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Season 31, Concert 1 - October 25, 2013 - Salute to our Nation's Veterans
Season 31, Concert 1 - October 25, 2013 - Salute to our Nation's Veterans
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+) Lindsay B. Gallagher
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Merrill Lynch Wealth Management/Bank of
America Corp. Thomas & Victoria Price
Donald W. Reeder, Roth Family Trust
PATRON ($2,000-$2,999) Carolyn & Howard Crumb
Friends in support of new music
SUPPORTER ($500 - $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 PVH Corporation
John & Marilyn Wagner Patricia & Frederick Yosca
ASSOCIATE ($250 - $499)
Paul & Mary Berquist John Butler
Costco of Hackensack Paul & Carolyn Kirby
In memory of Acton E. Ostling Kathleen & John J. Palatucci
Carol & Neil Sheehan Judith Widicus
BNY Mellon Community Partnership Plymouth Rock Foundation
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC.
AFFILIATE ($100 - $249) John & Norma Archibald
Richard Aumiller Kenneth & Sarina Bronfin
James Demes Maureen Demes
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Demes Timothy & Corinne Dyas
Sally Fillmore Katherine Grosso
Richard F. Hahn Martha & Jane Huff
Marie Kane Michael J. Kokola Michael Lemma
Annette & Andy Lieb Judith & David Maron
Jerrold, Mary A. & Leah Meyer Dorothy S. Neff Marcella Phelan
Rufus & Doris Reid Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill
Edward J. Schlamp Francis H. Schott Rachel Schulman
Richard & Karen Summers Kathleen & Harold Sylvester
Drs. Susan Volpicella-Levy & Ian Levy
FRIEND ($1 - $99) Virginia Baird Mary Barker
Michelle & James Dugan Vicki Fiore, M.D.
Les & Sue Fox Eileen Ginn
Katherine Grosso Richard F. Hahn Janet Johnston
Michael J. Lemma Linda Maguire Irene Montella
Barbara Oransky Leslie Preuss
Albert W. Schagen Beth Seavers
Virginia Sirinides Richard & Jessie VerHage
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
Winter Festival Friday, December 6, 2013 – 8:00 PM
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Saxophone Spectacular Friday, February 7, 2014 – 8:00 PM
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
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
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ ________________________________________________________________________
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
Salute to our Nation's Veterans
FEATURED GUEST SOLOISTS Donald Batchelder, Trumpet
Master Sergeant MaryKay Messenger, Soprano John Palatucci, Euphonium
FEATURED GUEST CONDUCTOR
Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Director US Army Band, Pershing's Own, Retired
PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM New Jersey City University Wind Symphony
Patrick Burns, Director
Friday, October 25, 2013 - 8:00 PM
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is a Proud Sponsor of
the Ridgewood Concert Band
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, John Butler, Mike DePompeo,
Lawrence Friedman, Carolyn Kirby, Kathleen Peters, Phillip Peters, Thomas P. Price, Deloss Schertz & Beth Seavers
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WEST SIDE CONCERT SERIES: David Higgs - Organ
Sunday, November 3, 2013 - 4:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
www.westsideconcerts.org __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PARLANCE CHAMBER CONCERTS: Brentano String Quartet
Sunday, October 27, 2013 - 4:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
ParlanceChamberConcerts.org __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Overture “1812” – P.I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was commissioned in 1880 by Nikolai Rubinstein for the Moscow Exhibition of 1881. The newly-constructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior was scheduled to be opened in commemoration of the historical events of 1812, the year that Napoleon invaded Russia. After Moscow burned, he ordered French troops to retreat, but winter set in early. Casualties in the French Grand Army were catastrophic. Napoleon’s forces were effectively wiped out, forcing him to return to France to raise a new army. Given the historical observance and the occasion of the cathedral opening, Tchaikovsky combined French and Russian anthems with Russian Orthodox chant and a healthy dose of military bombast. The result was one of the most popular and often performed overtures ever composed The Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) is considered the finest march ever written, and one of the most patriotic ever conceived. The march was not so well received at first, yet its popularity grew as Sousa used it during the Spanish-American War as a concert closer. Audiences would rise from their chairs when the march was played. Sousa added to the entertainment value of the march by having the piccolo up in front of the band for the final trio, and then added the brass section to join on the final repeat of the strain. The march was performed on almost all of Sousa’s concerts and always drew an emotional response from the audience. In 1987 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law that designated The Stars and Stripes as the official march of the United States of America. This march continues in the present day to stir patriotic emotion from audiences both home and abroad. Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan ______________________________________________________
The RCB would like to thank the Color Guard of American Legion Post 153 - Park Ridge, NJ: Captain Jim Mescher, Jerry Alexander, Walter Coyman, Ken
Hensley, Byron Marzan and Al Quackenbush
Colonel Bryan Shelburne's conducting experience includes brass groups at Arizona State University as a Teaching Fellow, high school and elementary school bands in Houston, TX, and professional military wind and vocal groups in Washington, DC, as well as in Europe. He retired in May 2000 as a Colonel in the Army, where for 10 years he served as the 6th leader of The United States Army Band, "Pershing's Own," in Washington, DC. During his time in Washington, his various groups performed for Presidents Reagan, Ford, Carter, Bush, Clinton, and for countless foreign heads of state. He previously served as the leader of
