season 31, concert 3 february 7, 2014 -...

Season 31, Concert 3 - February 7, 2014 - Saxophone Spectacular

2013-14 CONTRIBUTORS

The Ridgewood Concert Band gratefully acknowledges the support of our donors and subscribers whose generous support makes these programs possible.

BENEFACTOR ($3,000 and above) Lindsay B. Gallagher

Thomas & Victoria Price Konica Minolta Business Solutions

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management/Bank of America Corp.

PATRON ($2,000 to $2,999)

Carolyn & Howard Crumb Friends in support of new music

SPONSOR ($1,000 to $1,999)

Kahn & Eva Smith

SUPPORTER ($500 to $999) Barbara Abney Bolger

Darel & Michael DePompeo Lawrence & Donna Friedman, in support

of the Ridgewood Concert Band Society Joel Kolk

Charles Lachman & Emily Bliss-Lachman Randy F. Reveley

John & Marilyn Wagner Judith Widicus

Patricia & Frederick Yosca

ASSOCIATE ($250 to $499) John Butler

Paul & Carolyn Kirby In memory of Acton E. Ostling

Kathleen & John J. Palatucci Carol & Neil Sheehan

Blue Moon Cafe Costco of Hackensack

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC.

AFFILIATE ($100 to $249) Richard Aumiller

Kenneth & Sarina Bronfin James Demes Sally Fillmore

Robert Hennings, Jr. Martha & Jane Huff Fred & Joan Knapp Michael J. Kokola

Mary & Boyd Lowry Cheryl & James Mallen Judith & David Maron

Jerrold, Mary A. & Leah Meyer Dorothy S. Neff

Mary & Michael Nussear Marcella Phelan

Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill Francis H. Schott

Richard & Karen Summers Kathleen & Harold Sylvester Plymouth Rock Foundation

PVH Corporation

FRIEND ($1 to $99) Virginia Baird

Eileen Beaumel Michelle & James Dugan

Sue & Ira Emanuel Vicki Fiore, M.D.

Les & Sue Fox Kenneth Freiband

Eileen Ginn Richard F. Hahn

Richard & Katherine Innis Janet Johnston

Donald & Gail Landzettel Linda Maguire Desidor J. Maik Irene Montella

Barbara Oransky Samantha Price-Koontz

Albert W. Schagen Edward J. Schlamp

Beth Seavers Virginia Sirinides David Sternberg

Alexander & Deborah Taylor Richard & Jessie VerHage

Andrea & Mark Zettler

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.

UPCOMING RCB CONCERTS

March Winds Friday, March 21, 2014 – 8:00 PM

West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ

Celebrate New Jersey Friday, May 9, 2014 – 8:00 PM


________________________________________________________________________

Printing of this program generously underwritten by Konica Minolta Business Solutions. ________________________________________________________________________

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 Ridgewood Concert Band would like to thank all of the many volunteers who have made this concert possible.

________________________________________________________________________

The Ridgewood Concert Band would like to give a special “thank you” to the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. The

Pascack Hills High School Band room is our weekly rehearsal site. ________________________________________________________________________

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

WWW.RIDGEWOODBAND.ORG

Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, Music Director

Saxophone Spectacular

FEATURED GUEST SOLOISTS Kenneth Tse, Saxophone

Lois Hicks-Wozniak, Saxophone Richard White, Trumpet

PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM

Paramus High School Honors Wind Ensemble Mark J. Donellan, Director

Friday, February 7, 2014 - 8:00 PM


Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is a Proud Sponsor of

the Ridgewood Concert Band

WEST SIDE CONCERT SERIES:

Anna Shelest, piano

"... a pianist of fiery sensibility and warm touch."

