Vista Ridge High School Wind Ensemble: 2014 Midwest Clinic Performance Program

V I S TA R I D G E HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE

The Le ander Independent School Distric t presents the

V I S TA R I D G E HIGH SCHOOL WIND ENSEMBLE

B RYA N CH R IS T I A N CONDUCTOR

K Y L E RUS CH H AUP T A SS O CI ATE CONDUCTOR

A M Y FROS T

A SS O CI ATE CONDUCTOR

JOH N W H I T W E L L

DISTINGUISHED GUEST CONDUCTOR

H EC TOR GIL

A SS O CI ATE CONDUCTOR

ROB ER T S PR I NG GUEST A RTIST

T HE M IDW E S T CL INIC AN INTERNATIONAL BAND AND ORCHESTRA CONFERENCE

D ecember 19 , 2 014 ︲︲ 11:15 a .m.

M c Cormick Place West ︲︲ Ballroom 375E Chic ago , Illinois

ABOUT LEANDER ISD The Leander Independent School District, located approximately 25 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Texas, encompasses nearly 200 square miles and has campuses sited within the cities of Leander, Cedar Park and Austin. This dynamic school district is one of the fastest growing school districts in Texas, serves an enrollment of over 36,000 students with 40 campuses and auxiliary facilities, while maintaining standards of excellence throughout the system.

LISD boasts the best area average for college enrollment. According to Texas Monthly Magazine, LISD schools rank among the best in the state, with the high schools in the top 5 percent. LISD is also a Texas Education Agency Recognized School District.

The Leander ISD Vision is that every student is encouraged, supported, and challenged to achieve the highest levels of knowledge, skills, and character. Every LISD graduate is prepared with the knowledge, academic foundation, and life skills to be a productive learner, an effective communicator, and a responsible citizen, in order to be successful in an ever-changing world.

ABOUT VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL Located approximately 18 miles northwest of downtown Austin, Vista Ridge High School is the third of five high schools in the Leander Independent School District. The school opened in 2003 and serves approximately 2,000 students today.

The students of Vista Ridge High School have a collective vision to be the best for the world. Guided by Leander ISD’s 10 Ethical Principles, Vista Ridge students love learning, compete in a multitude of extracurricular endeavors and are routinely highlighted for making a difference in their community. In barely more than a decade of existence, Vista Ridge students have achieved numerous commendations both inside and outside the classroom. Cultivated by a faculty & systems that strongly encourage college readiness for every child, yet recognizes the value of diversity and the needs of the individual student, VRHS boasts TEA distinctions, National Merit Finalists, rigorous advanced placement offerings, top finishes in the UIL Lone Star Cup standings and numerous fine arts and athletic accolades.

Additionally, Vista Ridge High School is a wonderful place in which to work and learn. Students, faculty, staff, LISD administration and parents all help foster a nurturing culture that equips every student for life-long success. We are blessed with community and parental partnerships, which provide valuable insights and a balanced perspective that serves to improve home/school relationships, student behaviors and academic achievement.

Our stakeholders’ shared vision for personal and corporate excellence has equipped every Vista Ridge HS student to be the best for the world.

ABOUT THE VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL BAND PROGRAM The Vista Ridge Band is committed to maintaining a supportive and nurturing atmosphere to provide its students with the skills required to achieve success, both in music and in life, while adhering to a high standard of performance and maintaining pride throughout the organization.

The Marching Band consists of all students enrolled in band, including the Starline Dance Company, and performs at football games, UIL Marching Contests, and numerous invitational marching contests, including BOA Regional and Super Regional competitions,. The Ranger Band has earned Sweepstakes Ratings in the last 11 years of its twelve-year history, placed 7th at the

2007 UIL State 4A Marching Contest, 20th in the 2008 UIL State 5A Marching Contest, and was the Bronze Medalist in the Texas UIL 4A State Marching Contest. In 2014, the band was a Finalist in the BOA Super Regional in San Antonio, Texas.

In addition to the Marching Band, Vista Ridge also has four large concert ensembles: Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band, and Concert Band. The Wind Ensemble, consisting of the most talented, disciplined, and artistic instrumentalists, has received all First Division Ratings (Sweepstakes) in UIL Concert/ Sight-Reading Contest every year since the school opened in 2003-04 with only 35 freshmen band students. Additionally, the Wind Ensemble has been named a “National Winner” in the Foundation for Music Education’s Mark of Excellence National Wind Band Honors Program. The Wind Symphony has earned UIL Sweepstakes every year since its creation in 2004-05, and both the Symphonic and Concert Band at Vista Ridge have earned UIL Sweepstakes ratings for the past three years.

In addition to the large ensembles, participation in small ensembles is expected of most band students with the purpose of developing skill in listening, cooperation, student coaching/ leadership, and artistry. The Vista Ridge Percussion Studio has successfully competed and performed at the Lone Star Classic Drumline Festival, the Music For All National Festival, and at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention. In addition to performances at ensemble recitals, many of these small ensembles also perform for various ceremonies and events, as a service to the school and community.

At Vista Ridge, emphasis is also placed on the development of the individual student musician. In the fall semester, students attend weekly Master Classes, which are focused on teaching and developing individual student musicianship. In the spring semester, students are required to learn and perform a solo for UIL Solo and Ensemble Contest. The rewards from this investment into the individual students are realized by their selection to an All-Region, Area, and All-State organization and the high numbers of First Division Ratings and TSSEC Qualifiers, as well as in the amount of growth and maturation seen in their individual musicality, confidence levels, and interpersonal relationships.

The band is also blessed to have many students who achieve extremely high levels of academic success and who consistently rank among the top 10% in their class. Historically, numerous Valedictorians and Salutatorians have been members of the band program. Vista Ridge High School places immense value on academic rigor, and the band program reflects this challenge with the same kind of rigor in its curriculum and performance literature.

The Band Department at Vista Ridge enjoys a very healthy relationship with other teachers on campus and has an especially close relationship with teachers and students involved in the other performing arts disciplines. The Fine Arts Department at Vista Ridge fosters a mutually supportive environment by sharing students across disciplines, collaborating in multi-disciplinary musical productions, and attending performances given by all performing arts disciplines.

While the Vista Ridge Band Program holds high standards of musical and academic performance, it is of equal importance to its directors, band family, and community that our students are prepared and equipped to be strong, contributing citizens, upholding the values esteemed by Leander ISD’s “Ten Ethical Principals,” fostered every day: Honesty, Integrity, Promise-keeping, Loyalty, Concern for Others, Law-abidance/Civic Duty, Respect for Others, Fairness, Pursuit of Excellence, and Accountability.

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

Leander Independent School District

Leander Independent School District

204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000

204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000

Board of Trustees Pamela Waggoner President Aaron Johnson Vice President Don Hisle Secretary Grace S. Barber-Jordan, M.Ed. Member Russell Bundy Member Lisa Mallory Member Will Streit Member

 Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent

Board of Trustees

October 1, 2014

Pamela Waggoner President Aaron Johnson Vice President

To the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic

Don Hisle Secretary

On behalf of Leander ISD, we are honored to be represented by the Vista Ridge High School Wind Ensemble at the prestigious Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. As one of the most renowned music conventions in the country, it is a privilege for our students to be included among its many great performances.

