Episode 469: Masters of Band

I stood up in front of them without a prepared speech; it was improv. Those in the room were some of the most celebrated professionals in the conducting arts, and I was their biggest fan. Their ensembles routinely performed the most challenging wind band literature, with the utmost perfection; a testament to their podium talents. I, on the other hand, had never held a baton, nor had I had any formal conducting training. Even so, they invited me into their inner circle, as a partner. Perhaps they expected a polished, confident, ready-for-NPR segment. Instead, they heard me say, in a halting voice, that they were, simply, my heroes.

Redline Tango
  John Mackey
  Oklahoma State Wind Ensemble, Joseph Missal
Songs for Wind Ensemble
  Yo Goto
  Messiah College Wind Ensemble, Bradley Genevro
Only Light
  Aaron Perrine
  University of Kansas Wind Ensemble, Paul Popiel
Circular Marches
  Dan Welcher
  US Air Force Band, Lowell Graham
Mutanza
  James Curnow
  Irish Symphonic Wind Orchestra, Liam Daly
Intrada and March from “Symphonic Suite”
  Clifton Williams
  North Texas Wind Symphony, Eugene Migliaro Corporon