The United States Military Academy Band at West Point, NY. Colonel Shelburne holds degrees from Arizona State University (Master of Music with emphasis in music theory and composition) and Hardin-Simmons University (Bachelor of Music, applied instrumental degree, trombone) and holds the Texas "all levels" teaching certificate. In 1989 he was selected for membership in the American Bandmasters Association and for ten years served on the Board of Directors for the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He is a member of the National Band Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the College Band Directors National Association. In 1999 he was inducted into Phi Beta Mu as an honorary lifetime member, and before he retired as leader of The United States Army Band he was recognized by Phi Mu Alpha with a lifetime achievement award. Upon his retirement, the Chief of Staff of the Army awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal, one of the most prestigious peacetime awards available to an active duty Colonel. Master Sergeant MaryKay Messenger is a Newburgh native and well-known vocal soloist throughout the Hudson Valley region, performing classical, Broadway, jazz and popular music. She is the premier vocalist for the United States Military Academy Band, at West Point, and first sang with them in 1980, at the age of 12, singing for the season finale 1812 concert. She continued throughout the years as a guest vocalist for a variety of concerts until she joined the Army in 1996. She performed as a soloist for a European Summer Broadway Tour in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, France, and England, and has appeared locally in several musicals including Godspell, Shenandoah, and Grease. She has sung the role of Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, and the First Lady in The Magic Flute, with the Amato Opera Theatre in New York City. She also appeared as Mimi in La Boheme in Montclair, N.J., and performed in An Evening of Bel Canto and An Evening of Operatic and Neapolitan Love Songs at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie.
MaryKay is often highlighted in Army football halftime shows, and performs for many official functions at West Point and in New York City for distinguished guests, politicians, and international dignitaries. She was recently promoted to Master Sergeant and featured for the 2010 New York Philharmonic Brass Holiday Concerts in December at Avery Fisher Hall and on the local Newburgh Actors Studio stage for a Holiday Cabaret. She received her degree in Business Management from Mount Saint Mary College, where she was honored with the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award in October and studied voice with Walter Blazer from the Manhattan School of Music. She is a parishioner of and sings for St. Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh, and performs in numerous churches in the Tri-State area. MaryKay resides in Milton, with her husband, David, and daughters, Emma and Grace.
Donald Batchelder is Principal Trumpet of the New York City Opera Orchestra where he has played full-time since 2000. Recognized as an outstanding free-lance trumpeter in the New York area since 1983, he performs frequently with the Metropolitan Opera, the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the American Symphony, and on Broadway. In addition to his work with the New York City Opera, Mr. Batchelder holds the principal trumpet chairs in the Westfield (NJ) Symphony and the Stamford (CT) Symphony. He earned both a Bachelors and a
Masters Degree from the Juilliard School where he studied with William Vacchiano and Mel Broiles. Other influential teachers include Vince Penzarella, Arnold Jacobs and Philip Smith. Among Mr. Batchelder's recent solo appearances: When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone by David Gillingham, with the Ridgewood Concert Band; the Shostakovich Concerto for Piano and Trumpet with both the Stamford Symphony and the New York Virtuosi; the world premiere of Trent Johnson's Concertino for Trumpet and Organ; David Sampson's Triptych with the Westfield Symphony; and Herbert L. Clarke's Southern Cross with the Goldman Band. Mr. Batchelder joined the music faculty of Montclair State University in September 2000. John Palatucci is a professional musician, conductor, an educator and adjudicator. Joining the Ridgewood Concert Band at its 1983 inaugural concert, he has served the RCB as principal euphonium, associate conductor, and featured soloist. He holds a BA in music education and a MA in applied music from Montclair State College, a supervisor’s certificate and a MEd in educational leadership from NJ EXCEL. Presently teaching instrumental music in the Livingston Public Schools, for over 35 years he has served NJ’s public and private school students from elementary through graduate levels and coached many to principal chairs in regional, state, national, and international honor ensembles and competitions. From 1986-2005 he served as principal euphonium, conductor, and business manager for the famous Goldman Memorial Band of NYC. He has been music director of the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus of Ridgewood, NJ since 1990, and has performed and recorded on both euphonium and trombone with musical luminaries ranging from Placido Domingo to Dave Brubeck to Frankie Valli as well as Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band. In 1986 he made his Lincoln Center solo debut with the Goldman Memorial Band, his NYC conducting debut in 1994 with the New American Concert Band, and his Lincoln Center conducting debut in 2005 with the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus and the Palisades Virtuosi. In addition to tonight's appearance, this season Mr. Palatucci will make his Carnegie Recital Hall conducting debut with members of the OCMC and piano virtuoso Ron Levy on November 29th, lead the OCMC in its annual holiday gala concerts on December 14th and 15th here in Ridgewood, perform with the Summit Chorale on December 19th, and appear as guest conductor for Merry Tuba Christmas Morristown on December 21st.