Grace S. Barber-Jordan, M.Ed. Member

LISD has a deep commitment to supporting the Fine Arts. We believe very strongly that these programs strengthen our students’ academic and life-long success. With the invitation to perform at the 68th Annual Conference in Chicago this December, we have the incredible fortune of demonstrating our commitment to music education in front of an audience of premier music educators.

I thank you for allowing our district the opportunity to showcase our talented students through this performance. We are extremely proud of the VRHS Wind Ensemble. Our students and their directors have invested a tremendous amount of time and energy into their selections. I know you will enjoy their performance.

Russell Bundy Member Lisa Mallory Member Will Streit Member

v Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent

19 December 2014 To The Attendees of the Midwest Clinic: Leander Independent School District is pleased and proud to be represented by the students and faculty of the Vista Ridge High School Wind Ensemble.

Their performance is a tribute to the dedication and expertise of both the students you will hear perform and the students who performed on the recording that led to their selection as a performer at the Midwest Clinic. The students perform with great pride, knowing they exemplify the pursuit of musical and personal excellence that is a cornerstone of all the fine arts programs in Leander ISD. This morning’s concert will open with one of the most spirited fanfares in all literature for brass, the Fanfare from La Peri by Dukas. Next, a wide variety of music by some of America’s foremost composers for bands will be featured, including that of Michael Daugherty and Brian Balmages. The band’s performance of Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral promises to be one of intense emotion, and the band will send us off with John Philip Sousa’s National Emblem. It promises to be an exciting performance of outstanding music!

Sincerely,

We are proud of the achievements of these outstanding young students and their directors, Bryan Christian, Kyle Ruschhaupt, Amy Frost, and Hector Gil, and for the acknowledgement of their hard work and extra efforts that have made this performance possible. In addition, we are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the support of their parents and families, private instructors, and administration at Vista Ridge High School.

Their commitment to excellence and high standards serves as an inspiration both to our fine arts programs and to future students.

Bret A. Champion, Superintendent of Schools Leander ISD

I wish you all the best for a successful convention and safe travel home.

Sincerely,

Peter J. Warshaw Fine Arts Director

www.leanderisd.org

Leander Independent School District 204 W. South Street P.O. Box 218 Leander, Texas 78646 (512) 570-0000

Board of Trustees Pamela Waggoner President Aaron Johnson Vice President Don Hisle Secretary Grace S. Barber-Jordan, M.Ed. Member Russell Bundy Member Lisa Mallory Member Will Streit Member

 Bret A. Champion, Ed.D. Superintendent

October 1, 2014

To the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, On behalf of the Leander Independent School District Board of Trustees, I would like to express our appreciation for the selection of the Vista Ridge High School Wind Ensemble as one of the noteworthy performances at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic. We are very pleased to have members from one of our district’s top music programs featured at such a respected event.

Because of the rigorous selection process and all of the hard work that it takes to be awarded this esteemed privilege, we could not be more proud of our Vista Ridge students and their directors! Thank you for bestowing this very exciting and wonderful opportunity upon the LISD and Vista Ridge communities.

I know you will enjoy their performance!

Sincerely,

Pamela Waggoner President, Leander ISD Board of Trustees

www.leanderisd.org

www.leanderisd.org

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S

PROGRAM Fanfare pour précéder la Péri (1912)........................ Paul Dukas (1865 – 1935)

Grace Before Sleep (2013)............................................. Susan LaBarr (b. 1981) arranged for band by J. Eric Wilson (b. 1965) DESI (1991)............................................................... Michael Daugherty (b. 1954) Holy Night, Silent Night (2014)............................. Adolphe Adam (1803 – 1856) & Franz Gruber (1787 – 1863) arranged for band by Clifton Jameson Jones (b. 1962) Sweet Trombone Rag (2014)................................................... Al Sweet (b. 1923)

G . Ky l e Ruschh aup t CONDUCTOR

Symphonic Synthesis (2014). . ........................... David DeBoor Canfield (b. 1950) Haunted Clocks (2013)................................................ Brian Balmages (b. 1975)

A m y F ros t CONDUCTOR

Mechanism (2014). . ............................................................. Todd Stalter (b. 1966)

Hec tor Gil CONDUCTOR

Funkinetics (2014)..................................................... Scott McAllister (b. 1969)

Rober t Spr ing* CL A RINET

Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral (1938)..................... Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883) transcribed by Lucien Cailliet (1891 – 1985)

John Whi t w el l

DISTINGUISHED CONDUCTOR

National Emblem March (1906)........................... Edwin E. Bagley (1857 – 1922) edited by Frederick Fennell (1914 – 2004)

* Robert Spring, Buffet Crampon Artist

PROGRAM NOTES

Fanfare pour précéder la Péri....................................... Paul Dukas (1865 – 1935) Paul Dukas spent his entire life in Paris as a greatly respected teacher and composer. He studied at the Paris Conservatory and was a close friend of fellow student Claude Debussy, whose influence is heard in much of Dukas’ music. He was extremely critical of his own music to the point of destroying most of his works. Later in his life, he was appointed Professor of Composition at the Paris Conservatoire where he had significant influence on many young students who eventually became famous French composers, including Yvonne Desportes and Olivier Messiaen. Dukas was considered one of the most insightful and sensitive critics of his time and held the respect and admiration of many fellow composers; he even worked collaboratively with Camille Saint-Saens to complete an unfinished opera by Guiraud.

In 1912, as a means to give the typically noisy audiences of the day time to settle into their seats, Dukas wrote The Fanfare from La Péri as a last minute addition, a prelude, for the premier performance of the ballet, La Péri. This was the last of his works that he allowed to be published.

Grace Before Sleep............................................................. Susan LaBarr (b. 1981) arranged by Eric Wilson (b. 1965) Susan LaBarr is a highly published composer of choral literature. Residing in Cleveland, Tennessee, she is Assistant Professor of Choral Music at Lee University and Conductor of the Tennessee Chamber Chorus. Composed in 2011, Grace Before Sleep was inspired by a poem of thanks written by Sara Teasdale. A quiet opening builds into a gorgeous, resounding climax before coming to a more reflective, thankful close. This wind setting, arranged in 2013 by J. Eric Wilson, Director of Bands at Baylor University, draws upon the warm sonorities of the concert band to reflect La Barr’s musical intent and Teasdale’s poetic sentiments.

Grace Before Sleep Sara Teasdale How can our minds and bodies be Grateful enough that we have spent Here in this generous room, we three, This evening of content?

Each one of us has walked through storm And fled the wolves along the road; But here the hearth is wide and warm, And for this shelter and this light Accept, O Lord, our thanks tonight.

DESI.. ............................................................................ Michael Daugherty (b. 1954) DESI (1991) was composed for and premiered by the Stephen F. Austin State University Symphonic Band, conducted

by John Whitwell at the 1991 CBDNA in Kansas City, Missouri. Since then DESI has been widely performed in America by ensembles ranging from the U.S. Marine Band to the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, and abroad by ensembles including the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra, Netherlands Wind Ensemble, and the Zurich Tonhalle-Orchester.

