taylor

FLUTES

Chrysten Angderson Kristin Bacchiocchi-Stewart *

Patricia Barlow Lisandra Hernandez

Annette Lieb Tomomi Takamoto

Max Taylor Jennifer Thornton

Jennifer Wise

OBOES Mark Donellan *

Drew Greis Mary Lou Irvine

ENGLISH HORN Mary Lou Irvine

BASSOONS

Aly Berkowitz Robert Gray *

Eb CLARINET

Sabrina Tempesta

CLARINETS Jeff Bittner

Suzanne Coletta Naomi Freshwater

Joe Mariany Natalie McCarter

Leigh Myers Marcie Phelan

Jean Roughgarden Beth Seavers Neil Sheehan

Karen Summers Richard Summers * Sabrina Tempesta

BASS CLARINETS Brendan Hughes

Joel Kolk * Lynne Montella

SAXOPHONES Timothy Egan - Alto

Ryan Mantell * - Alto & Soprano Matthew Salisbury - Alto Jacqueline Sarracco - Alto

Lisa Freitas - Tenor Thomas Wise - Tenor

Michael DePompeo - Baritone

CORNETS/TRUMPETS Dave Bychek Mike Connor Dave Hurd

Dave Luquette Tamara McLaughlin

Daniel Osorio Richard Roberts Michael Russo

Thomas Siebenhuhner Ann Sirinides Tony Spinuzzi Joseph Stella

Roger Widicus *

FRENCH HORNS Ben Fine

Sergio Gomez John Harley

Joshua Jenkins Carolyn Kirby * Collette Mather

Brian McLaughlin Deloss Schertz

TROMBONES

Thomas Abbate Lee Anderson Noreen Baer Keith Marson

Robert Paustian Kristen Siebenhuhner Robert Tiedemann *

EUPHONIUMS Robyn Keyes

John Palatucci * Don Van Teyens

TUBAS Bob Sacchi * Larry Zaidan

HARP

Irene Bressler

STRING BASS David Marks

PERCUSSION Ellis Berger Ross Chu

Ryan Jaccoi James Mallen

Wesley Ostrander Yuto Takamoto Chris Tarantino Mark Zettler *

* PRINCIPAL PLAYERS

___________________________

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTORS John Palatucci

Richard Summers

LIBRARIAN Dave Bychek

PERSONNEL MANAGER

Richard Summers

STAGE MANAGER Tony Spinuzzi

PARKING DIRECTOR

John Hahn

WEB ADMINISTRATOR Deloss Schertz

PROGRAM DESIGN

Joseph Stella


Highlights from “West Side Story” - Leonard Bernstein, Arranged by Jay Bocook

Lux Aurumque - Eric Whitacre Soundtrack Highlights from “Star Wars: The Last Jedi” - John Williams,

Arranged by Michael Brown 1812 Overture - P. I. Tchaikovsky, Arranged by Kenneth Whitcomb

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare Richard Strauss Profanation from "Jeremiah, Symphony No. 1" Leonard Bernstein Arranged for Band by Frank Bencriscutto Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra George Gershwin Transcribed by Martin Jorge I. Allegro II. Adagio - Andante con moto III. Allegro agitato

Ron Levy, Piano

INTERMISSION Appalachian Spring Aaron Copland Arranged for Band by Kazuhiro Morita Taboo Julie Giroux I. Forbidden Love II. Forbidden Places

Christopher Martin, Trumpet With Malice Toward None from the John Williams Motion Picture "Lincoln" Transcribed for Band by Paul Lavender

Christopher Martin, Trumpet

*Flash photography and audio or video recording of this concert is strictly prohibited.*

Tonight's Concert is Proudly Sponsored by Konica Minolta Business Solutions, U.S.A., Inc.