To Tame The Perilous Skies – David R. Holsinger (b. 1945) was conceived as a programmatic work literally depicting two opposing forces colliding in battle. Commissioned by the 564th Tactical Air Command Band, Langley AFB, Virginia, this musical composition received its premiere performance under the baton of Lt. Col. Lowell Graham in the fall of 1990. At the time of its premiere, United Nations forces were assembling in the Persian Gulf, and only a few months later the world watched as modern technological air power "tamed the perilous skies" over Iraq and Kuwait. In retrospect, this work is dedicated not only to the exceptional men and women of the Tactical Air Command, but to the spirit of the modern military aviator, taming perilous skies that all men might live free of oppression. Cousins – Herbert L. Clarke (1867-1945) was composed in 1904 as a cornet and trombone duet with band accompaniment for the composer himself on cornet and Leo Zimmerman as the trombone soloist. Both soloists at that time were principal players with John Philip Sousa’s renowned touring band. Herbert L. Clarke was acknowledged to be the greatest cornet soloist of his time and was certainly the most celebrated. Cousins combined the requisite technical displays of the time with an increased warmth and lyricism of style, focusing on melodic flow even in extremely difficult passages. The work is as impressive today as it was at the turn of the last century. Taps - Eternal Father – Daniel Butterfield (1831-1901) & John B. Dykes (1823-1876) Arranged by Capt. Kenneth R. Force, USMS. The familiar melody of Taps is credited to Union General Daniel Butterfield during the Civil War. The melody was made the official Army bugle call after the war, but was not given the name “Taps” until 1874. The first time “Taps” was played at a military funeral may have been in Virginia, soon after Butterfield composed it. This has become a tradition that continues at military funerals in the present day. Eternal Father Strong to Save is known to United States Navy men and women as the “Navy Hymn.” It is a musical benediction that has had a long and special appeal to seafaring men and women. This arrangement of these two moving melodies places a lone bugler away from the band. The two echo each other back and forth, finally fading away into the night, just as Taps does each evening at sundown. This reverent music is an emotional ride.
PROGRAM NOTES Overture to “Katherine” – John Philip Sousa (1854 – 1932) was Sousa’s earliest stage work composed but never performed in 1879 when he was only 25 years old. It was in this same year that Sousa was chosen as Director of the U.S. Marine Band in Washington, D.C. that was the beginning of his fabled 52 year career as a bandmaster. This early comic opera fell into obscurity once the more mature Sousa offered his crown jewel and often performed “El Capitan” in 1896. However, the Overture to “Katherine” has been revived and published recently so audiences can appreciate an early work of one of America’s most prolific and beloved composers. When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone – David R. Gillingham (b. 1947) The three movements or sections of When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone are continuous without pause. The first movement, “When stride the warriors of the storm,” is suggestive of the homesickness of the G.I. alone on the foreign battlefield. The second movement, "By angel hands to valor given," is designed to evoke the image of a funeral procession to a military cemetery for the burial of a fallen comrade. The final movement, "Shall thy proud stars resplendent shine," should evoke feelings of joy, victory and patriotism. The composer’s message is skillfully presented by tonight’s soloist. Symphony for Band – Morton Gould (1913 – 1996) Subtitled the West Point Symphony, this work was commissioned for the West Point Sesquicentennial Celebration of 1952 and was premiered under the baton of the composer. There are two movements, Epitaphs and Marches, about which Gould has commented: "The first movement is lyrical and dramatic. The work starts with a quiet and melodic statement of the main theme and motifs that are used and expanded through the entire piece. The general character is elegiac. The form here is a passacaglia based on a martial theme first stated in the tuba. On this is built a series of variations that grow in intensity. They mount to a dynamic peak, and after a final climatic variation the movement recalls the previous lyricisms, but with the passacaglia motif hovering in the background. The movement finishes quietly. The second and final movement is lusty and gay in character. The texture is a stylization of marching tunes that parades past in an array of embellishments and rhythmic variants. At one point there is a simulation of a Fife and Drum Corps which, incidentally, was the instrumentation of the original West Point Band. After a brief transformed restatement of the themes in the first movement, the work finishes in a virtuoso Coda of martial fanfares and flourishes."