From the composer’s notes: “This work is a tribute to the persona of Desi Arnaz (1917-87), who played the Cuban bandleader Ricky Ricardo alongside his wife Lucille Ball in I Love Lucy, widely regarded as one of the most innovative television comedy shows of the 1950’s. The opening rhythmic motive is derived from the “Conga Dance” made famous

by Arnaz when he sang and played bongos in Hollywood film musicals in the 1940’s. In DESI, the bongo soloist and percussion section provide a lively counterpoint to intricately structured musical canons and four-note cluster chords, creating polyrhythmic layers that intensify and build to a sizzling conclusion. DESI evokes a Latin sound punctuated by big band trumpets, trombone glissandi, and dazzling woodwind runs.”

Holy Night, Silent Night.. .......................................... Adolphe Adam & Fanz Gruber arranged by Clifton Jameson Jones (b. 1962) This setting of “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night” beautifully re-imagines the coloristic possibilities of two Christmas favorites. The arrangement pays respect to the traditional melodies, and especially follows the dramatic contours of Adolphe Adam’s “O Holy Night,” while using original and intriguing harmonic choices.

Clifton Jones writes and arranges music for band, orchestra, jazz ensemble and woodwind ensembles. A native of Houston, Texas, he studied composition and theory at The University of Houston, and arranging with Shelly Berg at San Jacinto College. Mr. Jones plays clarinet in the Austin Symphonic Band in Austin, Texas, and has written many works dedicated to them and their director, Richard Floyd. He currently teaches woodwind methods and jazz ensemble in College Station ISD in College Station, Texas. He also works as a volunteer with the Austin Steam Train Association in Cedar Park, Texas.

Sweet Trombone Rag....................................................................Al Sweet (b. 1923) Al Sweet is a World War II veteran of the Army 8th Air Corps who played in several Army Air Corps dance bands. He holds Bachelor and Master degrees in music education from the University of Minnesota and was a high school band director in Aitkin, Grand Rapids, Duluth, and Minneapolis, Minnesota. While in Duluth, Mr. Sweet played in the Duluth Symphony Orchestra. Retired for 25 years, he still plays trombone in the Classic Big Band, the St. Louis Park Community Band, and his own Dixieland/swing band.

Symphonic Synthesis............................................ David DeBoor Canfield (b. 1950) Dedicated to Lieutenant Commander Richard H. Bailey and the United States Navy Band, Symphonic Synthesis was begun on June 9, 2010, and completed 12 days later. It was originally written as a work for high school band entitled The Snipe Hunt. The present version, more advanced in its technical demands, was written for collegiate or professional ensembles. This work takes the juxtaposition of classical and jazz elements, tonal and atonal qualities (including the 12tone row heard in the opening bass clarinet solo), and spiky rhythmic passages and intersperses them with chorales and more calm sections, creating a synthesis of different moods and instrumental colors in the contemporary symphonic wind ensemble. Symphonic Synthesis was premiered by the dedicatees on April 29, 2011 in Herndon, Virginia, and was recorded by them on the US Navy Band’s label on the CD Derivations.

The music of David DeBoor Canfield has been heard on five continents. Many of his works have been commissions or have won prizes in Composition Contests all over the world. Since its premiere in 2009, his recent work Concerto after Gliere has received around 100 performances by dozens of saxophonists, orchestras and wind ensembles, including Kenneth Tse, Claude Delangle and Timothy Roberts. A native Floridian, Canfield first studied music with his father John Canfield before pursuing graduate studies in composition at Indiana University, where he received his Master of Music degree in 1977 and his Doctorate in Music in 1983. In 1978, Canfield started his own business, Ars Antiqua, devoted to selling classical records to collectors all over the world. This business quickly became the largest of its kind in the world and continued until 2005, at which time the composer retired to devote more time to writing. Despite the heavy time demands of running a record business, he has written around 100 works in almost all genres.

Haunted Clocks................................................................ Brian Balmages (b. 1975) Simple aleatoric devices and clever effects combine to tell the story of a haunted clock factory and its mischievous inhabitants. Beginning with the sound of a single clock, additional clocks seemingly come to life and join in, creating a chorus of clock effects including wind-up, grandfather and cuckoo clocks. The Dies Irae is presented throughout in various altered versions, adding to the somewhat diabolical nature of the scene.

Brian Balmages is an award-winning composer, conductor, producer, and performer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in music from James Madison University and a master’s degree from the University of Miami in Florida. His compositions have been performed worldwide at the state, national and international level. As a conductor, Mr. Balmages enjoys engagements with numerous all-state and regional honor bands and orchestras along with university and professional groups. Currently, Mr. Balmages is the Director of Instrumental Publications for The FJH Music Company Inc. in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

PROGRAM NOTES

Mechanism.............................................................................. Todd Stalter (b. 1966) This creative piece allows the listener to musically envision the many different aspects of something that is mechanized, whether it be the precision workings of the tiny and intricate gears and movements of a wind-up watch or clock, or the inner workings of a monstrous, steam-driven machine. The quick passing of staccato rhythmic motives through the band and alternating thin and thick textures illustrate the mechanized precision and different sizes and power of these various machines. Eventually, at the height of its efficiency, our imaginary machine gets a wrench thrown into its works, and it clangs and sputters to a stop after a failed attempt at restarting it.

Composer-conductor Todd Stalter is currently the Director of Bands at Eureka High School in Eureka, IL, and serves as Chair of the Department of Fine Arts for CUSD #140. He has also been active as a church musician, recently retiring as Principal Trumpet and arranger for the “Grace Brass” at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois, after nearly 30 years of service. Recent compositions by Mr. Stalter have been performed at the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic as well as many other conventions, festivals, camps, and symposiums across the nation. International performances of his music include Great Britain, Ireland, Japan, Greece, France, Germany, and Australia. Mr. Stalter maintains an active schedule as a clinician, guest conductor, and adjudicator.

Funkanetics................................................................... Scott McAllister (b. 1969) Funkanetics, is an encore work to follow the popular clarinet concerto Black Dog that the composer wrote in 2003. Like Black Dog, the soloist is featured in a pyrotechnic adventure emulating an electric guitar soloist in a classic rock band.

Funkanetics doesn’t use material from McAllister’s Black Dog, but it is influenced by the Funk music of the 1970’s and the free-falling improvisations of that genre.

Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral......................................... Richard Wagner (1813-1883) transcribed by Lucien Cailliet (1891-1985) Lucien Cailliet’s transcription of Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral has been a treasured icon in the Wind Band Repertoire since its introduction in 1938. It is a wedding procession from Richard Wagner’s tragic opera Lohengin, where Elsa, duchess of Brabant, is about to marry her knight in shining armor, Lohengrin, Keeper of the Holy Grail, who has appeared in a boat, magically drawn by a swan. However, keeping Lohengrin’s identity a secret…to Elsa and to everyone in the country…has been a condition upon which the marriage was contingent. Shortly after the marriage, Elsa succumbs to her curiosity, sown by the antagonist duo: Ortrud, a sorceress who put a spell on Elsa’ brother, Gottfried, but accused Elsa of his murder; and Telramund, the knight defeated by Lohengrin who has accused him of sorcery. Lohengrin reveals his identity to all, kills his accuser, and then bids eternal farewell to Elsa. As Lohengrin disappears, his swan magically turns into Lohengrin’s friend and Elsa’s brother, Gottfried. Elsa, falls, lifelessly into Gottfried’s arms.