PROGRAM

PROGRAM NOTES Wiener Philharmoniker Fanfare – Richard Strauss (1864-1949) is probably best known for popularizing and refining the form of the tone poem, with works such as Don Juan, Til Eulenspiegel and Also Sprach Zarathustra that was made globally popular when it was used in the movie 2001 A Space Odyssey. Being the son of the principal horn player for the Munich Orchestra may have had something to do with the young Strauss’s ability to write for brass, but whatever his influences the brief fanfare certainly demonstrates his affinity for striking brass textures. The piece is scored for a large brass ensemble and timpani. Short but stirring, one can easily understand why this piece has remained in the repertoire of ensembles worldwide since its premiere in Vienna in 1924. Profanation from “Jeremiah, Symphony No. 1” – Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) was an erudite, passionate musician whose exceptional talents and expressive gifts earned him a special place in the hearts of New Yorkers. He rose to instant national fame in 1943, at age 25, when he filled in for the suddenly ill Bruno Walter as conductor of a nationally televised New York Philharmonic performance. He went on to become the Philharmonic’s music director until 1969, and remained a frequent guest conductor there until his death. Profanation is the second movement of Bernstein’s Symphony No. 1 Jeremiah. The Symphony is based on the biblical story of Jeremiah, a prophet who warned his people of the coming destruction of Jerusalem, was mocked by them for it, and famously lamented when it came to pass. Bernstein wrote the Symphony in 1942 in order to enter it in a competition. He did not win, but the piece went on to bring him great success, earning him the New York Music Critics’ Circle award for best classical composition in 1944 and helping him reconcile with his father, to whom he later dedicated the score. Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra – George Gershwin (1898-1937) transcribed by Martin Jorge. Arnold Schoenberg once said that George Gershwin was a rare composer, one "whose feelings actually coincide with those of the 'average man.'" As a Broadway composer, Gershwin had a stream of hits that earned him sums unheard of in the classical music world of the 1920’s and 1930’s. Yet he was determined to write "serious" music. In a famous story, he asked Ravel and Stravinsky for orchestration and composition lessons. Ravel reportedly replied "Why be a second-rate Ravel when you are a first-rate Gershwin?" and in fact, Gershwin's influence has been traced in Ravel's own piano concertos. The New York Symphony's conductor Walter Damrosch had fallen in love with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue on first hearing. Shortly after Rhapsody's 1924 premiere, Damrosch asked Gershwin for another concerto, and the result was the most classical of all Gershwin's works, the Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra. As a whole, Concerto in F successfully combines the structure of a standard concerto for piano with many rhythmic and harmonic elements drawn from popular music and jazz. The work represents a high point in the merger of European sensibilities with the freedom, rhythmic excitement, and improvisational bravado of jazz, and with the broad-ranging appeal of American popular musical theater.



Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, conductor, professional musician and educator, has been the New Jersey Wind Symphony's (formerly Ridgewood Concert Band) Musical Director since it was founded in 1983. He was also Music Director of the renowned Goldman Memorial Band in New York City. As a guest conductor, Dr. Wilhjelm has conducted the West Point Band, the United States Army Field Band, the Virginia Wind Symphony, the Allentown Band, the Hanover Winds, the Raritan Wind Symphony, and the Norwalk Symphony. Dr. Wilhjelm has been the conductor of the annual New York City Tuba Christmas since 2000. He was recently appointed the conductor of the Ramapo College Concert Band. As a French horn player, he has performed under the world’s great conductors including Leonard Bernstein, Seiji Ozawa, Sir Colin Davis and Arthur Fiedler. Dr. Wilhjelm has played the French horn with the Boston Symphony, the Boston Pops and, as a principal, with the Boston Ballet Orchestra, the Boston Opera Orchestra and the Richmond Symphony. An honors graduate of the New England Conservatory, he received his doctorate from Columbia University in 1998. Dr. Wilhjelm was recently honored by his election to the American Bandmasters Association. He is the 2012 recipient of the Outstanding Conductor Award presented by the Association of Concert Bands. Dr Wilhjelm is the state chair for the National Band Association. In 2013, he was elected to the Board of Directors for the Association of Concert Bands. ___________________________________________________________________

NEW JERSEY WIND SYMPHONY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PRESIDENT: Deloss Schertz IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Mark Zettler

VICE PRESIDENT: Larry Friedman RECORDING SECRETARY: Annette Lieb

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: James Mallen TREASURER: John Harley

MEMBERS AT LARGE: Thomas Abbate, John Butler, Mike DePompeo, Naomi Freshwater, David Marks,

