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Season 35, Concert 4 - April 13, 2018
BENEFACTOR ($3,000 and above) Thomas & Victoria Price
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs
PATRON ($2,000 to $2,999)
Carolyn & Howard Crumb Lindsay Gallagher
Judy & Roger Widicus Dr. Christian Wilhjelm & Jacqueline Sarracco
SPONSOR ($1,000 to $1,999)
Nancy Crumb Ricciardi Michael & Darel-Ann DePompeo In Memory of Gunther Schuller
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. PVH Corporation
SUPPORTER ($500 to $999)
Barbara Abney Bolger Lawrence & Donna Friedman In Memory of Aquilina Lim Jeffrey & Kathryn Mantell John & Marilyn Wagner Fred & Patricia Yosca
ASSOCIATE ($250 to $499)
Johan de Meij / Amstel Music USA Elaine Douvas
Naomi Freshwater Paul Goldberg
Marie Kane Paul & Carolyn Kirby
Michael Kokola Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill
Thomas & Kristen Siebenhuhner Richard & Karen Summers
James & Mary Welton Helaine & Alan Wohl
AFFILIATE ($100 to $249)
Ginny Baird Ruth & Robert Barton John & Louise Butler
David & Jacalyn Bychek Suzanne Coletta & Seth Glasser
Kenneth & Linda Dutcher Sally Fillmore & David Appel
Annette & Andy Lieb James & Cheryl Mallen
Marks Family
Jerry, Mary, Leah, & Brendan Meyer Dorothy Neff
Marcella Phelan Eddie & Mary Romeau
Jean Roughgarden Steven & Ida Steiner Jason & Jennifer Stier
Kathleen & Harold Sylvester Dr. Richard & Katherine Wise
Nancy Zweil Blue Moon Mexican Cafe
BNY Mellon Community Partnership
FRIEND ($1 to $99) Thomas Alexander
Barbaralee Berté & Ron Buchichio June Blauvelt Joan Dolder Goldie Easse
Delbert & Anne Eisch Margarita & Paul Elkin
Frances Ferraro Mark & Arlene Glauber
Katherine Grasso Lois Hicks-Wozniak
Janet Johnston Dr. Lisa Lutter
Lawrence Miloscia Thelma Peres
Walter & Diana Perog Larry & Barbara Roshon Michael & Dawn Russo
Albert Schagen Rachel Schulman
Ann Sirinides Kathryn Smith Christina Stier
Alexander & Debra Taylor Paul Van Ness & Wanlun Esther Tsai
Carl & Alice Wilhjelm Janet Williams
Mark & Andrea Zettler Amazon Smile Foundation
Balloonacy, LLC
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.
2017-18 CONTRIBUTORS The New Jersey Wind Symphony gratefully acknowledges the support of our
donors and subscribers whose generous support makes these programs possible.
Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, Music Director
Solid Brass
FEATURED GUESTS Joseph Alessi, Trombone
Philip Smith, Cornet/Trumpet
PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM Northern Highlands High School Wind Ensemble
Ms. Theodora Sotiropoulos, Director
Friday, April 13, 2018 - 8:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is a Proud
Sponsor of the New Jersey Wind Symphony
About the New Jersey Wind Symphony Dr. Chris 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
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 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.
________________________________________________________________________
For additional NJWS information, please visit our website or scan our QR code:
WWW.NJWINDSMPHONY.ORG
NEW JERSEY WIND SYMPHONY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PRESIDENT: Deloss Schertz
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Mark Zettler
VICE PRESIDENT: Lawrence Friedman
RECORDING SECRETARY: Annette Lieb
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: James Mallen
TREASURER: Neil Sheehan
MEMBERS AT LARGE: John Butler
Mike DePompeo David Marks Beth Seavers
John & Marilyn Wagner
MEET THE NJWS
Thomas A. Abbate, a member of the trombone section, is a musician by night and a lawyer by day who practices as a litigation partner in the 70-lawyer firm of DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, located in Teaneck. Tom’s practice focuses on complex civil, regulatory and commercial litigation on behalf of business and government entities in the trial and appellate courts. Tom has represented business entities in many different litigation matters through his 16-year
career practicing law. Of local interest, he was lead counsel in a series of lawsuits in the state and federal courts, all the way up to the New Jersey Supreme Court, which culminated in the successful re-launch and re-opening of the former Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, in June 2013. Tom also defends government entities against a variety of matters including employment discrimination, civil and constitutional rights, public bidding, environmental contamination, and public records access. He has also lectured and written on subjects including public procurement and bidding, public records access, and police liability. Prior to attending law school at Fordham University School of Law, where he graduated in 2002 with a Juris Doctor degree, in 1999 Tom obtained his Bachelor’s degree in music from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, where he studied trombone with Professor Timothy Conner. Prior to that, Tom was a trombone student of James A. Biddlecome, of the New York City Opera Orchestra. The New Jersey Wind Symphony’s Music Director, Dr. Chris Wilhjelm, was Tom’s high school school band director at Pascack Hills High School from 1991-1995. In order to maintain his sanity after being around lawyers all day, Tom keeps an active schedule performing with various groups in the area, including as principal trombone with the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, and with the New Jersey Wind Symphony, which he first joined in 1994 at the age of 17.
Joseph Alessi was appointed Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic, The Gurnee F. and Marjorie L. Hart Chair, in the spring of 1985. He began musical studies in his native California with his father, Joseph Alessi, Sr., as a high school student in San Rafael, California, and was a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony before continuing his musical training at the Curtis Institute of Music. Before joining the Philharmonic, Mr. Alessi was second trombone of The Philadelphia Orchestra for four seasons, and principal trombone of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for one season. He has performed as guest principal trombonist with the London Symphony Orchestra in Carnegie Hall, led by Pierre Boulez.