Sunday, March 9, 2014 - 4:00 PM

West Side Presbyterian Church Ridgewood, NJ

www.westsideconcerts.org

RIDGEWOOD CONCERT BAND BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PRESIDENT: Mark Zettler

VICE PRESIDENT:

John Wagner

RECORDING SECRETARY: Carol Sheehan

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:

Marilyn Wagner

TREASURER: Neil Sheehan

MEMBERS AT LARGE:

Noreen Baer Annette Baron Phillip Biello John Butler

Mike DePompeo Lawrence Friedman

Carolyn Kirby Kathleen Peters Thomas P. Price Deloss Schertz Beth Seavers

Widely recognized as one of the world’s leading classical saxophonists, Kenneth Tse is certainly one of the instrument’s outstanding proponents on any saxophone aficionado’s short list. He burst on the scene in 1996 as the winner of the prestigious New York Artists International Award, which resulted in an acclaimed debut recital at Carnegie Hall, after which he was hailed as "a young virtuoso" by the New York Times. The Alex Award from the National Alliance for Excellence led to another Carnegie Hall performance. These are but two of the multitude of awards that Tse has garnered in less than a decade and a half. Since then he has been a frequent soloist on five continents, including solo appearances with the Des Moines Symphony, United States Navy Band, Slovenia Army Band, La Armónica Band of Bunol, Spain, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong Sinfonietta among others. He is frequent featured artist at events such as the triennial World Saxophone Congress and North American Saxophone Alliance conferences. He has also been a guest clinician at conferences hosted by the California Band Directors' Association, Iowa Bandmaster’s Association, and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinics. Prestigious universities and conservatories worldwide, such as Moscow Conservatory and Paris Conservatory have invited him to give master classes. Tse has been an active recording artist since his first CD for Crystal Records at age 23. His discography now includes a total of six Crystal CDs—presenting a wide variety of saxophone repertoire, most of it new, some with assisting artists—as well as six other releases and more in process on RIAX records, Enharmonic records, Arizona University Recordings and MSR Classics. Critical review of these disks have yielded such comments from Fanfare Magazine as "Hong Kong-born Kenneth Tse is of the caliber of instrumentalists whose very sound is captivating," and in American Record Guide, “supremely elegant tone…sheer virtuosity.” Saxophone Journal opined, "Kenneth Tse is a phenomenal saxophonist with incredible technical and interpretive skills. His tone is absolutely lovely. His fingers are precise and rapid. His interpretive skills are excellent having the ability to create vast aural fantasies in the listeners' musical soul. The true magic of music is to take a series of ink blots on a piece of paper and turn them into temporal living entities that almost live and breathe. And…Kenneth Tse is the 'master magician'." As an advocate for new music, Tse has had more than thirty works dedicated to him by notable American composers such as David DeBoor Canfield, John Cheetham, Andrea Clearfield, David Froom, Perry Goldstein, Greg Fritze, Walter Hartley, as well as Luis Serrano Alarcón of Spain, Guy Lacour of France, Barry Cockcroft of Australia and Piet Swerts of Belgium. Tse has recorded and premiered many of these concertos, sonatas, solo works and chamber pieces. His arrangements for the saxophone are published by Reed Music, Australia, and his articles and interviews have been featured in the Saxophone Journal, The Instrumentalist, Fanfare Magazine, Saxophone Symposium, Iowa Bandmaster Association Journal, Japan's Piper and The Sax Magazines, and Yamaha Education Series. Kenneth Tse has received numerous awards and grants including the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club scholarship, New York Music Performance Trust Fund, Indiana University Marcel Mule Scholarship, University of Iowa CD Subvention Fund, Arts and Humanities Initiative Grant, Barlow Commission Fund, as well as an honorary life membership from the Contemporary Record Society. In 2009, desiring to give back to his home city, Hong Kong, Tse created the first Hong Kong International Saxophone Symposium which attracted over 70 saxophonists from around the world to join the event. In addition to Tse, Eugene Rousseau from U. of Minnesota and Claude Delange from Paris Conservatory were the faculty members to 12 active participants from three continents. With the tremendous success of the premiere event, Tse has formed the Hong Kong International Saxophone Society as part of an effort to facilitate more interest in saxophone performance as well as to continue hosting the symposium every two years to expose Asian saxophonists to world-class saxophone performers and teachers. Tse's students have garnered high recognition through competitions and recordings as well as concert appearances. During the 2010 North American Saxophone Alliance National Competitions, Tse's students from University of Iowa won three of the top four awards in the conference's classical competitions (in both solo and chamber music categories), the first time for a single studio to do so in the history of the conference. In the same month, his students also won the top chamber music prize and the second solo prize at the Music Teachers' National Association Competitions. Moreover, to end the academic year, his graduate-student quartet also won the silver medal at the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Tse is currently the Professor of Saxophone at University of Iowa, President-Elect of the North American Saxophone Alliance, and Vice-President of the International Saxophone Committee. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign—Urbana (D.M.A.), Indiana University (B.M., M.M. and Artist Diploma) and Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He was the first saxophonist to receive the prestigious Artist Diploma from Indiana University School of Music. More information and media clips are available at www.kenneth-tse.com.