Rob Paustian, Mike Russo & Beth Seavers

Appalachian Spring – Aaron Copland (1900-1990) was born in Brooklyn, New York, going on to study piano and composition both home in the United States and in Europe for some time. He became one of the century’s foremost composers with highly influential music that had a distinctive blend of classical, folk and jazz idioms. Some of Copland’s most prominent pieces included Fanfare for the Common Man, El Salon Mexico and Lincoln Portrait. Copland was also awarded an Oscar for his film score for The Heiress in 1940. By the 1970s, he had ceased crafting new works, and focused on teaching and conducting in his final years. In 1942, choreographer Martha Graham and arts patron Elizabeth Sprague Coolidge commissioned Copland to write a ballet score with an American theme. The content of Graham's script changed many times, but always centered on figures emblematic of the American tradition: Puritans, a preacher, matriarch, pioneer, citizen, abolitionist; and activities like homesteading, revival meetings, courtship, childbirth, celebrations, weddings, and war. The Shaker tune "Simple Gifts," written by Joseph Brackett in 1848, fits well with Graham's image of unity, simplicity and American rural life. Copland presents a series of variations on this Shaker tune at the climax of the ballet. Now delicate, dancelike, broad, and majestic, this section is often performed separately as "Variations on a Shaker Tune" in Copland’s own arrangement for orchestra (1967) or band (1958). The most recent arrangement of Copland’s work presented at this performance is by Kazuhiro Morita and it is a beautiful tribute to the original. The arranger wrote the adaptation for the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra of Japan. The NJWS is fortunate and appreciative to have procured this work for you through the efforts of Tomomi Takamoto who is a member and flutist in our ensemble. Taboo – Julie Giroux (b.1962) is an extremely well rounded American composer. Having received her formal education at Louisiana State University and Boston University, she went on to study with both John Williams and Gerry Goldsmith. She began writing for concert band in 1983 and since then has composed and published numerous works for professional wind ensembles, military bands, colleges, and public schools, and has conducted her music in clinics worldwide. Taboo is Ms. Giroux’s current publication written in two movements for Trumpet, Flugelhorn, and Piccolo Trumpet Soloist, and Wind Ensemble. The focus of the work is based on things that are forbidden. The first movement addresses forbidden loves. The opening and closing of the movement highlights solo flugelhorn and harp with the harp representing the strict life of a Japanese geisha and the flugelhorn representing the geisha’s forbidden love for her clients. The musical setting is meant to highlight the beauty of these instruments and the expression of the soloist. The second movement is a musical depiction of forbidden places around the world. The movement contains an exciting flourish of unspecific forbidden site visitations. The composer notes that the final phrase for the soloist does not have the typical high note ending, but rather “…challenges the soloist with a test in the last phrase to see just how long the performer could play on a single breath.” With Malice Toward None – John Williams (b. 1932) there is little doubt of the impact of John William’s music on the entertainment world. His film music, including a more than 20-year collaboration with director Steven Spielberg, has been an integral part of some of the film industry’s finest achievements. His unique talent and respected artistry have made these film scores a significant and vital part of our American culture. Spielberg and Williams came together again in 2012 for the director’s highly anticipated biopic of Abraham Lincoln starring Daniel Day Lewis in the title role. For his original score to Lincoln, Williams drew on American musical influences from the Civil War era, combining them with his own inimitable sound to bring to life the atmosphere of both the turbulent times surrounding the war and the warmth and humanity of the sixteenth president. An excerpt of music from the film includes an extended solo for the trumpet entitled With Malice Toward None after the immortal words from Lincoln’s second inaugural address: “With malice toward none; with charity for all; with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan; to do all which may achieve and cherish a just, and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations.” Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan

Christopher Martin joined the New York Philharmonic as Principal Trumpet, The Paula Levin Chair, in September 2016. He served as principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) for 11 seasons, and enjoyed a distinctive career of almost 20 years in many of America’s finest orchestras, including as principal trumpet of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and associate principal trumpet of The Philadelphia Orchestra. He made his New York Philharmonic solo debut in October 2016, performing Ligeti’s The Mysteries of the Macabre, led by then Music Director Alan Gilbert.