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. _______________________________________________________________
FLUTES Annette Lieb
Jill Bloom Carolyn Campagna
Carolyn Crumb Marissa Fleming
Lisandra Hernandez Jennifer Kasyan Mary Nussear Leslie Pruess *
Tomomi Takamoto Max Taylor - Piccolo
OBOES
Mary Lou Irvine * Andrea Nowalk
BASSOONS
Linda Balavram * Jason Stier
CLARINETS
Naomi Freshwater Lyn M. Lowndes
Joe Mariany Michelle McGuire - Eb
Leigh Myers Marcie Phelan
Jean Roughgarden Rachel Schulman
Beth Seavers Neil Sheehan
Karen Summers Richard Summers *
Janet Vidovich
BASS CLARINETS Glenn Chernicky
Joel Kolk *
SAXOPHONES Andre Baruch - Tenor
Lois Hicks-Wozniak * - Alto Deanna Loertscher - Alto
Michael DePompeo - Baritone
CORNETS/TRUMPETS Alicia Ali
Tim Beadle Dave Bychek Brian Fleming
Dave Hurd Tamara McLaughlin
Michael Russo Ann Sirinides Khan Smith
Tony Spinuzzi Joseph Stella
Roger Widicus *
FRENCH HORNS Meghan Chann Mark Holodak
Carolyn Kirby * Bryan Meyer
Brian McLaughlin Deloss Schertz
TROMBONES Tom Abbate
Noreen Baer * Steve Carr Paul Kirby
Keith Marson Donald Van Teyens
EUPHONIUMS Robyn Keyes
John Palatucci * Laura Rann
TUBAS
Michael Gould Robert Sacchi *
Michael Thurlow
STRING BASS Steve Freides
PIANO
Alison Meyer
PERCUSSION Tim Burt
Andrew Haderthauer Charles Lachman * Adrienne Ostrander
James Mallen Beth Seavers Brian Silver Mark Zettler
* PRINCIPAL
______________________
ASSOCIATE CONDUCTORS John Palatucci
Richard Summers
LIBRARIAN Lyn M. Lowndes
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 New Jersey City University Wind Symphony Patrick Burns, Director
Spitfire Prelude - William Walton, arranged by R. B. Ashford
Commando March - Samuel Barber El Camino Real - Alfred Reed
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hail to Spirit of Liberty John Philip Sousa
Entrance of the Colors by American Legion Color Guard, Post 153 - Park Ridge, NJ
The Star-Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key arranged by Sousa/Damrosch
National Emblem E. E. Bagley
Overture from Sousa's Comic Opera "Katherine" John Philip Sousa
When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone David R. Gillingham Donald Batchelder, Trumpet in C, Flugelhorn, & A Piccolo Trumpet
West Point Symphony Morton Gould I. Epitaphs II. Marches
Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Conductor
INTERMISSION
To Tame the Perilous Skies David R. Holsinger
Cousins Herbert L. Clarke arranged by David Marlatt
Donald Batchelder, Cornet John Palatucci, Euphonium
Fascinatin' Gershwin arranged by Paul Murtha Master Sergeant MaryKay Messenger, Soprano
Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Conductor
The Washington Post John Philip Sousa Andy Lieb, Conductor
Present the Colors arranged by Daniel Sandidge Service Songs of the U.S. Armed Forces Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines A salute to all current and retired US Military personnel - please rise as your service song is performed.
Taps - Eternal Father Gen. Daniel Butterfield & John B. Dykes arranged by Capt. Kenneth R. Force U.S.M.S
In memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, please hold your applause at the conclusion.