Lois Hicks-Wozniak is an active concert saxophonist in the New York Metropolitan area and the Hudson Valley region. Among her many awards is the Special Presentation Winners Recital Series, sponsored by Artists International Presentations. As her prize, she performed her New York Recital Debut at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. From 1996-2004 she served active duty in

the U.S. Army as a saxophonist with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point and with the West Point Saxophone Quartet. She was a featured soloist at the World Saxophone Congress 2000 in Montreal, where she performed the Glazunov Concerto with the West Point Concert Band. She can be heard on the West Point Saxophone Quartet CD, Fault Lines, and her performances have been broadcast on New York public radio. In November 2007, as a subscription series soloist with the Ridgewood (NJ) Concert Band, she presented the east coast premiere of John Mackey's Concerto for Soprano Sax and Wind Ensemble. As artist-in-residence at Mississippi State University, she performed the Mississippi premiere of Dream Dancer for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble by Michael Colgrass. She has been a guest of the Ithaca College Saxophone Society where she presented a recital and clinic at Ithaca College. She is currently principal saxophonist with the Ridgewood (NJ) Concert Band, and she has performed with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, the Newburgh Symphony, the Lawton Philharmonic, the Pone New Music Ensemble and the Dallas Wind Symphony, to include their recording, Fiesta! She maintains an active schedule as a performer and clinician, participating in festivals such as the Hudson Valley Bachfest, and appearing as guest soloist with high school, university and community ensembles to include Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, the Teaneck Community Band and the Westchester Symphonic Winds. As a freelance musician, she has shared the stage with diverse acts from Manhattan Transfer to Milton Berle. Additionally, as a vocal soloist she has sung Broadway, pop, country, jazz and light opera selections. An advocate of new chamber music, she and her husband, Matt Wozniak, comprise the saxophone and bass trombone duo, "The Unexpected Duo". Championing new works for this unique ensemble, they commissioned and premiered Cater Pann's Duo for Alto Saxophone and Bass Trombone at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in March 2011 in Washington, D.C., and at subsequent performances at the NASA Region 8 Conference at West Point, NY, March 2011 and the Crane School of Music Saxophone Chamber Music Festival in April 2011. In addition, she is also an adjunct professor of music at Marist College, where she teaches World Music Cultures.

Duo Concertante – Mark Engebretson (b.1964) The Duo Concertante for two alto saxophones is a one movement work that pits a soaring lyrical theme performed by one soloist against a driving rhythmic theme played by the other. The two soloists are then matched against the band. As the music progresses, elements of one theme can be heard to invade the other. The fun is in listening to see which idea ultimately emerges as the “winner.” Among the special effects are tone color changes and quartertones. Tonight’s soloists will expertly demonstrate the high octane energy and over the top expressivity necessary to perform the challenge of the composition while a cadenza will give both soloists an opportunity to "strut their stuff." Cuban Overture – George Gershwin (1898-1937) is known for having the distinction of articulating in music a distinctly American sound world. Gershwin was unquestionably a master urban musical landscapist. A much-needed vacation to Havana in 1932 resulted in a rapturous encounter with Cuban music. Thus inspired, Gershwin bought a bunch of native percussion instruments and had them shipped stateside in anticipation of composing a work incorporating Cuban musical elements. The Cuban Overture demonstrates his increasing ability to marry traditional European techniques and formal patterns with the rhythms and spirit of Cuba as filtered through Gershwin’s jazz-age experiences. A profusion of themes dots the musical landscape, running the gamut from exuberant vitality to slow-motion sensuality. The result is an authentic rhythmic thrill ride. Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan

PROGRAM NOTES La Forza Del Destino Overture – Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was to Italian opera what Beethoven was to the symphony. He was considered a national treasure, serving as the successor to the great Italian opera composers Donizetti, Rossini and Bellini. Verdi became the most influential opera composer of the 19th century, and during his lifetime also became the most monetarily successful. The transcription by R. Mark Rogers for concert band reflects the original symphonic setting. After six unison blasts from the brasses, the overture opens with a musical idea symbolizing the relentless force that carries forward the tragic events of the opera. Fate and destiny are the principle themes throughout the work. The final statement of the “fate” motive is accompanied with a delicate obligato in the upper woodwinds, and the entire piece is pulled together in a stirring finale. Prayer of St. Gregory – Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was one of the most prolific 20th-century composers, with his official catalog comprising 67 numbered symphonies and 434 opus numbers. The Boston Globe music critic Richard Buell once wrote: "Although Hovhaness has been stereotyped as a self-consciously Armenian composer, his output assimilates the music of many cultures. What may be most American about all of it is the way it turns its materials into a kind of exoticism. The atmosphere is hushed, reverential, mystical, and nostalgic." The Prayer of St. Gregory was originally cast as an intermezzo in the composer’s religious opera Etchmiadzin. Saint Gregory, the Illuminator brought Christianity to Armenia around the year 301 A.D. This music is likened to a prayer in darkness. History states that St. Gregory was cast into the pit of a dungeon where he miraculously survived after about fifteen years. In the setting of this work the solo trumpet functions as a cantor or preacher, while the wind band responds as the congregation.

Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, conductor, professional musician and educator, has been the Ridgewood Concert Band’s Musical Director since it was founded in 1983. He was also Music Director of the renowned Goldman Memorial Band in New York City. He regularly conducts the metropolitan area’s leading professional ensembles such as the Norwalk Symphony. 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. As a professional musician, 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. A graduate of the New England Conservatory, he received his doctorate in music from Columbia University in 1998. The Ridgewood Concert Band (RCB), in its 31st season, is one of the leading wind ensembles in the United States. Founded by community leaders, dedicated musicians and Music Director Chris Wilhjelm in 1983, the RCB is committed to engaging and inspiring our audiences with the finest in traditional and contemporary wind literature. Led by Dr. Wilhjelm, the band is composed of professional, amateur and student players drawn from across the tri-state area. _______________________________________________________________

PICCOLO Tomomi Takamoto

FLUTES

Jill Bloom Carolyn Campagna

Carolyn Crumb Marissa Fleming

Lisandra Hernandez Jennifer Kasyan

Heidi Kolb Annette Lieb Mary Nussear Max Taylor *

OBOES

Mary Lou Irvine * Andrea Nowalk (English Horn)

BASSOONS

Linda Balavram * Robert Gray Jason Stier

E-FLAT SOPRANO CLARINET

Michelle McGuire

CLARINETS Jeff Bittner

Lyn M. Lowndes Joe Mariany

Michelle McGuire Leigh Myers

Marcie Phelan Jean Roughgarden Rachel Schulman

Beth Seavers Neil Sheehan

Karen Summers Richard Summers * Stephen Summers

BASS CLARINETS Glenn Chernicky

Bianca D’Agostaro Joel Kolk *

SAXOPHONES Andre Baruch - Tenor James Butcher - Alto

Deanna Loertscher * - Alto, Soprano Michael DePompeo - Baritone

Matthew Salisbury - Alto Jacqueline Sarracco - Alto

CORNETS/TRUMPETS

Alicia Ali Dave Bychek Brian Fleming

Dave Hurd Amanda Innis Michael Russo Ann Sirinides Tony Spinuzzi Joseph Stella

Richard White Roger Widicus *

FRENCH HORNS Meghan Chann Mark Holodak

Carolyn Kirby * Bryan Meyer

Deloss Schertz

TROMBONES Tom Abbate

Noreen Baer * Lloyd de Vries Chris DeWilde

Paul Kirby Keith Marson

EUPHONIUMS Robyn Keyes

John Palatucci * Donald Van Teyens

TUBAS

Michael Gould Robert Sacchi *

Larry Zaidan

HARP Irene Bressler

STRING BASS David Marks

PIANO

Marilyn Wagner

PERCUSSION Tim Burt

Andrew Haderthauer Charles Lachman *

James Mallen Michael Sasson John Wagner * Chris Tarantino

Mark Zettler

* PRINCIPAL ______________________ ASSOCIATE CONDUCTORS

John Palatucci Richard Summers

LIBRARIAN

Dave Bychek

PERSONNEL MANAGER Richard Summers

STAGE MANAGER

Tony Spinuzzi

BOX OFFICE Marilyn Wagner

PARKING DIRECTOR

John Hahn

WEB ADMINISTRATOR Deloss Schertz

PROGRAM DESIGN

Joseph Stella

Prelude by the Paramus High School Honors Wind Ensemble Mark J. Donellan, Director