Praised as a musician of “effortless understated virtuosity” by The Chicago Tribune, Christopher Martin has appeared as soloist multiple times nationally and internationally with the CSO and music director Riccardo Muti. Highlights of Mr. Martin’s solo appearances include the 2012 World Premiere of Christopher Rouse’s concerto Heimdall’s Trumpet; Panufnik’s Concerto in modo antico, with Mr. Muti; a program of 20th-century French concertos by André Jolivet and Henri Tomasi; and more than a dozen performances of J.S. Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2. Other solo engagements have included Mr. Martin with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa’s Saito Kinen Festival, Atlanta and Alabama Symphony Orchestras, and the National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico. Christopher Martin’s discography includes a solo trumpet performance in John Williams’s score to Steven Spielberg’s Lincoln (2012), the National Brass Ensemble’s Gabrieli album, and CSO Resound label recordings, including the 2011 release of CSO Brass Live. Dedicated to music education, Mr. Martin has served on the faculty of Northwestern University and coached the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. In 2010 he co-founded the National Brass Symposium with his brother Michael Martin, a trumpeter in the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and in 2016 he received the Edwin Franko Goldman Memorial Citation from the American Bandmasters Association for outstanding contributions to the wind band genre. Christopher Martin and his wife, Margaret — an organist and pianist — enjoy performing together in recital and, most especially, for their daughter, Claire. Ron Levy, internationally acclaimed pianist, has been called “first-class” by the New York Times. He regularly appears in major venues, both as a soloist, and in partnership with many of the world’s leading singers and instrumentalists. A graduate of Oberlin, Mr. Levy has been pianist and harpsichordist of the Oberlin Orchestra, the Westchester Symphony, and the Albany Symphony, among others. Presently, he is the Unitarian Society of Ridgewood Music Director, Associate Artist with the All Seasons Chamber Players, and is the pianist of the Orpheus Men’s Chorus and the award-winning Palisades Virtuosi of which he is a founding member. For over 20 years, Mr. Levy was associated with the Manchester (VT) Music Festival, of which he was a faculty and Board member. While living in Vermont, he was Music Director & Conductor of the Opera Theatre in Weston, and impresario of the “Third Saturday” chamber music series at the historic Equinox Hotel, as well as the “Music on the Hill” music series at the Southern Vermont Art Center. Mr. Levy has taught at numerous colleges and is currently an instructor at Montclair State University; he maintains an active and on-going affiliation with the Manhattan School of Music, Juilliard, and NJ PAC. A two-term President of the Professional Music Teachers’ Guild of NJ, he is a contributing editor to BIM Music Publications, Switzerland. In the Spring of 2011 Mr. Levy made his debut at the Academy of the Arts and the University in Oahu, Hawaii. Recordings by Mr. Levy are available on the Albany, Centaur, Eroica, Koch International, MMF and High Point labels.

About the New Jersey Wind Symphony Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, community leaders, and musicians founded the Ridgewood Concert Band (RCB) in 1983 with the idea of providing high quality performing venues for the many accomplished wind and percussion players living in the New York metropolitan area. On July 1, 2017, the Ridgewood Concert Band formally changed its name to the New Jersey Wind Symphony (NJWS) to better reflect the identity of the organization. Through the years, consistently high level performances have led to the production of two commercially released CDs, performances on the East Coast, and peer recognition through the awarding of the John Philip Sousa Foundation’s coveted Sudler Silver Scroll Award in 1996. The NJWS performs an annual series of concerts presenting the very finest in wind band literature for capacity audiences. Ranging from light classics and famous marches to cutting edge compositions by today’s brilliant composers, the band’s programming has drawn critical attention for its variety and depth. Originally launched as the Ridgewood Community Concert Band, an early review praising the band’s fine performance proclaimed this is no “Community” band. The Board of Directors decided to incorporate as the Ridgewood Concert Band. The members of the New Jersey Wind Symphony come from all walks of life. The musicians and board members are drawn together by a common dedication to the study, performance and support of great music. The quality of NJWS performances has attracted world-class soloists from the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, radio and television personalities and other nationally renowned performers and conductors. The New Jersey Wind Symphony has also been active in the commission and performance of new works. The New Jersey Wind Symphony is actively engaged with area schools, offering opportunities for talented school musicians to perform with the band. In 2006, the band launched a scholarship program that reaches a large network of high schools in the region, inviting musicians who plan to seek a career in music to compete for scholarship funds. Winners showcase their talent as a featured soloist with the band. The competition and concert is one of the highlights of each season. Each year the NJWS performs a subscription series of concerts at their performance home in the West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, New Jersey. The NJWS has also obtained world-wide recognition through international touring: 1998 – Central Europe: Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria 2003 – Southern France: The Riviera Reeds Festival, La Croix Valmer; Le Pradet 2008 – China: Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xian, Beijing 2009 – Brazil: Sao Paolo, Santos, Novo Friburgo, Rio de Janeiro, Ouro Preto 2010 – Germany, Austria, Italy: Garmisch, Munich, Salzburg, Schladming Festival, Venice 2018 – Southern France, Spain

Printing of this program generously underwritten by Ace Reprographics.