Mr. Alessi is an active soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. In April 1990 he made his New York Philharmonic solo debut,
performing Creston’s Fantasy for Trombone, and in 1992 premiered Christopher Rouse’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Trombone Concerto with the Philharmonic, which commissioned the work for its 150th anniversary celebration. He performed the World Premiere of Melinda Wagner’s Trombone Concerto, conducted by Lorin Maazel in February 2007. In July 2013 he appeared with the Philharmonic as soloist in Bramwell Tovey’s The Lincoln Tunnel Cabaret for Trombone and Orchestra, written for Mr. Alessi, at Summertime Classics and at Bravo! Vail, both performances conducted by the composer. In June 2016 he gave the World Premiere of William Bolcom’s Trombone Concerto, a Philharmonic co-commission, conducted by then Music Director Alan Gilbert as part of the NY PHIL BIENNIAL; Mr. Alessi and the Philharmonic, led by Alan Gilbert, reprised the concerto in the 2016–17 season.
Mr. Alessi has been a guest soloist with the Lincoln, Colorado, Syracuse, Virginia, Alabama, Santa Barbara, Puerto Rico, Hartford, and South Dakota symphony orchestras; New Japan, Seoul, Hague, and Helsinki philharmonic orchestras; National Repertory Orchestra; Orchestra of Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, Sicily; Mannheim National Theater Orchestra; and National Symphony of Taiwan. Mr. Alessi has also participated in numerous festivals, including the Festivale Musica di Camera in Protogruaro, Italy; Cabrillo Music Festival; Swiss Brass Week; and Lieksa Brass Week in Finland. He was featured in the 1997 International Trombone Festival in Feldkirch, Austria, and the International Meeting of Brass Instruments in Lille, France. He is a founding member of the Summit Brass ensemble at the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute in Tempe, Arizona. In 2002 Mr. Alessi was awarded an International Trombone Association Award for his contributions to the world of trombone music and trombone playing.
Joseph Alessi is currently on the faculty of The Juilliard School; his students now occupy posts with many major symphony orchestras in the U.S. and internationally. As a clinician for the Edwards Instrument Co., he has also given master classes throughout the world and has toured Europe extensively as a master teacher and recitalist. He has performed as soloist with several leading concert bands, including the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point, U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”), and the U.S. Marine Band (“The President’s Own”).
Mr. Alessi’s discography includes many releases on the Summit record label, including Trombonastics and Fandango, with retired Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Philip Smith. He also recorded New York Legends on the Cala label, Return to Sorrento on the Naxos record label, and conductor/composer Bramwell Tovey’s Urban Cabaret. His live recording with the Philharmonic of Christopher Rouse’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Trombone Concerto, commissioned for the Orchestra’s 150th anniversary project, can be heard on Volume II of An American Celebration, on New York Philharmonic Special Editions, the Orchestra’s own recording label.
Mr. Alessi was invited by the International Trombone Association to record a solo disc of newly composed works, which was distributed to the Association’s membership of 5,000 trombonists in early 1999 and is now available as Beyond the End of the Century through Summit Records. His recording of George Crumb’s Starchild on the Bridge record label, featuring Mr. Alessi as soloist, won a Grammy Award for 1999–2000. Other recordings featuring Mr. Alessi are with the Canadian Brass (Sony Classical and Philips Records).
Philip Smith joined the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia as the William F. and Pamela P. Prokasy Professor in the Arts in August 2014. In addition to teaching his trumpet studio, he is the Bandmaster of the UGA British Brass Band, member of the faculty Georgia Brass Quintet, and coach of the Bulldog Brass Society. This new position follows his retirement from the New York Philharmonic after 36 years of service as Principal Trumpet, having joined the New York Philharmonic in October 1978.
Mr. Smith’s father, Derek Smith, a renowned English cornet soloist, provided his early training. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School, having studied with Edward Treutel and William Vacchiano, former Principal Trumpet of the New York
Philharmonic. In January 1975, while still at Juilliard, Sir Georg Solti appointed Mr. Smith to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Smith has appeared regularly as soloist, recitalist, chamber orchestra performer, and clinician. He has been featured as a soloist with the Philharmonic performing with conductors Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Erich Leinsdorf, Leonard Bernstein, Neeme Järvi, Lorin Maazel, Alan Gilbert and Bramwell Tovey. Repertoire highlights have included the world premiere of Joseph Turrin’s Trumpet Concerto with the New York Philharmonic (1989) and its subsequent European premiere with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (1994). Mr. Smith has also appeared with many symphonic wind ensembles, including the US “President’s Own” Marine Band, the West Point Academy Band, the US Army TRADOC Band, the US Coast Guard Band, La Philharmonie des Vents des Quebec and many major university wind ensembles.
An avid brass band enthusiast, Mr. Smith has been guest soloist with the United States Army Brass Band, and the contesting bands of Goteborg Brass (Sweden), Black Dyke Mills and Rigid Containers Band (Britain), Hannaford Street Silver Band and Intrada Brass (Canada), as well as Columbus Brass Band, Triangle Brass Band, and Imperial Brass (USA). Mr. Smith is now conducting brass bands and brass ensembles. Recently, he has conducted the Georgia Brass Band, the Imperial Brass (NJ) and Gramercy Brass (NY).
Mr. Smith has been on the faculty of The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, and has appeared as recitalist and clinician at the Caramoor International Music Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, Swiss Brass Week, Breman (Germany) Trumpet Days, Oslo (Norway) Trumpet Week, Harmony Ridge (Vermont) Festival, Scotia Festival of Music and numerous International Trumpet Guild conferences.
In 2005, Mr. Smith was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music (Hon RAM). In 2006, Mr. Smith was given the International Trumpet Guild Honorary Award.
As a member of the Principal Brass Quintet, Mr. Smith has toured Japan four times, as well as Brazil and Germany. He has also performed and recorded with the Canadian Brass, Empire Brass, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Bargemusic, and New York Virtuosi Chamber Symphony.