Courtly Airs and Dances – Ron Nelson

Movement I - Intrada Movement II - Basse Dance

Movement IV - Saltarello Movement VI - Allemande

Pageant – Vincent Persichetti

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- La Forza Del Destino Overture Giuseppe Verdi Transcribed by R. Mark Rogers Soprano Sax Concerto David Kirkland Garner I. Quick II. Slower III. Quick

Lois Hicks-Wozniak, Soprano Saxophone * A Preview Premiere Performance *

Nobles of the Mystic Shrine John Philip Sousa Con-Tse-To, Concerto for Alto Saxophone Gregory Fritze and Concert Band I. Pasodoble Melanie II. Lamento III. Danza Jubiloso

Kenneth Tse, Alto Saxophone

INTERMISSION Prayer of St. Gregory Alan Hovhaness

Richard White, Trumpet Duo Concertante Mark Engebretson for Two Alto Saxophones Arranged by Frederick Hemke

Kenneth Tse, Alto Saxophone Lois Hicks-Wozniak, Alto Saxophone

Cuban Overture George Gershwin Arranged by R. Mark Rogers

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

DR. CHRISTIAN WILHJELM, MUSIC DIRECTOR

PROGRAM

PROGRAM NOTES La Forza Del Destino Overture – Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) was to Italian opera what Beethoven was to the symphony. He was considered a national treasure, serving as the successor to the great Italian opera composers Donizetti, Rossini and Bellini. Verdi became the most influential opera composer of the 19th century, and during his lifetime also became the most monetarily successful. The transcription by R. Mark Rogers for concert band reflects the original symphonic setting. After six unison blasts from the brasses, the overture opens with a musical idea symbolizing the relentless force that carries forward the tragic events of the opera. Fate and destiny are the principle themes throughout the work. The final statement of the “fate” motive is accompanied with a delicate obligato in the upper woodwinds, and the entire piece is pulled together in a stirring finale. Prayer of St. Gregory – Alan Hovhaness (1911-2000) was one of the most prolific 20th-century composers, with his official catalog comprising 67 numbered symphonies and 434 opus numbers. The Boston Globe music critic Richard Buell once wrote: "Although Hovhaness has been stereotyped as a self-consciously Armenian composer, his output assimilates the music of many cultures. What may be most American about all of it is the way it turns its materials into a kind of exoticism. The atmosphere is hushed, reverential, mystical, and nostalgic." The Prayer of St. Gregory was originally cast as an intermezzo in the composer’s religious opera Etchmiadzin. Saint Gregory, the Illuminator brought Christianity to Armenia around the year 301 A.D. This music is likened to a prayer in darkness. History states that St. Gregory was cast into the pit of a dungeon where he miraculously survived after about fifteen years. In the setting of this work the solo trumpet functions as a cantor or preacher, while the wind band responds as the congregation.

Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, conductor, professional musician and educator, has been the Ridgewood Concert Band’s Musical Director since it was founded in 1983. He was also Music Director of the renowned Goldman Memorial Band in New York City. He regularly conducts the metropolitan area’s leading professional ensembles such as the Norwalk Symphony. 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. As a professional musician, 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. A graduate of the New England Conservatory, he received his doctorate in music from Columbia University in 1998. The Ridgewood Concert Band (RCB), in its 31st season, is one of the leading wind ensembles in the United States. Founded by community leaders, dedicated musicians and Music Director Chris Wilhjelm in 1983, the RCB is committed to engaging and inspiring our audiences with the finest in traditional and contemporary wind literature. Led by Dr. Wilhjelm, the band is composed of professional, amateur and student players drawn from across the tri-state area. _______________________________________________________________