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Funding has been made possible in part by the New Jersey State Council on the Arts/Department of State,

through grant funds administered by the Bergen County Department of Parks, Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs.

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The New Jersey Wind Symphony would like to thank all of the many volunteers who have made this concert possible.

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The New Jersey Wind Symphony would like to give a special “thank you” to David Marks and the Midland Park

School District. The Midland Park High School band room is our weekly rehearsal site.

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Music folders for the New Jersey Wind Symphony are generously donated by The Music Shop.

973-334-8484 www.TheMusicShop.com

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For additional NJWS information, please visit our website or scan our QR code:

WWW.NJWINDSMPHONY.ORG


Taste of Tanglewood

FEATURED GUESTS

Christopher Martin, Principal Trumpet, New York Philharmonic

Ron Levy, Piano

PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM


Friday, February 8, 2019 - 8:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ



BENEFACTOR ($3,000 and above)

Thomas & Victoria Price Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management

Bergen County Division of Cultural & Historic Affairs

PATRON ($2,000 to $2,999) Judy & Roger Widicus

Dr. Christian Wilhjelm & Jacqueline Sarracco

SPONSOR ($1,000 to $1,999) Michael & Darel-Ann DePompeo

John & Marilyn Wagner Daiichi-Sankyo, Inc.

Decotiis, Fitzpatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLC PVH Corporation

SUPPORTER ($500 to $999) Barbara Abney Bolger

In Memory of Carolyn & Howard Crumb Gregory Fritze

In Memory of Aquilina Lim Jeffrey & Kathryn Mantel

Philip & Sheila Smith Tomomi Takamoto

In Memory of Emma Wode Fred & Patricia Yosca

Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund United Way, Northern New Jersey, Somerset County

ASSOCIATE ($250 to $499) Mary & Paul Bergquist

Jeff Bittner Elaine Douvas

Naomi Freshwater Donna & Lawrence Friedman

Paul Goldberg Lois Hicks-Wozniak

Marie Kane Paul & Carolyn Kirby

Michael J. Kokola James & Cheryl Mallen

Jerry, Mary, Leah & Brendan Meyer Dorothy Neff

Richard Ostling Kathy & John Palatucci

Robert Paustian Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill Beth Seavers & Neil Sheehan

Dr. Thomas & Mrs. Kristen Siebenhuhner Jason Stier

Richard & Karen Summers

AFFILIATE ($100 to $249) Ginny Baird

John & Louise Butler David & Jacalyn Bychek

Suzanne Coletta & Seth Glasser Kenneth & Linda Dutcher Paul & Helene Emanuel

Victoria Ezra Eugene Ferraro

Sally Fillmore & David Appel Tamara Freeman

John Harley Marie Kane

Annette & Andy Lieb Marks Family

Joseph & Deborah Marsicovete Keith Mogerley Irene Montella

Roy Mortiz Walter Perog

Marcella Phelan Margaret & Gregory Pieper

Donald Reeder, Esq. Randolph Reveley Jean Roughgarden

Carol Sawitz Francis & Barbara Schott

Patricia & Robert Schreiber Christina Stier

Richard & Jessie Ver Hage Dr. Richard & Katherine Wise

Nancy Zweil BNY Mellon Community Partnership

Jewish Community Fund

FRIEND ($1 to $99) Andre Baruch

Jill Bloom Carol Ann Compasso Lawrence DeLosica Maureen J. Demes

Mary & Gregory Farrell Frances Ferraro

Arlene & Mark Glauber Katherine Grasso

Jane & Dr. Bruce Haas Richard Hahn Emily James

Emmett & Elizabeth Johnson Janet Johnston Jennifer Kaysan

Janis Keown-Blackburn Nathan Kinney Dr. Lisa Lutter

Lorraine Mariella Beth Mejia Roy Moritiz

Thelma Peres Larry & Barbara Roshon

Albert Schagen Rachel Schulman Virginia Sirinides Kathryn Smith

Steven & Ida Steiner Mr. & Mrs. Harold Sylvester

Dorene Thornton Paul Van Ness & Wanlun Esther Tsai

Janet Vidovich William Vollinger

If you are a recent subscriber or donor, we may have received your name too late to include in this program and we apologize for that, but you will be

in subsequent programs. Thank you.

2018-19 CONTRIBUTORS The New Jersey Wind Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of our

donors and subscribers whose generous support makes these programs possible.

Season 36, Concert 4 - February 8, 2019

season 36, concert 4 - february 8,...

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