His solo recordings include The Philip Smith Collection, presented by the New York Philharmonic, a three-volume set of recordings of solos and orchestral excerpts from his tenure with the NYP. Other recordings include Contest Solos produced by the International Trumpet Guild; Fandango, featuring New York Philharmonic Principal Trombonist Joseph Alessi and the University of New Mexico Wind Symphony (Summit); My Song of Songs with the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army (Triumphonic); Copland’s Quiet City (Deutsche Grammophone); New York Legends (CALA); Orchestral Excerpts for Trumpet (Summit); Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Concerto for Trumpet and Five Instruments (New World); Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 (Koch); Walton’s Façade (Arabesque); and The Trump Shall Resound and Repeat the Sounding Joy (Heritage).
Mr. Smith has collaborated on a series of projects with Curnow Music Press (Hal Leonard), publishing music arrangements with demonstration CDs. These include Great Hymns, More Great Hymns, and Great Christmas Carols for Trumpet and Piano. Two trumpet study books with demo CD have also been produced, Concert Studies and Advanced Concert Studies. In a similar project published by Michael Davis and Hip-Bone Music, Mr. Smith has recorded the 20 minute WARM UP ROUTINE and the new 10 MWU etude book. Also in this series is Total Trumpet, featuring a variety of trumpet studies demonstrated by Randy Brecker, Jim Hynes and Philip Smith.
Mr. Smith’s film soundtrack credits include: Cobb (1994) music by Elliot Goldenthal; The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) music by Carter Burwell; A Time To Kill (1996) music by Elliot Goldenthal; Punchline (1998) music by Gary Anderson and Charles Gross; Sphere (1998) music by Elliot Goldenthal; The Rookie (2002) music by Carter Burwell; The Ladykillers (2004) music by Carter Burwell; Manchurian Candidate (2004) music by Rachel Portman; Hitch (2005) music by George Fenton and Alan Elliot. His commercial soundtrack credits include: "NBC Sunday Night Football Theme 2006" music by John Williams; "NBC Super Bowl XVIII Theme 2008" music by John Williams and Joel Beckerman (currently heard); "NBC and Golf Channel Tournament Theme 2013" music by Joel Beckerman.
West Side Story – Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) Arranged by W. J. Duthoit. West Side Story was Leonard Bernstein’s greatest popular success. Characterized as an American Romeo and Juliet, the work is noted for its extraordinary dance sequences, melodic characterization, musical continuity, cohesive plot construction, and excellent orchestration. With a romantic setting against a background of social, racial, and ethnic strife, Bernstein’s music reflects the countless emotions which permeate Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics. From a basic mode of studied nonchalance and defiance by the juvenile set, the music at times becomes devout and tender, or in contrasting sections, dynamic in intensity. Songs included are I Feel Pretty, Maria, Something’s Coming, Tonight, One Hand One Heart, Cool, and America. Scherzando for Trumpet – Robert Farnon (1917-2005) was a Canadian-born composer, conductor, musical arranger, and trumpet player. He held the lead trumpet chair in Percy Faith’s Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Orchestra, also contributing vocal arrangements for the show. He scored and conducted for many fine artists in the United States including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Worldwide he was considered a genius in the field of musical arranging and an icon in the genre of “Light Music” in the 1930’s and 40’s. This trumpet solo was originally composed for Knud Holvaldt, solo trumpet at the Danish Radio Orchestra, Copenhagen, Denmark. Since then it has become well known to trumpet performers around the world, and is often used as an encore to show the virtuosity of the performer to an appreciative audience. Trombone Concerto, Mvt. 3 – Philip Sparke (b. 1951) was born in London and studied composition, trumpet, and piano at the Royal College of Music where he gained an ARCM degree. He first published works while still at school that set the path for his composition career. Now, as a full time composer, he has founded his own publishing company, Anglo Music Press. The company is devoted to publishing his brass band, concert band, and instrumental publications as well as recordings dedicated to his latest works. Trombone Concerto is written in the traditional three movement form as a dramatic soliloquy for the soloist. Tonight’s performance is presenting the third movement, which is a joyful samba. A jazz-influenced central tune explores the high ranges of the trombone before the samba rhythms set up a contest between the soloist and the band’s trombone section. The soloist is the eventual winner and he celebrates by reintroducing the samba melody before bringing the work to a virtuosic close. Fandango – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) has been commissioned to write his music for some of the world’s leading orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists. His work encompasses many varied forms, including film, theater, opera, jazz, and dance. Several of his film and recording projects have been nominated for Emmy and Grammy Awards. The fandango is a Spanish dance in 3/4 time danced by a couple to the accompaniment of guitar and castanets. Originally intended as a courtship dance, the fandango was danced by only two persons who never touched each other with the body or the hand, but faced each other. This Fandango is a delightful Latin-jazz composition, first written in 2000 for our guest soloists who have come to play it for you tonight. The interplay of the lovely rhythmic, melodic and syncopated elements between the two solo instruments and wind symphony are meant to enchant you. Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan
PROGRAM NOTES Regiment of Heroes – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) is a valued contributor to American musical life thanks to his wide-ranging activities as a composer, orchestrator, conductor, pianist, and teacher. His work encompasses many genres and styles, including film, theater, opera, orchestra, chamber, jazz, electronic, and dance. Several of his film and recording projects have been nominated for Emmy and Grammy awards, and his concert music has been performed by the world’s leading orchestras and soloists. In the composer’s own words, “The idea of the concert march has always interested me. Regiment of Heroes was written and dedicated to the United States Marine Band and is based on some of my early musical sketches. The march opens with a lively syncopated rhythm that often returns throughout the piece. A trio, more stately and sustained, is introduced in contrast to the opening material, which later returns in a more majestic style embellished by the woodwinds, followed by a quick return of the opening material bringing the piece to its conclusion.” The Maid of the Mist – Herbert L. Clarke (1867-1945) was born in Woburn, Massachusetts and was considered to be one of the greatest cornet soloists of his time. Clarke was an active soloist and performed with John Phillip Sousa’s band, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Not only did he have a very successful performing career, he is best known for his many compositions and his Technical Studies for the Cornet. The Maid of the Mist was published in 1912 and was given this name after the steamboat at Niagara Falls that is still used today for tours of the falls. This polka for cornet features articulations that are rapid in speed that represent the water falls of the precipice and is overall playful, like being on a steamboat touring the natural wonder. Serenade Romantic – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) dedicated this work to the memory of Howard Hanson (1896-1981), composer, conductor, musical statesman, and educator who was director of the Eastman School of Music for 40 years. Dr. Hanson’s tradition for promoting the understanding and appreciation of American music through performance, publication, and recording continues to the present day. The composer best describes his work as follows, “Serenade Romantic is divided into three sections. There is a short introduction leading to the main theme. This theme’s major characteristics are intervals of a falling third and a leaping seventh. These two intervals are utilized throughout the work. The full ensemble states the second section that ultimately brings both themes together. As the piece concludes, and both themes interweave, the interval of the falling third leads to the final bar.” Someone to Watch Over Me – George Gershwin (1898-1937) came from a modest start selling music for a Tin Pan Alley music publishing firm for $15 a week at age 17. George Gershwin grew to become one of the most popular songwriters of all time and is still celebrated and archived today as an American composer, conductor, and pianist. This piece is one of the most famous and recognizable melodies from his musical, "Oh Kay!” Someone to Watch Over Me was originally supposed to be much faster in tempo, but one day during a rehearsal, Gershwin experimented with the tune and played it much slower. He thought it had a much more warming beauty to it when compared to the faster tempo and one of America’s most beloved and memorable love songs was born. Illuminations – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) studied composition at the Eastman School of Music and is currently on the composition faculty at the Hartt School – University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut and Montclair University. Illuminations was originally composed in the winter of 2002 for Joseph Alessi and the University of New Mexico Wind Symphony. The soloist’s part encompasses the complete range of the trombone from the low pedal Ab to the high D, with long legato phrases, and fast moving slide technique. The piece is technically challenging for both the soloist and the ensemble as it is meant to reflect light in all directions with a concentrated energetic drive.
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. He was the band director at Pascack Hills High School from 1984 to 2017. 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.
PICCOLO Max Taylor
FLUTES
Chrysten Angderson Patricia Barlow
Lisandra Hernandez * Jennifer Kaysan
Annette Lieb Tomomi Takamoto
Max Taylor Jennifer Wise
OBOES
Mark J. Donellan * Drew Greis Molly Raum
ENGLISH HORN
Molly Raum
BASSOONS Robert Gray
Christy Luberger Jason Stier *
Eb CLARINET
Jeff Bittner
CLARINETS Jeff Bittner
Suzanne Coletta Francesca Ferraro Naomi Freshwater
Joe Mariany Leigh Myers
Marcie Phelan Jean Roughgarden Rachel Schulman
Beth Seavers Karen Summers
Richard Summers * Sabrina Tempesta
Janet Vidovich
BASS CLARINETS Brendan Hughes
Joel Kolk *
SAXOPHONES
Lois Hicks-Wozniak * - Alto Jacqueline Sarracco - Alto
Ryan Mantell - Tenor Michael DePompeo - Baritone
CORNETS/TRUMPETS
Dave Bychek Mike Connor Dave Hurd
Dave Luquette Tamara McLaughlin
Richard Roberts Michael Russo
Thomas Siebenhuhner Ann Sirinides Tony Spinuzzi Joseph Stella
Roger Widicus *
FRENCH HORNS Ben Fine
John Harley Joshua Jenkins Carolyn Kirby * Colette Mather Bryan Meyer
Brian McLaughlin Deloss Shertz
TROMBONES
Thomas Abbate Noreen Baer *
Stephanie Dutcher Ryan Halliwell
Paul Kirby Keith Marson
Robert Paustian Nate Rensink
Robert Tiedemann
EUPHONIUMS Robyn Keyes
John Palatucci * Don Van Teyens
TUBAS Michael Gould Bob Sacchi *
STRING BASSES
David Marks Charlie Nolet
PERCUSSION Nick Dekens Greg Landes James Mallen
Yuto Takamoto John Wagner *
David Yee
PIANO Alison Meyer
* PRINCIPAL PLAYERS
___________________________
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 Northern Highlands High School Wind Ensemble Ms. Theodora Sotiropoulos, Director
Shepherd's Hey - Percy Grainger, Edited by R. Mark Rogers Irish Tune from County Derry - Percy Grainger, Edited by R. Mark Rogers
Sevens - Samuel R. Hazo University of Illinois March - John Philip Sousa, Arranged by Harold Gore -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regiment of Heroes Joseph Turrin The Maid of the Mist Herbert L. Clarke Arranged by William C. Schoenfeld
Philip Smith, Cornet
Serenade Romantic Joseph Turrin Someone to Watch Over Me George Gershwin Arranged by Joseph Turrin
Philip Smith, Trumpet
Illuminations Joseph Turrin Joseph Alessi, Trombone
INTERMISSION
Selections from "West Side Story" Leonard Bernstein Arranged by W. J. Duthoit
Scherzando for Trumpet Robert Farnon Philip Smith, Trumpet
Trombone Concerto, Mvt. 3 Philip Sparke Joseph Alessi, Trombone
Fandango Joseph Turrin
Philip Smith, Trumpet Joseph Alessi, Trombone
*Flash photography and audio or video recording of this concert is strictly prohibited.*
Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, Music Director
PROGRAM
PICCOLO Max Taylor
FLUTES
Chrysten Angderson Patricia Barlow
Lisandra Hernandez * Jennifer Kaysan
Annette Lieb Tomomi Takamoto
Max Taylor Jennifer Wise
OBOES
Mark J. Donellan * Drew Greis Molly Raum
ENGLISH HORN