Lois Hicks-Wozniak is an active concert saxophonist in the New York Metropolitan area and the Hudson Valley region. Among her many awards is the Special Presentation Winners Recital Series, sponsored by Artists International Presentations. As her prize, she performed her New York Recital Debut at Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall. From 1996-2004 she served active duty in

the U.S. Army as a saxophonist with the United States Military Academy Band at West Point and with the West Point Saxophone Quartet. She was a featured soloist at the World Saxophone Congress 2000 in Montreal, where she performed the Glazunov Concerto with the West Point Concert Band. She can be heard on the West Point Saxophone Quartet CD, Fault Lines, and her performances have been broadcast on New York public radio. In November 2007, as a subscription series soloist with the Ridgewood (NJ) Concert Band, she presented the east coast premiere of John Mackey's Concerto for Soprano Sax and Wind Ensemble. As artist-in-residence at Mississippi State University, she performed the Mississippi premiere of Dream Dancer for Alto Saxophone and Wind Ensemble by Michael Colgrass. She has been a guest of the Ithaca College Saxophone Society where she presented a recital and clinic at Ithaca College. She is currently principal saxophonist with the Ridgewood (NJ) Concert Band, and she has performed with the Hudson Valley Philharmonic Orchestra, the Newburgh Symphony, the Lawton Philharmonic, the Pone New Music Ensemble and the Dallas Wind Symphony, to include their recording, Fiesta! She maintains an active schedule as a performer and clinician, participating in festivals such as the Hudson Valley Bachfest, and appearing as guest soloist with high school, university and community ensembles to include Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan, the Teaneck Community Band and the Westchester Symphonic Winds. As a freelance musician, she has shared the stage with diverse acts from Manhattan Transfer to Milton Berle. Additionally, as a vocal soloist she has sung Broadway, pop, country, jazz and light opera selections. An advocate of new chamber music, she and her husband, Matt Wozniak, comprise the saxophone and bass trombone duo, "The Unexpected Duo". Championing new works for this unique ensemble, they commissioned and premiered Cater Pann's Duo for Alto Saxophone and Bass Trombone at the Eastern Trombone Workshop in March 2011 in Washington, D.C., and at subsequent performances at the NASA Region 8 Conference at West Point, NY, March 2011 and the Crane School of Music Saxophone Chamber Music Festival in April 2011. In addition, she is also an adjunct professor of music at Marist College, where she teaches World Music Cultures.

Duo Concertante – Mark Engebretson (b.1964) The Duo Concertante for two alto saxophones is a one movement work that pits a soaring lyrical theme performed by one soloist against a driving rhythmic theme played by the other. The two soloists are then matched against the band. As the music progresses, elements of one theme can be heard to invade the other. The fun is in listening to see which idea ultimately emerges as the “winner.” Among the special effects are tone color changes and quartertones. Tonight’s soloists will expertly demonstrate the high octane energy and over the top expressivity necessary to perform the challenge of the composition while a cadenza will give both soloists an opportunity to "strut their stuff." Cuban Overture – George Gershwin (1898-1937) is known for having the distinction of articulating in music a distinctly American sound world. Gershwin was unquestionably a master urban musical landscapist. A much-needed vacation to Havana in 1932 resulted in a rapturous encounter with Cuban music. Thus inspired, Gershwin bought a bunch of native percussion instruments and had them shipped stateside in anticipation of composing a work incorporating Cuban musical elements. The Cuban Overture demonstrates his increasing ability to marry traditional European techniques and formal patterns with the rhythms and spirit of Cuba as filtered through Gershwin’s jazz-age experiences. A profusion of themes dots the musical landscape, running the gamut from exuberant vitality to slow-motion sensuality. The result is an authentic rhythmic thrill ride. Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan

Widely recognized as one of the world’s leading classical saxophonists, Kenneth Tse is certainly one of the instrument’s outstanding proponents on any saxophone aficionado’s short list. He burst on the scene in 1996 as the winner of the prestigious New York Artists International Award, which resulted in an acclaimed debut recital at Carnegie Hall, after which he was hailed as "a young virtuoso" by the New York Times. The Alex Award from the National Alliance for Excellence led to another Carnegie Hall performance. These are but two of the multitude of awards that Tse has garnered in less than a decade and a half. Since then he has been a frequent soloist on five continents, including solo appearances with the Des Moines Symphony, United States Navy Band, Slovenia Army Band, La Armónica Band of Bunol, Spain, Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra and Hong Kong Sinfonietta among others. He is frequent featured artist at events such as the triennial World Saxophone Congress and North American Saxophone Alliance conferences. He has also been a guest clinician at conferences hosted by the California Band Directors' Association, Iowa Bandmaster’s Association, and the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinics. Prestigious universities and conservatories worldwide, such as Moscow Conservatory and Paris Conservatory have invited him to give master classes. Tse has been an active recording artist since his first CD for Crystal Records at age 23. His discography now includes a total of six Crystal CDs—presenting a wide variety of saxophone repertoire, most of it new, some with assisting artists—as well as six other releases and more in process on RIAX records, Enharmonic records, Arizona University Recordings and MSR Classics. Critical review of these disks have yielded such comments from Fanfare Magazine as "Hong Kong-born Kenneth Tse is of the caliber of instrumentalists whose very sound is captivating," and in American Record Guide, “supremely elegant tone…sheer virtuosity.” Saxophone Journal opined, "Kenneth Tse is a phenomenal saxophonist with incredible technical and interpretive skills. His tone is absolutely lovely. His fingers are precise and rapid. His interpretive skills are excellent having the ability to create vast aural fantasies in the listeners' musical soul. The true magic of music is to take a series of ink blots on a piece of paper and turn them into temporal living entities that almost live and breathe. And…Kenneth Tse is the 'master magician'." As an advocate for new music, Tse has had more than thirty works dedicated to him by notable American composers such as David DeBoor Canfield, John Cheetham, Andrea Clearfield, David Froom, Perry Goldstein, Greg Fritze, Walter Hartley, as well as Luis Serrano Alarcón of Spain, Guy Lacour of France, Barry Cockcroft of Australia and Piet Swerts of Belgium. Tse has recorded and premiered many of these concertos, sonatas, solo works and chamber pieces. His arrangements for the saxophone are published by Reed Music, Australia, and his articles and interviews have been featured in the Saxophone Journal, The Instrumentalist, Fanfare Magazine, Saxophone Symposium, Iowa Bandmaster Association Journal, Japan's Piper and The Sax Magazines, and Yamaha Education Series. Kenneth Tse has received numerous awards and grants including the prestigious Hong Kong Jockey Club scholarship, New York Music Performance Trust Fund, Indiana University Marcel Mule Scholarship, University of Iowa CD Subvention Fund, Arts and Humanities Initiative Grant, Barlow Commission Fund, as well as an honorary life membership from the Contemporary Record Society. In 2009, desiring to give back to his home city, Hong Kong, Tse created the first Hong Kong International Saxophone Symposium which attracted over 70 saxophonists from around the world to join the event. In addition to Tse, Eugene Rousseau from U. of Minnesota and Claude Delange from Paris Conservatory were the faculty members to 12 active participants from three continents. With the tremendous success of the premiere event, Tse has formed the Hong Kong International Saxophone Society as part of an effort to facilitate more interest in saxophone performance as well as to continue hosting the symposium every two years to expose Asian saxophonists to world-class saxophone performers and teachers. Tse's students have garnered high recognition through competitions and recordings as well as concert appearances. During the 2010 North American Saxophone Alliance National Competitions, Tse's students from University of Iowa won three of the top four awards in the conference's classical competitions (in both solo and chamber music categories), the first time for a single studio to do so in the history of the conference. In the same month, his students also won the top chamber music prize and the second solo prize at the Music Teachers' National Association Competitions. Moreover, to end the academic year, his graduate-student quartet also won the silver medal at the prestigious Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition. Tse is currently the Professor of Saxophone at University of Iowa, President-Elect of the North American Saxophone Alliance, and Vice-President of the International Saxophone Committee. He holds degrees from the University of Illinois, Champaign—Urbana (D.M.A.), Indiana University (B.M., M.M. and Artist Diploma) and Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. He was the first saxophonist to receive the prestigious Artist Diploma from Indiana University School of Music. More information and media clips are available at www.kenneth-tse.com.