National Emblem March . . ................................... Edwin Eugene Bagley (1857-1922) edited by Frederick Fennell (1914 -2004) National Emblem was published in 1906. Frederick Fennell wrote, “This marvelous march never fails to lift my spirit to the loftiest heights of inner joy, outer physical exhilaration, and ultimate personal fulfillment. On some occasions I have felt that knowing it, loving it — being able to listen to it any time being played by the band in my head — was my whole reason to be alive. It’s just my march, and I began to teach it to myself by marching my way to high school while whistling or singing it, totally oblivious of what I am sure were quizzical and suspicious glances from people I encountered en route!...It is a march for marching; sit-down performances of it should continue to march, for that is its heritage — music for the feet, not for the head — and it is unmistakably music for the spirit.”

2014 marks the 10th anniversary of the musical patriarch Frederick Fennell. This year would also have been his 100th birthday. With that in mind, we tip our hat in honor of a man who continues to have a significant influence on the band world and on music education.

A WORD ABOUT THE PROGRAM...

Heritage has always been important to me and to my family. My mother displays heirlooms, pictures, wedding licenses, birth certificates and death certificates of family members that span many, many generations. Upon receiving the news of the invitation to perform at Midwest, I quickly knew that in some way I wanted to honor those who are a significant part of our musical heritage, mine specifically. We’ve all had conductors, teachers, and/or composers whose voices still ring in our ears and whose words we quote on a weekly, if not a daily basis. It has been my intent to honor those who have inspired us, led the way, paved the path, and passed down their knowledge and expertise in various ways by making connections through the program selections, while being true to the parameters set forth by Midwest.

Mr. Whitwell is my first source of inspiration. He was always bringing in guest conductors, performers, and composers to work with us. Through his efforts, his students have performed under the baton of Larry Rachleff, Stanley DeRusha, Allan McMurray, H. Robert Reynolds, Carl St. Clair, Karel Husa and others. Those same bands have performed with giants like Dale Clevenger and Donald Sinta, and have rehearsed with composers like Michael Daugherty, Timothy Broege, Frank Ticheli, Karel Husa and more. Performing the world premier of Ticheli’s Gaian Visions was also an influential moment for me. I can still remember sitting in those rehearsals with those great composers and watching the wheels turn as they heard the first sounds of their creation. I wanted my students to have similar intimate experiences with great musicians and the invitation to perform at Midwest has been a wonderful vehicle by which to accomplish that goal.

I am thrilled that my students have gotten to work with and perform with my long-time friend and college roommate, Dr. Eric Wilson. I am excited that my students are performing DESI, a piece commissioned by Mr. Whitwell, the premiere of which I was fortunate to have performed as a clarinetist.

I am equally thrilled to have brought some composers to our band hall, in preparation for today’s performance. David DeBoor Canfield’s music is wonderful and I have enjoyed listening to other pieces he has composed. His presence at our first preview concert and the following rehearsal was meaningful, helpful, and instructive to the architecture of the piece.

Brian Balmages, one of the most gifted composers I know, also visited our band and feeder system early in the fall. He is masterful at bringing sophistication to the most simple of ideas. What a joy!

I’ve known Clif Jones since I moved to the Austin area 16 years ago. To have him at our Send-Off Concert in Leander, and here again today is most wonderful for me, and to bring much deserved exposure to his beautiful arrangement of Holy Night, Silent Night is a true honor for my students.

Another blessing for my students, the distinction of which they may have yet to realize, is to have your band’s name on the cover of a piece of music as the commissioning ensemble. We are indebted to Scott McAllister for his brilliant writing of Funkanetics. Additionally, sharing the stage for the world premier with Dr. Robert Spring is nearly overwhelming. It wasn’t until well into the process that I learned that Spring and Whitwell were long-time friends. What a small world.

To play the favorite march of the legendary Frederick Fennell, on this grand stage, in the year that would have seen his 100th birthday, and is the 10th anniversary of his passing…well, where would the band world be without his influence?

Lastly, it was my good fortune to have played the clarinet solo in Elsa’s… at the TMEA performance of Mr. Whitwell’s SFASU Symphonic Band under the baton of Dr. William D. Revelli. My parents have attended almost every major performance of my bands, as a player and band director, both concert and marching. My dad is a former All-State clarinetist in 1963 when Revelli was the conductor, and we were able to take a 4-generation picture — Revelli, Whitwell, my dad, and me.

How fortunate that we get to have another 4-generation picture — Whitwell, my dad, me, and my two daughters — after another performance of Elsa’s.

I hope you enjoy the program. Blessings to you as you pass down your heritage of music, a true gift, to your students.

Flute Adriana Gutierrez Katherine Hardin Jimin (Min) Hwang Morgan Jeitler Vincent Lee Cameron McCandlis

Oboe Rachel Campagna Cassie Christian Matthew Glattfelder Bassoon Jordan Murley Elizabeth Murray

Clarinet Kristine Chen Audrey Gibson Benjamin Hargrave Victoria Lynn Wendy Song Kaylin Tam

Bass Clarinet Alyssa Cabello Helena Haddox Sarah Whang Alto Saxophone Coy Reid Anthony Reinehr Rebecca Reinehr Kayla Walker

Tenor Saxophone Connor Fryar Kevin Quibodeaux

Baritone Saxophone Jonathan Charpentier

Trumpet Nishal Desai Luke Hoeft Justin Humphrey Dylan LaVelle Michael Loa Sigurjon Stefansson Avery Wood

T H E 2 014 -15 V I S TA R I D G E H I G H S CH O O L W I N D E N S E M B L E

French Horn Hannah Balcezak Caroline Christian Monica Orona Zachary Richards Katherine Rossmiller

Trombone Luke Berringer Claire Entrekin Aiden Gundersen Garrett Harlan Akash Kwatra Ryan Murray Harsh Singh

Euphonium Jaxon Brock Ethan Eastwood Kyle Ma Brandon Rawls

Tuba Diego Chavez Cristian Jaimes Nicholas Longoria Antonio Peterson

Kylie Burch John Cho Aneesh Desai Liam Eagan Daniel Ehrlich

Percussion Christopher Erwin Adam Jagen Kevan Pirayandeh Alexis Schwarting Noah Urbanovsky

CONDUCTORS Bryan Christian Mr. Christian graduated from Lampasas High School in 1985. He attended Abilene Christian University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education in 1989. Receiving a Graduate Assistantship at Stephen F. Austin State University, he then began his graduate work and received his Master of Arts degree in Conducting and Clarinet Performance in August of 1991. He began his teaching career in Birdville Independent School District as Associate Director of Bands at Richland High School. After spending eight years at Richland, he was selected as the first Director of Bands at Stony Point High School in Round Rock ISD. Mr. Christian spent four years at Stony Point before moving to Leander ISD to open Vista Ridge High School, where he has been the Director of Bands for the last 12 years.

Mr. Christian is married to his college sweetheart, Cheryl, who was an oboist at ACU. They’ve been married for 26 years and have two beautiful girls, Caroline and Cassie, both of whom are in the Vista Ridge Ranger Band & Wind Ensemble.

Mr. Christian is also the part-time Worship Minister for the Round Rock Church of Christ, where he plans and leads worship, and directs a Praise Team. He also enjoys playing golf, traditional archery, and hunting whitetail deer and Rio Grande Turkey.