Finale to Overture "1812" Peter I. Tchaikovsky arranged by M. L. Lake
Stars and Stripes Forever John Philip Sousa Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Conductor
*Flash photography and audio or video recording of this concert is strictly prohibited.*
DR. CHRISTIAN WILHJELM, MUSIC DIRECTOR
PROGRAM
FLUTES Annette Lieb
Jill Bloom Carolyn Campagna
Carolyn Crumb Marissa Fleming
Lisandra Hernandez Jennifer Kasyan Mary Nussear Leslie Pruess *
Tomomi Takamoto Max Taylor - Piccolo
OBOES
Mary Lou Irvine * Andrea Nowalk
BASSOONS
Linda Balavram * Jason Stier
CLARINETS
Naomi Freshwater Lyn M. Lowndes
Joe Mariany Michelle McGuire - Eb
Leigh Myers Marcie Phelan
Jean Roughgarden Rachel Schulman
Beth Seavers Neil Sheehan
Karen Summers Richard Summers *
Janet Vidovich
BASS CLARINETS Glenn Chernicky
Joel Kolk *
SAXOPHONES Andre Baruch - Tenor
Lois Hicks-Wozniak * - Alto Deanna Loertscher - Alto
Michael DePompeo - Baritone
CORNETS/TRUMPETS Alicia Ali
Tim Beadle Dave Bychek Brian Fleming
Dave Hurd Tamara McLaughlin
Michael Russo Ann Sirinides Khan Smith
Tony Spinuzzi Joseph Stella
Roger Widicus *
FRENCH HORNS Meghan Chann Mark Holodak
Carolyn Kirby * Bryan Meyer
Brian McLaughlin Deloss Schertz
TROMBONES Tom Abbate
Noreen Baer * Steve Carr Paul Kirby
Keith Marson Donald Van Teyens
EUPHONIUMS Robyn Keyes
John Palatucci * Laura Rann
TUBAS
Michael Gould Robert Sacchi *
Michael Thurlow
STRING BASS Steve Freides
PIANO
Alison Meyer
PERCUSSION Tim Burt
Andrew Haderthauer Charles Lachman * Adrienne Ostrander
James Mallen Beth Seavers Brian Silver Mark Zettler
* PRINCIPAL
______________________
ASSOCIATE CONDUCTORS John Palatucci
Richard Summers
LIBRARIAN Lyn M. Lowndes
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 New Jersey City University Wind Symphony Patrick Burns, Director
Spitfire Prelude - William Walton, arranged by R. B. Ashford
Commando March - Samuel Barber El Camino Real - Alfred Reed
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hail to Spirit of Liberty John Philip Sousa
Entrance of the Colors by American Legion Color Guard, Post 153 - Park Ridge, NJ
The Star-Spangled Banner Francis Scott Key arranged by Sousa/Damrosch
National Emblem E. E. Bagley
Overture from Sousa's Comic Opera "Katherine" John Philip Sousa
When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone David R. Gillingham Donald Batchelder, Trumpet in C, Flugelhorn, & A Piccolo Trumpet
West Point Symphony Morton Gould I. Epitaphs II. Marches
Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Conductor
INTERMISSION
To Tame the Perilous Skies David R. Holsinger
Cousins Herbert L. Clarke arranged by David Marlatt
Donald Batchelder, Cornet John Palatucci, Euphonium
Fascinatin' Gershwin arranged by Paul Murtha Master Sergeant MaryKay Messenger, Soprano
Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Conductor
The Washington Post John Philip Sousa Andy Lieb, Conductor
Present the Colors arranged by Daniel Sandidge Service Songs of the U.S. Armed Forces Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, Merchant Marines A salute to all current and retired US Military personnel - please rise as your service song is performed.
Taps - Eternal Father Gen. Daniel Butterfield & John B. Dykes arranged by Capt. Kenneth R. Force U.S.M.S
In memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, please hold your applause at the conclusion.
Finale to Overture "1812" Peter I. Tchaikovsky arranged by M. L. Lake
Stars and Stripes Forever John Philip Sousa Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Conductor
*Flash photography and audio or video recording of this concert is strictly prohibited.*
DR. CHRISTIAN WILHJELM, MUSIC DIRECTOR
PROGRAM
PROGRAM NOTES Overture to “Katherine” – John Philip Sousa (1854 – 1932) was Sousa’s earliest stage work composed but never performed in 1879 when he was only 25 years old. It was in this same year that Sousa was chosen as Director of the U.S. Marine Band in Washington, D.C. that was the beginning of his fabled 52 year career as a bandmaster. This early comic opera fell into obscurity once the more mature Sousa offered his crown jewel and often performed “El Capitan” in 1896. However, the Overture to “Katherine” has been revived and published recently so audiences can appreciate an early work of one of America’s most prolific and beloved composers. When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone – David R. Gillingham (b. 1947) The three movements or sections of When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone are continuous without pause. The first movement, “When stride the warriors of the storm,” is suggestive of the homesickness of the G.I. alone on the foreign battlefield. The second movement, "By angel hands to valor given," is designed to evoke the image of a funeral procession to a military cemetery for the burial of a fallen comrade. The final movement, "Shall thy proud stars resplendent shine," should evoke feelings of joy, victory and patriotism. The composer’s message is skillfully presented by tonight’s soloist. Symphony for Band – Morton Gould (1913 – 1996) Subtitled the West Point Symphony, this work was commissioned for the West Point Sesquicentennial Celebration of 1952 and was premiered under the baton of the composer. There are two movements, Epitaphs and Marches, about which Gould has commented: "The first movement is lyrical and dramatic. The work starts with a quiet and melodic statement of the main theme and motifs that are used and expanded through the entire piece. The general character is elegiac. The form here is a passacaglia based on a martial theme first stated in the tuba. On this is built a series of variations that grow in intensity. They mount to a dynamic peak, and after a final climatic variation the movement recalls the previous lyricisms, but with the passacaglia motif hovering in the background. The movement finishes quietly. The second and final movement is lusty and gay in character. The texture is a stylization of marching tunes that parades past in an array of embellishments and rhythmic variants. At one point there is a simulation of a Fife and Drum Corps which, incidentally, was the instrumentation of the original West Point Band. After a brief transformed restatement of the themes in the first movement, the work finishes in a virtuoso Coda of martial fanfares and flourishes."