Molly Raum
BASSOONS Robert Gray
Christy Luberger Jason Stier *
Eb CLARINET
Jeff Bittner
CLARINETS Jeff Bittner
Suzanne Coletta Francesca Ferraro Naomi Freshwater
Joe Mariany Leigh Myers
Marcie Phelan Jean Roughgarden Rachel Schulman
Beth Seavers Karen Summers
Richard Summers * Sabrina Tempesta
Janet Vidovich
BASS CLARINETS Brendan Hughes
Joel Kolk *
SAXOPHONES
Lois Hicks-Wozniak * - Alto Jacqueline Sarracco - Alto
Ryan Mantell - Tenor Michael DePompeo - Baritone
CORNETS/TRUMPETS
Dave Bychek Mike Connor Dave Hurd
Dave Luquette Tamara McLaughlin
Richard Roberts Michael Russo
Thomas Siebenhuhner Ann Sirinides Tony Spinuzzi Joseph Stella
Roger Widicus *
FRENCH HORNS Ben Fine
John Harley Joshua Jenkins Carolyn Kirby * Colette Mather Bryan Meyer
Brian McLaughlin Deloss Shertz
TROMBONES
Thomas Abbate Noreen Baer *
Stephanie Dutcher Ryan Halliwell
Paul Kirby Keith Marson
Robert Paustian Nate Rensink
Robert Tiedemann
EUPHONIUMS Robyn Keyes
John Palatucci * Don Van Teyens
TUBAS Michael Gould Bob Sacchi *
STRING BASSES
David Marks Charlie Nolet
PERCUSSION Nick Dekens Greg Landes James Mallen
Yuto Takamoto John Wagner *
David Yee
PIANO Alison Meyer
* PRINCIPAL PLAYERS
___________________________
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 Northern Highlands High School Wind Ensemble Ms. Theodora Sotiropoulos, Director
Shepherd's Hey - Percy Grainger, Edited by R. Mark Rogers Irish Tune from County Derry - Percy Grainger, Edited by R. Mark Rogers
Sevens - Samuel R. Hazo University of Illinois March - John Philip Sousa, Arranged by Harold Gore -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Regiment of Heroes Joseph Turrin The Maid of the Mist Herbert L. Clarke Arranged by William C. Schoenfeld
Philip Smith, Cornet
Serenade Romantic Joseph Turrin Someone to Watch Over Me George Gershwin Arranged by Joseph Turrin
Philip Smith, Trumpet
Illuminations Joseph Turrin Joseph Alessi, Trombone
INTERMISSION
Selections from "West Side Story" Leonard Bernstein Arranged by W. J. Duthoit
Scherzando for Trumpet Robert Farnon Philip Smith, Trumpet
Trombone Concerto, Mvt. 3 Philip Sparke Joseph Alessi, Trombone
Fandango Joseph Turrin
Philip Smith, Trumpet Joseph Alessi, Trombone
*Flash photography and audio or video recording of this concert is strictly prohibited.*
Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, Music Director
PROGRAM
PROGRAM NOTES Regiment of Heroes – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) is a valued contributor to American musical life thanks to his wide-ranging activities as a composer, orchestrator, conductor, pianist, and teacher. His work encompasses many genres and styles, including film, theater, opera, orchestra, chamber, jazz, electronic, and dance. Several of his film and recording projects have been nominated for Emmy and Grammy awards, and his concert music has been performed by the world’s leading orchestras and soloists. In the composer’s own words, “The idea of the concert march has always interested me. Regiment of Heroes was written and dedicated to the United States Marine Band and is based on some of my early musical sketches. The march opens with a lively syncopated rhythm that often returns throughout the piece. A trio, more stately and sustained, is introduced in contrast to the opening material, which later returns in a more majestic style embellished by the woodwinds, followed by a quick return of the opening material bringing the piece to its conclusion.” The Maid of the Mist – Herbert L. Clarke (1867-1945) was born in Woburn, Massachusetts and was considered to be one of the greatest cornet soloists of his time. Clarke was an active soloist and performed with John Phillip Sousa’s band, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. Not only did he have a very successful performing career, he is best known for his many compositions and his Technical Studies for the Cornet. The Maid of the Mist was published in 1912 and was given this name after the steamboat at Niagara Falls that is still used today for tours of the falls. This polka for cornet features articulations that are rapid in speed that represent the water falls of the precipice and is overall playful, like being on a steamboat touring the natural wonder. Serenade Romantic – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) dedicated this work to the memory of Howard Hanson (1896-1981), composer, conductor, musical statesman, and educator who was director of the Eastman School of Music for 40 years. Dr. Hanson’s tradition for promoting the understanding and appreciation of American music through performance, publication, and recording continues to the present day. The composer best describes his work as follows, “Serenade Romantic is divided into three sections. There is a short introduction leading to the main theme. This theme’s major characteristics are intervals of a falling third and a leaping seventh. These two intervals are utilized throughout the work. The full ensemble states the second section that ultimately brings both themes together. As the piece concludes, and both themes interweave, the interval of the falling third leads to the final bar.” Someone to Watch Over Me – George Gershwin (1898-1937) came from a modest start selling music for a Tin Pan Alley music publishing firm for $15 a week at age 17. George Gershwin grew to become one of the most popular songwriters of all time and is still celebrated and archived today as an American composer, conductor, and pianist. This piece is one of the most famous and recognizable melodies from his musical, "Oh Kay!” Someone to Watch Over Me was originally supposed to be much faster in tempo, but one day during a rehearsal, Gershwin experimented with the tune and played it much slower. He thought it had a much more warming beauty to it when compared to the faster tempo and one of America’s most beloved and memorable love songs was born. Illuminations – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) studied composition at the Eastman School of Music and is currently on the composition faculty at the Hartt School – University of Hartford in West Hartford, Connecticut and Montclair University. Illuminations was originally composed in the winter of 2002 for Joseph Alessi and the University of New Mexico Wind Symphony. The soloist’s part encompasses the complete range of the trombone from the low pedal Ab to the high D, with long legato phrases, and fast moving slide technique. The piece is technically challenging for both the soloist and the ensemble as it is meant to reflect light in all directions with a concentrated energetic drive.
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. He was the band director at Pascack Hills High School from 1984 to 2017. 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.
West Side Story – Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) Arranged by W. J. Duthoit. West Side Story was Leonard Bernstein’s greatest popular success. Characterized as an American Romeo and Juliet, the work is noted for its extraordinary dance sequences, melodic characterization, musical continuity, cohesive plot construction, and excellent orchestration. With a romantic setting against a background of social, racial, and ethnic strife, Bernstein’s music reflects the countless emotions which permeate Stephen Sondheim’s lyrics. From a basic mode of studied nonchalance and defiance by the juvenile set, the music at times becomes devout and tender, or in contrasting sections, dynamic in intensity. Songs included are I Feel Pretty, Maria, Something’s Coming, Tonight, One Hand One Heart, Cool, and America. Scherzando for Trumpet – Robert Farnon (1917-2005) was a Canadian-born composer, conductor, musical arranger, and trumpet player. He held the lead trumpet chair in Percy Faith’s Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s Orchestra, also contributing vocal arrangements for the show. He scored and conducted for many fine artists in the United States including Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Worldwide he was considered a genius in the field of musical arranging and an icon in the genre of “Light Music” in the 1930’s and 40’s. This trumpet solo was originally composed for Knud Holvaldt, solo trumpet at the Danish Radio Orchestra, Copenhagen, Denmark. Since then it has become well known to trumpet performers around the world, and is often used as an encore to show the virtuosity of the performer to an appreciative audience. Trombone Concerto, Mvt. 3 – Philip Sparke (b. 1951) was born in London and studied composition, trumpet, and piano at the Royal College of Music where he gained an ARCM degree. He first published works while still at school that set the path for his composition career. Now, as a full time composer, he has founded his own publishing company, Anglo Music Press. The company is devoted to publishing his brass band, concert band, and instrumental publications as well as recordings dedicated to his latest works. Trombone Concerto is written in the traditional three movement form as a dramatic soliloquy for the soloist. Tonight’s performance is presenting the third movement, which is a joyful samba. A jazz-influenced central tune explores the high ranges of the trombone before the samba rhythms set up a contest between the soloist and the band’s trombone section. The soloist is the eventual winner and he celebrates by reintroducing the samba melody before bringing the work to a virtuosic close. Fandango – Joseph Turrin (b. 1947) has been commissioned to write his music for some of the world’s leading orchestras, chamber ensembles, and soloists. His work encompasses many varied forms, including film, theater, opera, jazz, and dance. Several of his film and recording projects have been nominated for Emmy and Grammy Awards. The fandango is a Spanish dance in 3/4 time danced by a couple to the accompaniment of guitar and castanets. Originally intended as a courtship dance, the fandango was danced by only two persons who never touched each other with the body or the hand, but faced each other. This Fandango is a delightful Latin-jazz composition, first written in 2000 for our guest soloists who have come to play it for you tonight. The interplay of the lovely rhythmic, melodic and syncopated elements between the two solo instruments and wind symphony are meant to enchant you. Program Notes compiled by Marcie Phelan
Philip Smith joined the Hugh Hodgson School of Music at the University of Georgia as the William F. and Pamela P. Prokasy Professor in the Arts in August 2014. In addition to teaching his trumpet studio, he is the Bandmaster of the UGA British Brass Band, member of the faculty Georgia Brass Quintet, and coach of the Bulldog Brass Society. This new position follows his retirement from the New York Philharmonic after 36 years of service as Principal Trumpet, having joined the New York Philharmonic in October 1978.
Mr. Smith’s father, Derek Smith, a renowned English cornet soloist, provided his early training. He is a graduate of The Juilliard School, having studied with Edward Treutel and William Vacchiano, former Principal Trumpet of the New York
Philharmonic. In January 1975, while still at Juilliard, Sir Georg Solti appointed Mr. Smith to the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.
Mr. Smith has appeared regularly as soloist, recitalist, chamber orchestra performer, and clinician. He has been featured as a soloist with the Philharmonic performing with conductors Zubin Mehta, Kurt Masur, Erich Leinsdorf, Leonard Bernstein, Neeme Järvi, Lorin Maazel, Alan Gilbert and Bramwell Tovey. Repertoire highlights have included the world premiere of Joseph Turrin’s Trumpet Concerto with the New York Philharmonic (1989) and its subsequent European premiere with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra (1994). Mr. Smith has also appeared with many symphonic wind ensembles, including the US “President’s Own” Marine Band, the West Point Academy Band, the US Army TRADOC Band, the US Coast Guard Band, La Philharmonie des Vents des Quebec and many major university wind ensembles.
An avid brass band enthusiast, Mr. Smith has been guest soloist with the United States Army Brass Band, and the contesting bands of Goteborg Brass (Sweden), Black Dyke Mills and Rigid Containers Band (Britain), Hannaford Street Silver Band and Intrada Brass (Canada), as well as Columbus Brass Band, Triangle Brass Band, and Imperial Brass (USA). Mr. Smith is now conducting brass bands and brass ensembles. Recently, he has conducted the Georgia Brass Band, the Imperial Brass (NJ) and Gramercy Brass (NY).
Mr. Smith has been on the faculty of The Juilliard School and Manhattan School of Music, and has appeared as recitalist and clinician at the Caramoor International Music Festival, Grand Teton Music Festival, Swiss Brass Week, Breman (Germany) Trumpet Days, Oslo (Norway) Trumpet Week, Harmony Ridge (Vermont) Festival, Scotia Festival of Music and numerous International Trumpet Guild conferences.
In 2005, Mr. Smith was made an Honorary Member of the Royal Academy of Music (Hon RAM). In 2006, Mr. Smith was given the International Trumpet Guild Honorary Award.