Mr. Christian is an active adjudicator and clinician and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, Mu Phi Epsilon, Kappa Kappa Psi, and Pi Kappa Lambda.

Kyle Ruschhaupt Mr. Ruschhaupt is in his 11th year as Associate Director of Bands at Vista Ridge.

His teaching duties include coordination of the Marching Band, conducting the Wind Symphony, and assisting all other Vista Ridge ensembles. He was previously an Assistant Director of Bands at Running Brushy Middle School, also in the Leander ISD. During his tenure at Vista Ridge, the band has had much success. Under the direction of Mr. Ruschhaupt, the Wind Symphony has consistently received UIL Sweepstakes and several “Best in Class” awards at festivals.

Mr. Ruschhaupt is a graduate of Stroman High School (Victoria, Texas) where he was inspired to be a band director by his directors Randy Kelley and Mark Buley and their passion for music and mentoring young adults. Mr. Ruschhaupt attended the University of Texas at Austin and Texas State University. His ensemble experience includes the 5A Texas All State Band, Victoria Symphony, Longhorn Band, University of Texas Symphony Band, University of Texas Wind Ensemble, Texas State Wind Ensemble, and the Phantom Regiment Drum and Bugle Corps.

Mr. Ruschhaupt is a trumpet specialist and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Secondary Music Education from Texas State University. His mentors include Glenn A. Richter, Paula Crider, John C. Stansberry and Jim Hudson. His professional affiliations include the Texas Music Educators Association, Texas Bandmasters Association, and Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity.

Mr. Ruschhaupt is married to his high school band sweetheart, Jennifer, who is a reading specialist in the Leander ISD. They have two beautiful children, Aubrey and Garrett, who hope to someday be in the Vista Ridge Band.

Amy Frost Amy Frost is in her first year of teaching at Vista Ridge High School. Her duties include conducting the Symphonic Band and the Concert Band, teaching the Jazz Ensemble, and assisting with the Ranger Marching Band. Prior to her time at Vista Ridge, Ms. Frost spent one year as the Director of Bands at Stapley Junior High in Mesa, Arizona, and five years in Georgetown ISD. She was an Assistant Director at Georgetown High School for two years before opening East View High School, where she served as the Director of Bands for three years.

Ms. Frost has been involved with the DCI activity for over 14 years, beginning as a member of the 2001 Copper Star of Arizona. She then went on to march four years with the Santa Clara Vanguard from 2003-2006 and served as a brass and visual instructor for the Santa Clara Vanguard Cadet and A Corps, Velvet Knights, Blue Stars, and Madison Scouts. Before beginning her career in teaching, Ms. Frost played trumpet and piccolo trumpet with the stage production Odyssey, a cast of all-female percussionists, dancers and musicians sponsored by the Japanese Min-On Corporation.

She holds a Bachelor of Music in Instrumental Music Education from Arizona State University and is a member of the Texas Music Educators Association as well as the Texas Jazz Educators Association.

Hector Gil Hector Gil has been the Director of Percussion at Vista Ridge High School and Artie Henry Middle School from Cedar Park, Texas since 2008. He is in his thirteenth year of teaching, and received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education from Texas A&M University – Commerce in 2001. Mr. Gil has studied with Dr. Brian West, Matt Savage, Bill Bachman, Jim Yakas, Alan Joanis, Nathan Buonviri, and Carlos Gil Sr. His students and ensembles have achieved numerous honors and have performed at The Percussive Arts Society International Convention in 2008, The Percussive Arts Society International Percussion Ensemble Competition Winners in 2014, The Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in 2010, 2012, and 2014, The Texas Music Educators Association Convention in 2010 and 2014, The Western International Band Clinic in 2008 and 2013, the Texas State Marching Band Contest in 2008 and 2013, The Winter Guard International World Championships in 2006 and 2007, and The Bands of America San Antonio Regional Finals in 2014.

He was a member of The Bluecoats Drum and Bugle Corps in 1997 and 1998. In 2000, he was in the TAMU-Commerce Percussion Ensemble that won the PAS International Percussion Ensemble Competition and also received second place at PASIC with the TAMU-Commerce Drumline. He has performed many concerts with the Texas A&M University-Commerce Wind Ensemble, the Texas A&M UniversityCommerce Drumline, the Texas A&M University-Commerce Steel Band, the Texas Christian University Wind Symphony, the Texas Christian University Symphony Orchestra, the Texas Christian University Percussion Ensemble, and the North East Texas Symphony Orchestra.

He has composed, arranged, adjudicated, and served as a clinician for numerous percussion programs throughout Texas. His professional affiliations include The Percussive Arts Society, Texas Music Educators Association, the Texas Bandmasters Association, and he is an Education Artist with Innovative Percussion, Inc. Mr. Gil lives in Cedar Park with his wife Brandy and their two daughters Makayla and Elena, along with their Westie Ana.

John L . Whitwell, Distinguished Conductor John L. Whitwell is Director of Bands Emeritus at Michigan State University, where he served as Director of Bands, Conductor of the Wind Symphony, Professor of Music, Chair of the Conducting area, and guided the graduate degree programs in Wind Conducting prior to his retirement in 2006.

Prior to his appointment at Michigan State University, Professor Whitwell held positions at Stephen F. Austin State University and Abilene Christian University.

He also taught in the public schools of Michigan as band director at Ann Arbor Huron and Northwest Jackson high schools.

His bands have performed for the College Band Directors National Association Convention, Texas Music Educators Association Convention, Midwest Clinic, and Midwestern Conference on Vocal and Instrumental Music. He is an honorary member of the Board of Directors of the Midwest Clinic, past-president of the Big Ten Band Directors Association, and past-president of the North Central Division of the College Band Directors National Association.

Professor Whitwell maintains an active schedule and is in great demand as a guest conductor and clinician throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and abroad. He is extremely active in the commissioning of new music and has participated in commissioning projects with composers Samuel Adler, Fred Allen, Kenneth Amis, William Averitt, Steve Barton, Susan Botti, Timothy Broege, Daryl Burghardt, Michael Colgrass, Donald Crockett, James Curnow, Richard Danielpour, Michael Daugherty, Eric Ewazen, Michael Finnissy, Michael Gandolfi, David Gillingham, Daniel Godfrey, Michael Golemo, Adam Gorb, Donald Grantham, Murray Gross, Daron Aric Hagen, Sam Hazo, David Heckendorn, Jennifer Higdon, Sydney Hodkinson, Jere Hutcheson, Robert Jager, Ian Krouse, Timothy Mahr, John Mackey, Daniel McCarthy, David Maslanka, Gregory Mertl, Cindy McTee, John Moss, Lior Navok, Ron Newman, James Niblock, Robert Xavier Rodriguez, Charles Ruggiero, Joseph Spaniola, Eric Stokes, James Syler, Frank Ticheli, Joan Tower, Joseph Turrin, Michael Weinstein, Eric Whitacre, Dana Wilson, and Charles Rochester Young.