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. _______________________________________________________________
Donald Batchelder is Principal Trumpet of the New York City Opera Orchestra where he has played full-time since 2000. Recognized as an outstanding free-lance trumpeter in the New York area since 1983, he performs frequently with the Metropolitan Opera, the Brooklyn Philharmonic and the American Symphony, and on Broadway. In addition to his work with the New York City Opera, Mr. Batchelder holds the principal trumpet chairs in the Westfield (NJ) Symphony and the Stamford (CT) Symphony. He earned both a Bachelors and a
Masters Degree from the Juilliard School where he studied with William Vacchiano and Mel Broiles. Other influential teachers include Vince Penzarella, Arnold Jacobs and Philip Smith. Among Mr. Batchelder's recent solo appearances: When Speaks the Signal-Trumpet Tone by David Gillingham, with the Ridgewood Concert Band; the Shostakovich Concerto for Piano and Trumpet with both the Stamford Symphony and the New York Virtuosi; the world premiere of Trent Johnson's Concertino for Trumpet and Organ; David Sampson's Triptych with the Westfield Symphony; and Herbert L. Clarke's Southern Cross with the Goldman Band. Mr. Batchelder joined the music faculty of Montclair State University in September 2000. John Palatucci is a professional musician, conductor, an educator and adjudicator. Joining the Ridgewood Concert Band at its 1983 inaugural concert, he has served the RCB as principal euphonium, associate conductor, and featured soloist. He holds a BA in music education and a MA in applied music from Montclair State College, a supervisor’s certificate and a MEd in educational leadership from NJ EXCEL. Presently teaching instrumental music in the Livingston Public Schools, for over 35 years he has served NJ’s public and private school students from elementary through graduate levels and coached many to principal chairs in regional, state, national, and international honor ensembles and competitions. From 1986-2005 he served as principal euphonium, conductor, and business manager for the famous Goldman Memorial Band of NYC. He has been music director of the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus of Ridgewood, NJ since 1990, and has performed and recorded on both euphonium and trombone with musical luminaries ranging from Placido Domingo to Dave Brubeck to Frankie Valli as well as Keith Brion’s New Sousa Band. In 1986 he made his Lincoln Center solo debut with the Goldman Memorial Band, his NYC conducting debut in 1994 with the New American Concert Band, and his Lincoln Center conducting debut in 2005 with the Orpheus Club Men's Chorus and the Palisades Virtuosi. In addition to tonight's appearance, this season Mr. Palatucci will make his Carnegie Recital Hall conducting debut with members of the OCMC and piano virtuoso Ron Levy on November 29th, lead the OCMC in its annual holiday gala concerts on December 14th and 15th here in Ridgewood, perform with the Summit Chorale on December 19th, and appear as guest conductor for Merry Tuba Christmas Morristown on December 21st.
