ABOUT THE ARTIST
Kendra Woywod, graduate conductor
Kendra Woywod is a graduate instrumental conducting student at West Chester University. During her time in the program, she studied conducting with Dr. Andrew Yozviak and has worked with the university Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, and Chamber Winds.
After earning her Bachelor of Music in Music Education from West Chester University in 2020, Kendra accepted a position as the band director at B. Reed Henderson High School in the West Chester Area School District. At Henderson, Kendra directs the Wind Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Bands, and Marching Band along with electives courses in music theory and guitar. Her concert ensembles have participated in the National Band Association’s “High School Wind Band Symposium” and the inaugural Music for All “Philadelphia Wind Band Festival” hosted by the Wells School of Music.
Kendra is an active member of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association, National Band Association, and Women Band Directors International. She has also completed two European tours as a band director with American Music Abroad.
PROGRAM NOTES
JUBILATE DEO (1597/2008)
Giovanni Gabrieli was Italian composer bridging the Renaissance and Baroque periods. His prestigious posts at Saint Mark’s Basilica and the Scuola Grande di San Rocco made him one of the most well-known composers in Europe. Translated “Sing Out to the Lord”, this work was published posthumously in Gabrieli’s most famous collection, the Sacrae Symphony He originally set this composition for pairs of soprano, contra-alto, tenor, and bass voices, likely accompanied by wind instruments doubling the voices. Mathie’s transcription seeks to preserve the original vocal writing in his setting for brass ensemble
SUITE FOR WINDS (1957/2016)
This piece was written during Ballou’s time working as a professor at American University and influenced by her studies of music and dance at Bennington College in Vermont. Despite its recent success, Suite for Winds has remained largely unknown, existing only in manuscript form until Kinsey’s edition in 2016 transcribed from the Esther Ballou Papers at American University. Written in three contrasting movements, the character and rhythmic elements of each suggest influences from a variety of Baroque dances.
SOLACE IN THE WIND (2020)
Drawing on influences from a wide range of musical styles, Dr. Kevin Day is a contemporary composer, conductor, and jazz musician. Regarding this piece, he writes “I initially wrote Solace in the Wind during a time of contention and strife in the United States. This was a time that I was filled with anxiety about the global pandemic, and the further division of our nation, and so I needed to find a way to breathe easier. In my personal life, I find solace in nature and often will go on drives or long walks, or just sit outside, close my eyes and feel the breeze against my face. I believe very much that the wind speaks to me and helps me to realize that everything will be okay. The wind brings me back to the present moment and ultimately, helps me to find my center again.”
OLD WINE IN NEW BOTTLES (1958)
A prolific English composer of more than 700 works during his extensive career, Gordon Jacob is well known for his works for winds. Jacob was particularly interested in making his music accessible and understood by audiences, often featuring clearly recognizable melodies, forms, and harmonies in contrast to the more progressive and experimental style of many of his contemporaries. Written for the annual St. Bee’s Music Festival, this work features four movements, each based on a traditional English folk song. The first part of the title “Old Wine” explains the use of these traditional melodies, while “New Bottles” refers to his more modern compositional approach.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Kendra would like to express her deepest appreciation to all the musicians who rehearsed and performed in today’s recital. Thank you to Dr. Andrew Yozviak for the years of lessons and mentorship that led here, and to the members of the graduate conducting studio for being part of her community. She would also like to thank the many music teachers, mentors, students, and colleagues who continue to inspire and grow her career. Finally, none of this would have been possible without the love and support of her family.