Whitwell has received many honors, including: being named the Michigan recipient of the A. R. Mac Allister “Mac” Award, “Band Teacher of the Year” Award by the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association, “Citation of Excellence” Award by the National Band Association, Distinguished Graduate “Hall of Fame” Award by Wyandotte Roosevelt High, Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Rochester College, Kappa Kappa Psi “Distinguished Service to Music” Award, American School Band Directors National Association “Edwin Franko Goldman” Award, Michigan State University “Distinguished Professor” Award, MSU “Paul Varg” Award for teaching excellence, National Federation of High Schools “Outstanding Music Educator” Award, the Kappa Kappa Psi “Bohumil Makovsky Memorial Award,” induction into the Phi Beta Mu/ Texas Bandmasters Association Hall of Fame, the Phi Beta Mu “Outstanding Bandmaster Award,” Stephen F. Austin State University “Band Director Hall of Fame” Award, Honorary Doctor of Vandercook College of Music, and the “Medal of Honor” from the Midwest Clinic.

Robert Spring, Guest Artist One of the country’s most sensitive and talented clarinetists, Robert Spring has been dazzling audiences across the globe for years with his flawless technique, his incredible multiple articulation skills, his employment of a variety of tonal colors, and his amazing musicality. A true artist, his virtuosic expressiveness is married with elegance and subtlety.

Spring attended the University of Michigan where he was awarded three degrees, including the Doctor of Musical Arts degree. He was recently awarded the “Citation of Merit Award” from the School of Music Alumni Society. His teachers included John Mohler, David Shifrin and Paul Shaller. Spring has performed as a recitalist or soloist with symphony orchestras and wind bands in the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and South America, and has been heard in the United States on National Public Radio’s, Performance Today. He frequently serves as a clinician and adjudicator, and he teaches on the faculties of several summer music festivals. He has published numerous articles on multiple articulation and other contemporary clarinet techniques.

Spring was President of the International Clarinet Association from 1998-2000 and has performed for numerous International Clarinet Association conventions.

He hosted the 1995 International Clarinet Association ClarinetFest at Arizona State University where he is presently Evelyn Smith Professor of Music in Clarinet. Dr. Spring has also been a guest professor at the Beijing Central Conservatory of Music and principal clarinet of the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra of Columbus, Ohio. He is a Buffet Crampon Artist, and he plays the Buffet Greenline Clarinet exclusively.

Scott McAllister, Commissioned Composer Scott McAllister was born in Vero Beach, Florida, in 1969, and completed his doctorate in composition at the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University. McAllister has received numerous commissions, performances, and awards throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. He has also been featured at the Aspen, Chautauqua, and The Prague/American Institute Summer Festivals. McAllister has received awards, performances, and/or commissions from ASCAP, The American Composers Orchestra, The Rascher Quartet, I Musici de Montreal, Charles Neidich, The Verdehr Trio, Jacksonville Symphony, Da Camera, The Ladislav Kubik Competition, The United States New Music Ensemble, The President’s Own Marine Band, The Florida Arts Council, and The Florida Bandmaster’s Association. Scott McAllister’s music is recorded on Summit Records, Naxos, ITunes and Centaur labels and his music can be found at Lydmusic.com. Scott McAllister is Professor of Composition at Baylor University.

Daniel Malacon, Student Teacher/Guest Artist Daniel Malacon will graduate from Baylor University in December 2014 with a Bachelor of Music Education with an emphasis in clarinet studies. As a member of the Baylor Wind Ensemble and the Baylor Symphony Orchestra, he has performed at the Texas Music Educators Association Conference and the College Band Directors National Association Conference, as well as in local campus concerts. Additionally, he was assistant-principal clarinet in the Waco Symphony Orchestra for the 2012-2013 season.

In the summer of 2013, Mr. Malacon was a finalist for the International Clarinet Association’s Solo Orchestral Excerpts Competition in Assisi, Italy.

There, he was awarded 2nd place out of the six finalists who participated.

Mr. Malacon has been fortunate to study with many outstanding professors of clarinet, including Dr. Richard Shanley, Dr. Jun Qian, Dr. Vanguel Tangarov, Alan Olson, and Philip May. He is a member of the Gamma Iota chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity. Mr. Malacon has been an exceptional student teacher at Vista Ridge this semester and we thank him for performing Funkanetics for the Wind Ensemble’s concerts leading up to this performance.

Henry Middle School Band Directors Robert Herrings, Rachel Johnstone, Jeffrey Salinas

Stiles Middle School Band Directors Darcy Williams, Jenna Yee, Alex Ortega

T H E 2 013 -14 V I S TA R I D G E H I G H S C H O O L W I N D E N S E M B L E

Leander ISD Honor Groups Texas Music Educator Association Invited Choirs Vista Ridge High School Mixed Choir, 2014 – Steve White Henry Middle School Treble Choir, 2012 – Michelle Hank Henry Middle School Treble Choir, 2008 – Kimberly Williams Cedar Park Middle School Mixed Choir, 2003 – Brenda Justice Texas Music Educator Association Honor Bands Henry Middle School Honors Band, CCC 2014 – Robert Herrings Cedar Park High School Wind Ensemble, AAAA 2014 – Steve Wessels Henry Middle School Honors Band, CCC 2010 – Robert Herrings Leander High School Band, AAAA 1994 – Dennis Hopkins Midwest Performances Canyon Ridge Middle School Honor Band, 2014 – Amy Allison Vista Ridge High School Wind Ensemble, 2014 – Bryan Christian Henry Middle School Trombone Ensemble, 2012 – Robert Herrings Henry Middle School Honors Band, 2010 – Robert Herrings Cedar Park Middle School Saxophone Ensemble, 2012 – Manuel San Luis Cedar Park Middle School Symphonic Band, 2008 – Manuel San Luis Western International Band Clinic Performances Leander High School Wind Ensemble, 2014 – Nils Gundersen Henry Middle School Honors Band, 2013 – Robert Herrings Wiley Middle School Honors Band, 2012 – Garland Chiasson Henry Middle School Honors Band, 2009 – Robert Herrings Sudler Cup Recipients Henry Middle School, 2011 – Robert Herrings Cedar Park Middle School, 2008 – Manuel San Luis Sudler Shield Recipients Cedar Park High School, 2006 – Steve Wessels

Flutes

Front Row: Adriana Gutierrez Second Row: Cameron McCandlis, Kate Hardin Third Row: Jimin (Min) Hwang, Vincent Lee, Morgan Jeitler

Double Reeds

Cassie Christian, Rachel Campagna, Matthew Glattfelder, Jordan Murley, Elizabeth Murray (not pictured)

Clarinets

Front Row: Wendy Song Second Row: Victoria Lynn, Audrey Gibson Third Row: Kristine Chen, Ben Hargrave, Kaylin Tam

Bass Clarinets Alyssa Cabello (seated), Sarah Whang, Helena Haddox

Saxophones First Row: Rebecca Reinehr, Kayla Walker

Second Row: Kevin Quibodeaux, Jonathan Charpentier, Connor Fryar

Third Row: Anthony Reinehr, Coy Reid

Trumpets

First Row: Sigurjon Stefansson, Justin Humphrey Second Row: Dylan LaVelle, Avery Wood, Nishal Desai Third Row: Michael Loa, Luke Hoeft

French Horns First Row: Katherine Rossmiller, Hannah Balcezak

Second Row: Monica Orona, Zachary Richards, Caroline Christian

Trombones

Harsh Singh, Claire Entrekin, Aiden Gundersen, Garrett Harlan, Luke Berringer, Ryan Murray, Akash Kwatra