As a member of the Principal Brass Quintet, Mr. Smith has toured Japan four times, as well as Brazil and Germany. He has also performed and recorded with the Canadian Brass, Empire Brass, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Bargemusic, and New York Virtuosi Chamber Symphony.
His solo recordings include The Philip Smith Collection, presented by the New York Philharmonic, a three-volume set of recordings of solos and orchestral excerpts from his tenure with the NYP. Other recordings include Contest Solos produced by the International Trumpet Guild; Fandango, featuring New York Philharmonic Principal Trombonist Joseph Alessi and the University of New Mexico Wind Symphony (Summit); My Song of Songs with the New York Staff Band of The Salvation Army (Triumphonic); Copland’s Quiet City (Deutsche Grammophone); New York Legends (CALA); Orchestral Excerpts for Trumpet (Summit); Ellen Taaffe Zwilich’s Concerto for Trumpet and Five Instruments (New World); Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 (Koch); Walton’s Façade (Arabesque); and The Trump Shall Resound and Repeat the Sounding Joy (Heritage).
Mr. Smith has collaborated on a series of projects with Curnow Music Press (Hal Leonard), publishing music arrangements with demonstration CDs. These include Great Hymns, More Great Hymns, and Great Christmas Carols for Trumpet and Piano. Two trumpet study books with demo CD have also been produced, Concert Studies and Advanced Concert Studies. In a similar project published by Michael Davis and Hip-Bone Music, Mr. Smith has recorded the 20 minute WARM UP ROUTINE and the new 10 MWU etude book. Also in this series is Total Trumpet, featuring a variety of trumpet studies demonstrated by Randy Brecker, Jim Hynes and Philip Smith.
Mr. Smith’s film soundtrack credits include: Cobb (1994) music by Elliot Goldenthal; The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) music by Carter Burwell; A Time To Kill (1996) music by Elliot Goldenthal; Punchline (1998) music by Gary Anderson and Charles Gross; Sphere (1998) music by Elliot Goldenthal; The Rookie (2002) music by Carter Burwell; The Ladykillers (2004) music by Carter Burwell; Manchurian Candidate (2004) music by Rachel Portman; Hitch (2005) music by George Fenton and Alan Elliot. His commercial soundtrack credits include: "NBC Sunday Night Football Theme 2006" music by John Williams; "NBC Super Bowl XVIII Theme 2008" music by John Williams and Joel Beckerman (currently heard); "NBC and Golf Channel Tournament Theme 2013" music by Joel Beckerman.
Joseph Alessi was appointed Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic, The Gurnee F. and Marjorie L. Hart Chair, in the spring of 1985. He began musical studies in his native California with his father, Joseph Alessi, Sr., as a high school student in San Rafael, California, and was a soloist with the San Francisco Symphony before continuing his musical training at the Curtis Institute of Music. Before joining the Philharmonic, Mr. Alessi was second trombone of The Philadelphia Orchestra for four seasons, and principal trombone of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra for one season. He has performed as guest principal trombonist with the London Symphony Orchestra in Carnegie Hall, led by Pierre Boulez.
Mr. Alessi is an active soloist, recitalist, and chamber musician. In April 1990 he made his New York Philharmonic solo debut,
performing Creston’s Fantasy for Trombone, and in 1992 premiered Christopher Rouse’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Trombone Concerto with the Philharmonic, which commissioned the work for its 150th anniversary celebration. He performed the World Premiere of Melinda Wagner’s Trombone Concerto, conducted by Lorin Maazel in February 2007. In July 2013 he appeared with the Philharmonic as soloist in Bramwell Tovey’s The Lincoln Tunnel Cabaret for Trombone and Orchestra, written for Mr. Alessi, at Summertime Classics and at Bravo! Vail, both performances conducted by the composer. In June 2016 he gave the World Premiere of William Bolcom’s Trombone Concerto, a Philharmonic co-commission, conducted by then Music Director Alan Gilbert as part of the NY PHIL BIENNIAL; Mr. Alessi and the Philharmonic, led by Alan Gilbert, reprised the concerto in the 2016–17 season.
Mr. Alessi has been a guest soloist with the Lincoln, Colorado, Syracuse, Virginia, Alabama, Santa Barbara, Puerto Rico, Hartford, and South Dakota symphony orchestras; New Japan, Seoul, Hague, and Helsinki philharmonic orchestras; National Repertory Orchestra; Orchestra of Teatro Massimo Bellini in Catania, Sicily; Mannheim National Theater Orchestra; and National Symphony of Taiwan. Mr. Alessi has also participated in numerous festivals, including the Festivale Musica di Camera in Protogruaro, Italy; Cabrillo Music Festival; Swiss Brass Week; and Lieksa Brass Week in Finland. He was featured in the 1997 International Trombone Festival in Feldkirch, Austria, and the International Meeting of Brass Instruments in Lille, France. He is a founding member of the Summit Brass ensemble at the Rafael Mendez Brass Institute in Tempe, Arizona. In 2002 Mr. Alessi was awarded an International Trombone Association Award for his contributions to the world of trombone music and trombone playing.
Joseph Alessi is currently on the faculty of The Juilliard School; his students now occupy posts with many major symphony orchestras in the U.S. and internationally. As a clinician for the Edwards Instrument Co., he has also given master classes throughout the world and has toured Europe extensively as a master teacher and recitalist. He has performed as soloist with several leading concert bands, including the U.S. Military Academy Band at West Point, U.S. Army Band (“Pershing’s Own”), and the U.S. Marine Band (“The President’s Own”).
Mr. Alessi’s discography includes many releases on the Summit record label, including Trombonastics and Fandango, with retired Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Philip Smith. He also recorded New York Legends on the Cala label, Return to Sorrento on the Naxos record label, and conductor/composer Bramwell Tovey’s Urban Cabaret. His live recording with the Philharmonic of Christopher Rouse’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Trombone Concerto, commissioned for the Orchestra’s 150th anniversary project, can be heard on Volume II of An American Celebration, on New York Philharmonic Special Editions, the Orchestra’s own recording label.