RIDGEWOOD CONCERT BAND BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PRESIDENT: Mark Zettler

VICE PRESIDENT:

John Wagner

RECORDING SECRETARY: Carol Sheehan

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY:

Marilyn Wagner

TREASURER: Neil Sheehan

MEMBERS AT LARGE:

Noreen Baer Annette Baron Phillip Biello John Butler

Mike DePompeo Lawrence Friedman

Carolyn Kirby Kathleen Peters Thomas P. Price Deloss Schertz Beth Seavers

WEST SIDE CONCERT SERIES:

Anna Shelest, piano

"... a pianist of fiery sensibility and warm touch."

Sunday, March 9, 2014 - 4:00 PM

West Side Presbyterian Church Ridgewood, NJ

www.westsideconcerts.org

UPCOMING RCB CONCERTS

March Winds Friday, March 21, 2014 – 8:00 PM


Celebrate New Jersey Friday, May 9, 2014 – 8:00 PM


________________________________________________________________________

Printing of this program generously underwritten by Konica Minolta Business Solutions. ________________________________________________________________________

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 Ridgewood Concert Band would like to thank all of the many volunteers who have made this concert possible.

________________________________________________________________________

The Ridgewood Concert Band would like to give a special “thank you” to the Pascack Valley Regional High School District. The

Pascack Hills High School Band room is our weekly rehearsal site. ________________________________________________________________________

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

WWW.RIDGEWOODBAND.ORG

Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, Music Director

Saxophone Spectacular

FEATURED GUEST SOLOISTS Kenneth Tse, Saxophone

Lois Hicks-Wozniak, Saxophone Richard White, Trumpet

PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM

Paramus High School Honors Wind Ensemble Mark J. Donellan, Director

Friday, February 7, 2014 - 8:00 PM


Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is a Proud Sponsor of

the Ridgewood Concert Band

2013-14 CONTRIBUTORS

The Ridgewood Concert Band gratefully acknowledges the support of our donors and subscribers whose generous support makes these programs possible.

BENEFACTOR ($3,000 and above) Lindsay B. Gallagher

Thomas & Victoria Price Konica Minolta Business Solutions

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management/Bank of America Corp.

PATRON ($2,000 to $2,999)

Carolyn & Howard Crumb Friends in support of new music

SPONSOR ($1,000 to $1,999)

Kahn & Eva Smith

SUPPORTER ($500 to $999) Barbara Abney Bolger

Darel & Michael DePompeo Lawrence & Donna Friedman, in support

of the Ridgewood Concert Band Society Joel Kolk

Charles Lachman & Emily Bliss-Lachman Randy F. Reveley

John & Marilyn Wagner Judith Widicus

Patricia & Frederick Yosca

ASSOCIATE ($250 to $499) John Butler

Paul & Carolyn Kirby In memory of Acton E. Ostling

Kathleen & John J. Palatucci Carol & Neil Sheehan

Blue Moon Cafe Costco of Hackensack

Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC.

AFFILIATE ($100 to $249) Richard Aumiller

Kenneth & Sarina Bronfin James Demes Sally Fillmore

Robert Hennings, Jr. Martha & Jane Huff Fred & Joan Knapp Michael J. Kokola

Mary & Boyd Lowry Cheryl & James Mallen Judith & David Maron

Jerrold, Mary A. & Leah Meyer Dorothy S. Neff

Mary & Michael Nussear Marcella Phelan

Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill Francis H. Schott

Richard & Karen Summers Kathleen & Harold Sylvester Plymouth Rock Foundation

PVH Corporation

FRIEND ($1 to $99) Virginia Baird

Eileen Beaumel Michelle & James Dugan

Sue & Ira Emanuel Vicki Fiore, M.D.

Les & Sue Fox Kenneth Freiband

Eileen Ginn Richard F. Hahn

Richard & Katherine Innis Janet Johnston

Donald & Gail Landzettel Linda Maguire Desidor J. Maik Irene Montella

Barbara Oransky Samantha Price-Koontz

Albert W. Schagen Edward J. Schlamp

Beth Seavers Virginia Sirinides David Sternberg

Alexander & Deborah Taylor Richard & Jessie VerHage

Andrea & Mark Zettler

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.

Season 31, Concert 3 - February 7, 2014 - Saxophone Spectacular

season 31, concert 3 february 7, 2014 -...

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