To Tame The Perilous Skies – David R. Holsinger (b. 1945) was conceived as a programmatic work literally depicting two opposing forces colliding in battle. Commissioned by the 564th Tactical Air Command Band, Langley AFB, Virginia, this musical composition received its premiere performance under the baton of Lt. Col. Lowell Graham in the fall of 1990. At the time of its premiere, United Nations forces were assembling in the Persian Gulf, and only a few months later the world watched as modern technological air power "tamed the perilous skies" over Iraq and Kuwait. In retrospect, this work is dedicated not only to the exceptional men and women of the Tactical Air Command, but to the spirit of the modern military aviator, taming perilous skies that all men might live free of oppression. Cousins – Herbert L. Clarke (1867-1945) was composed in 1904 as a cornet and trombone duet with band accompaniment for the composer himself on cornet and Leo Zimmerman as the trombone soloist. Both soloists at that time were principal players with John Philip Sousa’s renowned touring band. Herbert L. Clarke was acknowledged to be the greatest cornet soloist of his time and was certainly the most celebrated. Cousins combined the requisite technical displays of the time with an increased warmth and lyricism of style, focusing on melodic flow even in extremely difficult passages. The work is as impressive today as it was at the turn of the last century. Taps - Eternal Father – Daniel Butterfield (1831-1901) & John B. Dykes (1823-1876) Arranged by Capt. Kenneth R. Force, USMS. The familiar melody of Taps is credited to Union General Daniel Butterfield during the Civil War. The melody was made the official Army bugle call after the war, but was not given the name “Taps” until 1874. The first time “Taps” was played at a military funeral may have been in Virginia, soon after Butterfield composed it. This has become a tradition that continues at military funerals in the present day. Eternal Father Strong to Save is known to United States Navy men and women as the “Navy Hymn.” It is a musical benediction that has had a long and special appeal to seafaring men and women. This arrangement of these two moving melodies places a lone bugler away from the band. The two echo each other back and forth, finally fading away into the night, just as Taps does each evening at sundown. This reverent music is an emotional ride.
Overture “1812” – P.I. Tchaikovsky (1840-1893) was commissioned in 1880 by Nikolai Rubinstein for the Moscow Exhibition of 1881. The newly-constructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior was scheduled to be opened in commemoration of the historical events of 1812, the year that Napoleon invaded Russia. After Moscow burned, he ordered French troops to retreat, but winter set in early. Casualties in the French Grand Army were catastrophic. Napoleon’s forces were effectively wiped out, forcing him to return to France to raise a new army. Given the historical observance and the occasion of the cathedral opening, Tchaikovsky combined French and Russian anthems with Russian Orthodox chant and a healthy dose of military bombast. The result was one of the most popular and often performed overtures ever composed The Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa (1854-1932) is considered the finest march ever written, and one of the most patriotic ever conceived. The march was not so well received at first, yet its popularity grew as Sousa used it during the Spanish-American War as a concert closer. Audiences would rise from their chairs when the march was played. Sousa added to the entertainment value of the march by having the piccolo up in front of the band for the final trio, and then added the brass section to join on the final repeat of the strain. The march was performed on almost all of Sousa’s concerts and always drew an emotional response from the audience. In 1987 President Ronald Reagan signed a bill into law that designated The Stars and Stripes as the official march of the United States of America. This march continues in the present day to stir patriotic emotion from audiences both home and abroad. Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan ______________________________________________________
The RCB would like to thank the Color Guard of American Legion Post 153 - Park Ridge, NJ: Captain Jim Mescher, Jerry Alexander, Walter Coyman, Ken
Hensley, Byron Marzan and Al Quackenbush
Colonel Bryan Shelburne's conducting experience includes brass groups at Arizona State University as a Teaching Fellow, high school and elementary school bands in Houston, TX, and professional military wind and vocal groups in Washington, DC, as well as in Europe. He retired in May 2000 as a Colonel in the Army, where for 10 years he served as the 6th leader of The United States Army Band, "Pershing's Own," in Washington, DC. During his time in Washington, his various groups performed for Presidents Reagan, Ford, Carter, Bush, Clinton, and for countless foreign heads of state. He previously served as the leader of
The United States Military Academy Band at West Point, NY. Colonel Shelburne holds degrees from Arizona State University (Master of Music with emphasis in music theory and composition) and Hardin-Simmons University (Bachelor of Music, applied instrumental degree, trombone) and holds the Texas "all levels" teaching certificate. In 1989 he was selected for membership in the American Bandmasters Association and for ten years served on the Board of Directors for the John Philip Sousa Foundation. He is a member of the National Band Association, the Music Educators National Conference, and the College Band Directors National Association. In 1999 he was inducted into Phi Beta Mu as an honorary lifetime member, and before he retired as leader of The United States Army Band he was recognized by Phi Mu Alpha with a lifetime achievement award. Upon his retirement, the Chief of Staff of the Army awarded him the Distinguished Service Medal, one of the most prestigious peacetime awards available to an active duty Colonel. Master Sergeant MaryKay Messenger is a Newburgh native and well-known vocal soloist throughout the Hudson Valley region, performing classical, Broadway, jazz and popular music. She is the premier vocalist for the United States Military Academy Band, at West Point, and first sang with them in 1980, at the age of 12, singing for the season finale 1812 concert. She continued throughout the years as a guest vocalist for a variety of concerts until she joined the Army in 1996. She performed as a soloist for a European Summer Broadway Tour in the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, France, and England, and has appeared locally in several musicals including Godspell, Shenandoah, and Grease. She has sung the role of Rosalinda in Die Fledermaus, Donna Elvira in Don Giovanni, and the First Lady in The Magic Flute, with the Amato Opera Theatre in New York City. She also appeared as Mimi in La Boheme in Montclair, N.J., and performed in An Evening of Bel Canto and An Evening of Operatic and Neapolitan Love Songs at the Bardavon Opera House in Poughkeepsie.
MaryKay is often highlighted in Army football halftime shows, and performs for many official functions at West Point and in New York City for distinguished guests, politicians, and international dignitaries. She was recently promoted to Master Sergeant and featured for the 2010 New York Philharmonic Brass Holiday Concerts in December at Avery Fisher Hall and on the local Newburgh Actors Studio stage for a Holiday Cabaret. She received her degree in Business Management from Mount Saint Mary College, where she was honored with the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award in October and studied voice with Walter Blazer from the Manhattan School of Music. She is a parishioner of and sings for St. Francis of Assisi Church in Newburgh, and performs in numerous churches in the Tri-State area. MaryKay resides in Milton, with her husband, David, and daughters, Emma and Grace.
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, John Butler, Mike DePompeo,
Lawrence Friedman, Carolyn Kirby, Kathleen Peters, Phillip Peters, Thomas P. Price, Deloss Schertz & Beth Seavers
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
WEST SIDE CONCERT SERIES: David Higgs - Organ
Sunday, November 3, 2013 - 4:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
www.westsideconcerts.org __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
PARLANCE CHAMBER CONCERTS: Brentano String Quartet
Sunday, October 27, 2013 - 4:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
ParlanceChamberConcerts.org __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
UPCOMING RCB CONCERTS
Winter Festival Friday, December 6, 2013 – 8:00 PM
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Saxophone Spectacular Friday, February 7, 2014 – 8:00 PM
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
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
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ ________________________________________________________________________
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
Salute to our Nation's Veterans
FEATURED GUEST SOLOISTS Donald Batchelder, Trumpet
Master Sergeant MaryKay Messenger, Soprano John Palatucci, Euphonium
FEATURED GUEST CONDUCTOR
Colonel Bryan Shelburne, Director US Army Band, Pershing's Own, Retired
PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM New Jersey City University Wind Symphony
Patrick Burns, Director
Friday, October 25, 2013 - 8:00 PM
West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
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+) Lindsay B. Gallagher
Konica Minolta Business Solutions Merrill Lynch Wealth Management/Bank of
America Corp. Thomas & Victoria Price
Donald W. Reeder, Roth Family Trust
PATRON ($2,000-$2,999) Carolyn & Howard Crumb
Friends in support of new music
SUPPORTER ($500 - $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 PVH Corporation
John & Marilyn Wagner Patricia & Frederick Yosca
ASSOCIATE ($250 - $499)
Paul & Mary Berquist John Butler
Costco of Hackensack Paul & Carolyn Kirby
In memory of Acton E. Ostling Kathleen & John J. Palatucci
Carol & Neil Sheehan Judith Widicus
BNY Mellon Community Partnership Plymouth Rock Foundation
Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC.
AFFILIATE ($100 - $249) John & Norma Archibald
Richard Aumiller Kenneth & Sarina Bronfin
James Demes Maureen Demes
Mr. & Mrs. Andrew Demes Timothy & Corinne Dyas
Sally Fillmore Katherine Grosso
Richard F. Hahn Martha & Jane Huff
Marie Kane Michael J. Kokola Michael Lemma
Annette & Andy Lieb Judith & David Maron
Jerrold, Mary A. & Leah Meyer Dorothy S. Neff Marcella Phelan
Rufus & Doris Reid Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill
Edward J. Schlamp Francis H. Schott Rachel Schulman
Richard & Karen Summers Kathleen & Harold Sylvester
Drs. Susan Volpicella-Levy & Ian Levy
FRIEND ($1 - $99) Virginia Baird Mary Barker
Michelle & James Dugan Vicki Fiore, M.D.
Les & Sue Fox Eileen Ginn
Katherine Grosso Richard F. Hahn Janet Johnston
Michael J. Lemma Linda Maguire Irene Montella
Barbara Oransky Leslie Preuss
Albert W. Schagen Beth Seavers
Virginia Sirinides Richard & Jessie VerHage
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Season 31, Concert 1 - October 25, 2013 - Salute to our Nation's Veterans