Mr. Alessi was invited by the International Trombone Association to record a solo disc of newly composed works, which was distributed to the Association’s membership of 5,000 trombonists in early 1999 and is now available as Beyond the End of the Century through Summit Records. His recording of George Crumb’s Starchild on the Bridge record label, featuring Mr. Alessi as soloist, won a Grammy Award for 1999–2000. Other recordings featuring Mr. Alessi are with the Canadian Brass (Sony Classical and Philips Records).
NEW JERSEY WIND SYMPHONY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
PRESIDENT: Deloss Schertz
IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT: Mark Zettler
VICE PRESIDENT: Lawrence Friedman
RECORDING SECRETARY: Annette Lieb
CORRESPONDING SECRETARY: James Mallen
TREASURER: Neil Sheehan
MEMBERS AT LARGE: John Butler
Mike DePompeo David Marks Beth Seavers
John & Marilyn Wagner
MEET THE NJWS
Thomas A. Abbate, a member of the trombone section, is a musician by night and a lawyer by day who practices as a litigation partner in the 70-lawyer firm of DeCotiis, FitzPatrick, Cole & Giblin, LLP, located in Teaneck. Tom’s practice focuses on complex civil, regulatory and commercial litigation on behalf of business and government entities in the trial and appellate courts. Tom has represented business entities in many different litigation matters through his 16-year
career practicing law. Of local interest, he was lead counsel in a series of lawsuits in the state and federal courts, all the way up to the New Jersey Supreme Court, which culminated in the successful re-launch and re-opening of the former Pascack Valley Hospital in Westwood, in June 2013. Tom also defends government entities against a variety of matters including employment discrimination, civil and constitutional rights, public bidding, environmental contamination, and public records access. He has also lectured and written on subjects including public procurement and bidding, public records access, and police liability. Prior to attending law school at Fordham University School of Law, where he graduated in 2002 with a Juris Doctor degree, in 1999 Tom obtained his Bachelor’s degree in music from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida, where he studied trombone with Professor Timothy Conner. Prior to that, Tom was a trombone student of James A. Biddlecome, of the New York City Opera Orchestra. The New Jersey Wind Symphony’s Music Director, Dr. Chris Wilhjelm, was Tom’s high school school band director at Pascack Hills High School from 1991-1995. In order to maintain his sanity after being around lawyers all day, Tom keeps an active schedule performing with various groups in the area, including as principal trombone with the Ridgewood Symphony Orchestra, and with the New Jersey Wind Symphony, which he first joined in 1994 at the age of 17.
About the New Jersey Wind Symphony Dr. Chris 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
Printing of this program generously underwritten by Konica Minolta Business Solutions.
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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. ________________________________________________________________________
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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For additional NJWS information, please visit our website or scan our QR code:
WWW.NJWINDSMPHONY.ORG
Dr. Christian Wilhjelm, Music Director
Solid Brass
FEATURED GUESTS Joseph Alessi, Trombone
Philip Smith, Cornet/Trumpet
PRELUDE CONCERT - 7:30 PM Northern Highlands High School Wind Ensemble
Ms. Theodora Sotiropoulos, Director
Friday, April 13, 2018 - 8:00 PM West Side Presbyterian Church, Ridgewood, NJ
Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A. is a Proud
Sponsor of the New Jersey Wind Symphony
BENEFACTOR ($3,000 and above) Thomas & Victoria Price
Bank of America/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management
Bergen County Division of Cultural and Historic Affairs
PATRON ($2,000 to $2,999)
Carolyn & Howard Crumb Lindsay Gallagher
Judy & Roger Widicus Dr. Christian Wilhjelm & Jacqueline Sarracco
SPONSOR ($1,000 to $1,999)
Nancy Crumb Ricciardi Michael & Darel-Ann DePompeo In Memory of Gunther Schuller
Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. PVH Corporation
SUPPORTER ($500 to $999)
Barbara Abney Bolger Lawrence & Donna Friedman In Memory of Aquilina Lim Jeffrey & Kathryn Mantell John & Marilyn Wagner Fred & Patricia Yosca
ASSOCIATE ($250 to $499)
Johan de Meij / Amstel Music USA Elaine Douvas
Naomi Freshwater Paul Goldberg
Marie Kane Paul & Carolyn Kirby
Michael Kokola Deloss Schertz & Rose Kraybill
Thomas & Kristen Siebenhuhner Richard & Karen Summers
James & Mary Welton Helaine & Alan Wohl
AFFILIATE ($100 to $249)
Ginny Baird Ruth & Robert Barton John & Louise Butler
David & Jacalyn Bychek Suzanne Coletta & Seth Glasser
Kenneth & Linda Dutcher Sally Fillmore & David Appel
Annette & Andy Lieb James & Cheryl Mallen
Marks Family
Jerry, Mary, Leah, & Brendan Meyer Dorothy Neff
Marcella Phelan Eddie & Mary Romeau
Jean Roughgarden Steven & Ida Steiner Jason & Jennifer Stier
Kathleen & Harold Sylvester Dr. Richard & Katherine Wise
Nancy Zweil Blue Moon Mexican Cafe
BNY Mellon Community Partnership
FRIEND ($1 to $99) Thomas Alexander
Barbaralee Berté & Ron Buchichio June Blauvelt Joan Dolder Goldie Easse
Delbert & Anne Eisch Margarita & Paul Elkin
Frances Ferraro Mark & Arlene Glauber
Katherine Grasso Lois Hicks-Wozniak
Janet Johnston Dr. Lisa Lutter
Lawrence Miloscia Thelma Peres
Walter & Diana Perog Larry & Barbara Roshon Michael & Dawn Russo
Albert Schagen Rachel Schulman
Ann Sirinides Kathryn Smith Christina Stier
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Carl & Alice Wilhjelm Janet Williams
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Season 35, Concert 4 - April 13, 2018