Euphoniums

Tubas

Kyle Ma, Ethan Eastwood (standing), Jaxon Brock, Brandon Rawls (not pictured)

Cristian Jaimes, Nicholas Longoria, Antonio Peterson, Diego Chavez

Percussion Front Row: Noah Urbanovsky, John Cho, Liam Eagan

Second Row: Adam Jagen, Kylie Burch, Alexis Schwarting, Christopher Erwin

Thrid Row: Aneesh Desai, Daniel (Shota) Ehrlich, Kevan Pirayandeh

Andrew Cothrell

Austin Teater

Bradley Raines

Carlene Watson

Colby Rodriguez

Connor Goeke

Jin Jung

CL A S S OF 2 014 John Malito

Kaysie Tam

Keelen Vu

Marissa Dominguez

McKenzie Bolton

Seth Butler

T H E V IS TA R ID GE R A NGE R M A RCH ING BA N D The Vista Ridge Marching Band has received area and state recognition in the marching activity. The membership of the marching band consists of every student in the band, fielding approximately two hundred and seventy woodwind, brass, percussion, and dance auxiliary. It is the largest single performing organization on campus and is a prominent fixture within the Cedar Park community. The VRHS Marching Band supports the school at all football games, both home and away, as well as pep rallies, parades and numerous other school, neighborhood, and charity events. The band is made up of students who are involved in countless other clubs and organizations within the school. A large percentage of the band population is enrolled in Advanced Placement courses as well, demonstrating that it is possible for participation in band to be available to everyone when students, directors, and school faculty join together in a team effort and work together for what is good and right by all.

The band is a three-time performer in the Texas UIL State Marching Band Contest, and a two-time Finalist. Most recently, the band was awarded the Bronze Medal at the 2013 4A Texas UIL State Marching Contest. The Vista Ridge Marching Band is also competitive at Bands of America marching contests, most recently performing in the finals of the BOA San Antonio Super Regional in 2014.

2 014 M A RCH I N G S TA F F Bryan Christian

Araceli Lopez

Daniel Malacon

Andrew Ebert

Director of Bands

Starline Director

Student Teacher

Drill Designer

Kyle Ruschhaupt

Jaime Herrera

Steven Hopkins

Curtis Uhlemann

Music Director

Asst. Starline Director

Visual Consultant

Program Designer, Choreographer

Amy Frost

Shree Tripathi

Haley Culpepper

Peter Garrow

Visual Director

Pit Instructor

Field Staff

Starline Instructor

Hector Gil

Alex Ortega

Jordan Waller

Ryan George

Percussion Director

Battery Instructor

Field Staff

Music Arranger

L E A N D E R I S D ADMINISTRATION

LEANDER ISD BAND DIRECTOR FAMILY

Bret Champion Ed.D., Superintendent of Schools

Peter Warshaw, Director of Fine Arts

Ellen Skoviera, Assistant Superintendent,

Sheila Olenich, Fine Arts Administrative Assistant

Business and Operations Karie Lynn McSpadden, Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources

Leander High School Nils Gundersen, Laura Cross, Robert Selaiden, Juan Carrera

Monta Akin, Assistant Superintendent, Instruction

Cedar Park High School Steve Wessels, Evan Van Doren, Jason Robb, Roland Chavez

LEANDER ISD BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Rouse High School Lee Crochet, Jared Morgan, Brittany Dacy, Art Jimenez

Pamela Waggoner, President Aaron Johnson, Vice President Don Hisle, Secretary Grace S. Barber-Jordan, M.Ed. Russell Bundy Lisa Mallory Will Streit

Vandegrift High School Mike Howard, Stephanie Grote, Katie Rozacky, Paul Pape Leander Middle School Cathy Teltschik, Matt Newton, Amanda Rhyne Cedar Park Middle School Manuel San Luis, David Barnes, Britni Dunn Running Brushy Middle School Van Robison, Mark Urbina, Liz Love

VISTA RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL PRIVATE LESSON STAFF

Artie Henry Middle School Robert Herrings, Rachel Johnstone, Jeffrey Salinas

Mrs. Lori Maillart, Flute

Wiley Middle School Garland Chiasson, Jennifer Arnold, Karen Kachelmeier

Dr. Amy Burgus, Oboe Ms. Julia Windle, Bassoon Ms. Mary Schani , Clarinet Mr. Christopher Whittemore, Clarinet Mr. Billy McPhail, Saxophone Mr. Gilbert Elorreaga, Trumpet Dr. Eundo Park, Trumpet

Canyon Ridge Middle School Amy Allison, Carter Matschek, Joshua Munoz Four Points Middle School Chris Yee, Jessica Gonzales, Eric Mills Florence Stiles Middle School Darcy Williams, Jenna Yee, Alex Ortega

Ms. Barbi Van Horn, French Horn Dr. Billy Gayman, Trombone

CORPORATE DONORS AND SUPPORTERS

Mr. Steven Holloway, Trombone

Jersey Mike’s

Dr. Jeriad Wood, Trombone

Big Dawg

Mr. Dan Troiano, Euphonium

Music and Arts

Mr. Brett Blackstone, Euphonium

Zero Gravity

Mr. Daniel Frost, Tuba

Baskin Robbins

Mr. Shree Tripathi, Percussion

Kona Ice

Mr. Chris Sawyer, Percussion

Stephen W. Smith, DDS

Mr. Andrew Sickmeier, Percussion

Strait Music Company Wayne Weigelt, State Farm

V I S TA R I D G E H I G H S CH O O L A D M I N I S T R AT I O N Paul Johnson, Principal Amanda Johnson, Dean of Instruction Catherine Beckerley, Assistant Principal Bryon Ellison, Assistant Principal Todd Pfaff, Assistant Principal Holly Raffaeli, Assistant Principal Stacie Seveska, Assistant Principal

V I S TA R I D G E H I G H S CH O O L PE R FO R M I N G A R T S FACU LT Y Araceli Lopez, Dance Rhonda Roberts, Theatre Thomas DeLaurier, Theatre Steve White, Choir Becky Azard, Choir

V I S TA R I D G E H I G H S CH O O L CO U N S E L O R S , FACU LT Y, A N D S U PP O R T S TA F F

V I S TA R I D G E H I G H S CH O O L BA N D B O O S T E R S Karen Hardin, President Heather Loa, Vice President Monica Lynn, Treasurer Eric Gross, Treasurer Stephanie Jagen, Secretary Jim & Andrea Murray, Historians Ron Charpentier, Parliamentarian The Vista Ridge Band Boosters actively and tirelessly support the activities of our band students and directors. Whether through chaperoning trips, feeding meals, raising and spending money or just giving the ever-important and encouraging “pat on the back,� the VRBB models excellence and commitment in everything they do. They are a significant reason for any success that we experience, past, present, and future.

SPECIAL THANKS First and foremost, to God be all praise, honor, and glory.

He has seen me through stressful times in preparation for this enormous event. He was with me in some dark times in my life, when I questioned my ability, identity, and purpose. More than answering many prayers, I’ve been abundantly blessed especially with the honor of performing with these wonderful musicians here at Midwest. I pray that I’ve remained His humble and joyful servant through both the tough times and the wonderful times.

To the best friends and co-workers on the planet…Kyle, Hector — You are like brothers to me. Amy — You’ve joined our family like a sister…or maybe a favorite niece.

You three have been a rock of support. Thank you for your patience, your flexibility, and your loyalty. I know there have been times when I’ve disappointed you, but you have always lived grace and forgiveness, and you continue to prop me and our program up every day.

These have been special times with special people.

To my wonderful wife, Cheryl…You’ve stood by me, your love bolstering me each and every one of our days together. I am undeserving of the love and honor you give so freely to me. I certainly don’t deserve the sacrifices you continue to make in service to me and our family. Your relationship with God inspires me and challenges me. I love you…more.

To John Whitwell…for taking notice of a dorky little clarinet player his freshman year of high school, and investing in me well before I was actually your student.

For your belief in my potential as a teacher and as a musician, your confidence in my ability, and for your grace and forgiveness when I fell short…I will always be in your debt. Thank you for offering wisdom and guidance throughout this process. And mostly, thank you for helping us get Elsa to the altar.

To my children, Caroline and Cassie…you, too, have sacrificed for the good of our family. I am very proud of both of you. You are beautiful inside and out. You are intelligent, artistic, expressive musicians. You honor God every day and your kindness to others brings honor to our family. I love you…more.

To Eric Wilson…for your undying friendship, your wise words, your encouragement, and your musical gifts offered to me and my students in recent years. It is truly an honor to call you my friend.

To my amazing parents, Jerry and Sheila…words cannot begin to express my love and appreciation for all that you’ve done and continue to do for me and my family.

Thank you for the tremendous examples of servant leadership, Christ-like humility, sacrificial generosity, and a marriage based on true commitment…to God and to each other. I love you…more.

To my father-in-law, Benny Partin…for being a constant source of support and encouragement. Whether it be in financial, emotional, or physical need, you’ve always been there for us. Your carpentry skills are only matched by your skill in listening and offering wisdom and perspective. I love you…more.

To the 2013-2014 VRHS Wind Ensemble…for persevering, even when you did not believe in yourselves, even when you thought hope was gone. Your individual musicianship has inspired many who will come behind you. Your legacy lives on.

To the 2014-2015 VRHS Wind Ensemble…for raising your level of awareness, for committing yourselves to musicality, for taking on challenges with positive attitudes. From the morning we announced our invitation, through the cold and stormy bluebonnet pictures, through the summer sectionals and BOA Finals…I have been so excited for you and so proud of you. You, too, are inspiring others around you…including your old, gray-headed director. I love you guys.

To Peter Warshaw…for your incredible skill in listening, both to our bands and to our whining and complaining.

For your patience, your encouragement, and your wise advice, I will always be grateful.

To Jim VanZandt and Henry Schraub…for taking a risk on a kid right out of school, and giving me my first job.

I could not have been more blessed to have been at Richland High School and to learn from both of you.

To Bill Watson…for your dear friendship, love, and mentoring. I could never add up the many things I’ve learned from you, especially from a philosophical perspective. Your encouragement through difficult times has been invaluable and your influence on me, my teaching, and my career has been more than significant.

To the incredibly talented and dedicated band directors at Artie Henry and Florence Stiles Middle Schools…

Robert, Darcy, Rachel, Jenna, Jeffrey, and Alex: You give these kids an amazing foundation upon which we get to build. Our success is due in large part to your efforts and your inspiration of these students. Thank you for being fun while having the highest of expectations.

Thanks for your friendship and support.

To my amazing band director colleagues in Leander ISD…you all are amazing teachers, musicians, and professionals. The tremendous support, integrity, mentorship, and mutual respect you provide even while being fierce competitors has created an environment envied by many. I am humbled even to be mentioned in association with you and for the honor of calling you friends, I will be forever grateful.

To some of the best band parents in the world…all of you have been amazing! Karen, Whit, Heather, Monica, Maggie, Carl and Shelley…when something needs to be done, you see that it happens, often by your own hands. You are incredible examples of humble, servant leadership and volunteerism. You make it easy for others to follow you. Thank you for the endless hours, spent in so many ways, to support our program and this trip to Chicago. You are amazing.

To the band directors of Region 26 and Region 18…it is a blessing to be surrounded by so many great programs driven by great people. Your healthy perspective in regard to competition is admirable and your support of each other is inspirational. Your words of encouragement to me personally have meant a lot. For the friendships we share, I am very grateful.

To Shannon Wedlund and Becky Smith…for your undying support of all things Vista Ridge. You have been more than Administrative Assistants (or retired). You have been the driving force of this school (we all know that) and you will always be a cherished friend of the Vista Ridge Band Family.

To Daniel Malacon…for your undying, sacrificial service to our program as our student teacher and for playing the role of “guest artist” so remarkably well. You have inspired our kids and our staff. It is refreshing to be reminded of the quality that comes from our university music programs.

To Sheila Olenich, LISD Fine Arts Administrative Assistant…for keeping all of us on time, out of trouble, with buses, with tractors, and for helping us keep the students as our number one priority. Your patience is amazing, dwarfed only by your love for kids. Thank you for your tireless service.

To the Fine Arts Department of Vista Ridge High School, past and present, including Jaime Herrera, Andrew Straight, Darla Ray, Dona Dye, and Steven Vano…for the relationships we share, every day. You all treat everyone with such love and respect, making sacrifices daily to accommodate each others’ needs, and yet you still maintain programs of the highest quality. You all make it an honor and a joy to come to work every day.

To two of the greatest Principals for whom a band director could ask…Stu Taylor, for hiring me; and Paul Johnson, for sticking it out with me. Seriously, you gentlemen have been most supportive, helpful, encouraging, and patient. Thank you for all you’ve done to establish and maintain a culture that helps students be “the best for the world.”

To the many musical giants that I gladly consider mentors & friends: John Whitwell, Gary Lewis, Fred Allen, Jim Hagood, Jim VanZandt, Eddie Lynge, John Donner, Bill Watson, Henry Schraub, Melodianne Mallow, Cindy Lansford, John Winslow, Jeff Grogan, Randy Bartlett, Bret Johnson, Ron Morrison, Steve Wessels, Eddie Green, Matthew McInturf, Peter Warshaw, Eric Wilson, Jerry Junkin, Rob Carnochan, Paula Crider, Jim Keene, and Frank Troyka.

To Paula Crider…for being a fantastic liaison. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to establish a relationship and I look forward to a lasting friendship.

To Joni Viertel Perez, Kerry Taylor, Frank Troyka, and Robert Herrings…for being so generous with information, plans, cautions, and recommendations. Your combined experiences at Midwest were an enormous aid in planning our program and the activities and events that led to this concert. I will be forever grateful.

To David Smith, MusicSmiths…recording engineer extraordinaire.

To Aaron Adcock, Manager, Don Tew Performing Arts Center…for being so servant-hearted and for spending a couple of Sunday afternoons at work so that we could perform or get ready to perform.

To Casey Johnson and her crew at Photo Texas Photography…for enduring all kinds of weather and quick deadlines. Beautiful work!

To Robin Wilson…for your amazing work on this program.

You are extraordinarily talented and your willingness to share your talents with us is a true blessing.

Lastly, to my church family at Round Rock Church of Christ…your encouragement and prayers have been a significant source of strength. You bless me every day and you never forget to challenge me to “live love.” I love you all.

“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou