The Washington Wind Symphony presents “Venti Freschi” on Sunday, April 6th!

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Feel the ‘Fresh Winds’ of music sweep through you as the Washington Wind Symphony presents ‘Venti Freschi‘ on April 6 at 2 PM. This program is a breath of fresh air, offering a diverse and invigorating musical experience. We begin with the spirited ‘Lads of Wamphray March’ by Percy Aldridge Grainger, where the rugged Scottish border ballads come to life, evoking a sense of historical dare-deviltry. Then, let the serene melodies of William Grant Still‘s ‘Summerland’ wash over you, a musical portrait of the afterlife, originally for piano and beautifully arranged for wind band, that soothes the soul.

The ‘Fresh Winds’ continue with David Maslanka‘s poignant ‘Hymn for World Peace,’ a testament to the power of individual and communal peace through music. We then journey through the English countryside with Ralph Vaughan Williams‘ ‘English Folk Song Suite,’ a collection of beloved folk melodies that capture the heart of England. Finally, we are transported to Japan with Yasuhide Ito‘s ‘Gloriosa,’ a fusion of Gregorian chant and Japanese folk music, telling a story of hidden faith and cultural confluence. Each piece in ‘Venti Freschi’ is a testament to the transformative power of music, a refreshing experience for the senses. 

Join us for an afternoon where the ‘Fresh Winds’ of music will inspire and uplift.

Be sure to buy tickets in advance, or go to our website to reserve your comfortable seat in the Robertson Performing Arts Center. Be sure to visit any of our social media pages to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread the word!

Tickets:

Adults: $15.00 | Senior: $10.00 | Students/Youth: FREE

Location:

Robertson Performing Arts Center @ Redmond High School

17272 NE 104th St, Redmond, WA 98052

The Washington Wind Symphony presents “Forces Unseen” on Sunday, October 27th!

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The Washington Wind Symphony invites you to embark on a journey through the unseen forces that shape our world. From the mystical to the majestic, the inaugural concert of our 29th season will transport you to realms both familiar and extraordinary.

We begin with Danse Bacchanale by Camille Saint-Saens, a whirlwind of passion and energy that marks the dramatic climax of his opera, “Samson and Delilah.” This iconic piece, from Act 3, captures the frenzied energy of the Philistines’ victory celebration before the dramatic downfall of their temple, a reminder that even in moments of triumph, the tide can turn, and unseen forces can shape our destiny.

Next, we venture to the Isle of Man with Mannin Veen “Dear Isle of Man” by Haydn Wood. This evocative work draws inspiration from the island’s rich folk traditions, painting a vivid picture of its rugged beauty and resilient people. From the lively reels to the haunting melodies, Mannin Veen captures the essence of the Manx spirit.

In Kaleidoscope Eyes by Katahj Copley, we delve into the realm of the imagination. This kaleidoscopic composition invites us to explore the infinite possibilities of sound, as rhythms shift and colors blend in a mesmerizing tapestry. Let your mind wander as you experience the magic of Copely’s musical vision.

The program continues with The Alcotts by Charles Ives, arranged by Thurston. This evocative work pays homage to the famous American family, capturing the spirit of their time through Ives’s distinctive musical language. From the nostalgic melodies to the experimental harmonies, The Alcotts offers a glimpse into the heart of American culture.

Finally, we conclude with a nod to the iconic John Williams and the Star Wars saga. Star Wars “The Force Awakens” is a thrilling medley of themes from the beloved film, featuring the March of the Resistance, Rey’s Theme, Scherzo for X-Wings, and Jedi Steps and Finale. Relive the epic adventures of the galaxy far, far away as the Washington Wind Symphony brings these unforgettable melodies to life.

Join us at the Robertson Performing Arts Center at Redmond High School for this extraordinary musical experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the forces unseen that shape our world!

Be sure to buy tickets in advance, or go to our website to reserve your comfortable seat in the Robertson Performing Arts Center. Be sure to visit any of our social media pages to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread the word!

Tickets:

Adults: $15.00 | Senior: $10.00 | Students/Youth: FREE

Location:

Robertson Performing Arts Center @ Redmond High School

17272 NE 104th St, Redmond, WA 98052

Baton Changes Hands at The Washington Wind Symphony

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The Washington Wind Symphony thanks conductor Jacob Scherr for his five years of inspiring leadership and passionate programming for the ensemble. Jacob recently announced his relocation to Spokane, Washington. We wish Jacob all the best in his future endeavors.

We’re excited to announce Dr. Edwin Powell’s return to the podium for our 2024-25 season! After conducting the Washington Wind Symphony for 10 years, Dr. Powell stepped aside a few years ago to better focus on his full-time role as Director of Bands and Music with Pacific Lutheran University. Recently retired, Dr. Powell is looking forward to re-joining the band this fall and is busy creating an entertaining season of audience-pleasing programs. Welcome back, Dr. Powell!

Interview with composer Ray Heraty

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Check out our interview with composer Ray Heraty on his new piece “Four Cinematic Scenes”! We’ll be world premiering it during our next concert, “soUSA” on Saturday, May 25th, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Robertson Performing Arts Center!

The Washington Wind Symphony presents “soUSA” on Saturday, May 25th!

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This Memorial Day, Americans will once again pay tribute to the selfless patriots who gave their lives to retain our freedom. To help honor their memory, we’ll present a unique program featuring a diverse collection of all-American music, with a special salute to America’s Military March King, John Philip Sousa. Join the Washington Wind Symphony as music director Jacob Scherr conducts this program by American composers–including a world premiere by one of our own!

The marches:

“Review” by John Philip Sousa, (ed. Gay Corie) – This was Sousa’s first march, published in 1873. He dedicated it to Colonel William G. Moore of the Washington Light Infantry.

“The Pathfinder of Panama (1915)” by John Philip Sousa – One of twelve marches Sousa composed for various expositions or fairs, “The Pathfinder of Panama” was dedicated to the Panama Canal and the Panama-Pacific Exposition held in San Francisco in 1915. 

“The Circumnavigators Club” by John Philip Sousa – This march was played for the Circumnavigators Club at their annual meeting on December 10, 1931, with Sousa as one of their honored guests. It was wildly applauded.

Additional featured selections:

“Chester” by William Schuman – based on a hymn written by the early New England composer William Billings (1746-1800), American composer Schuman originally wrote Chester for orchestra, then re-worked the piece for concert band. This work quickly became a popular marching song in the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and was often played on the march by the Continental Army’s fifes and drums.

“Variations on a Shaker Melody (from Appalachian Spring)” by Aaron Copland – The ballet Appalachian Spring tells the story of a newlywed couple living on a pioneer settlement in Pennsylvania during the 1800s. The United Society of Believers in Christ’s Second Appearing, a fundamentalist Protestant religious sect, were known as “Shakers” due to the ecstatic nature of their worship services. Strict believers in celibacy, Shakers acquired their members through conversion. This musical excerpt from the ballet is recognizable as the tune for the song “Lord of the Dance.”

“Four Cinematic Scenes” by Ray Heraty – You won’t hear this piece anywhere else (yet)! Be there to experience the world premiere of this exciting composition, penned by a member of our trumpet section. Ray’s “original movie music” consists of four expressive movements that evoke a range of beautiful aural moods and emotions. And who knows…there may even be dragons!

“Requiem for the Unarmed” by Kevin Day – From the composer: “Requiem for the Unarmed is my musical response to the death of George Floyd and to Black lives lost due to racial injustice in the United States. This piece is meant to be a memorial to those lives lost and is my plea and prayer. May this happen no more.”

“Variations on ‘America'” by Charles Ives, (orch. William Schuman; trans. William E. Rhoades) – Sometimes described as witty and irreverent, Ives composed this popular tune in 1891 when he was just 17 by taking liberties with “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee,” the de facto anthem of the United States at the time. Listen for the effect of two separate ensembles playing simultaneously, plus themes of patriotism and a sense of playfulness and optimism. 

“Come Sunday” by Omar Thomas – A trombonist from fourth grade through college, Thomas visualized this piece as two-movement tribute to the Hammond organ‘s central role in Black worship services. The composer explains: “The first movement, Testimony, follows the Hammond organ as it readies the congregation’s hearts, minds, and spirits to receive The Word via a magical union of Bach, blues, jazz, and R&B. The second movement, Shout!, is a virtuosic celebration – the frenzied and joyous climactic moment(s) when The Spirit has taken over the service. The title is a direct nod to Duke Ellington, who held an inspired love for classical music and allowed it to influence his own work in a multitude of ways.”

With so much inspiring American wind band music packed into one performance, this concert can only be described as, “So USA”! Be sure to buy tickets in advance, or go to our website to reserve your comfortable seat in the Robertson Performing Arts Center. Be sure to visit any of our social media pages to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread the word!

Tickets:

Adults: $15.00 | Senior: $10.00 | Students/Youth: FREE

Location:

Robertson Performing Arts Center @ Redmond High School

17272 NE 104th St, Redmond, WA 98052

The Washington Wind Symphony presents “From Bach to Rock” on Sunday, March 10th!

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Are you ready for a fun afternoon of musical contrasts at Robertson Performing Arts Center in Redmond? Our music director Jacob Scherr has tapped his extensive knowledge of the wind band repertoire to create a melodious performance of instrumental feats you won’t soon forget. The concert starts at 2:00 pm pDt (note that this is the same day you need to set your clocks forward an hour!) You’ll hear:

“Toccata and Fugue in D minor” by Johann Sebastian Bach (trans. Ryan Nowlin) – You’ll instantly recognize this audience favorite, Nowlin’s inspired arrangement for band. Having heard this masterpiece in a diverse variety of films, you may be reminded of the 1940 Disney animated classic, “Fantasia.” Or, a classic horror movie may come to mind, including “Phantom of the Opera” and “Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde.” Whatever picture is sparked by your aural memory, you’re sure to humming Bach’s famous theme long after you leave the concert.

“In evening’s stillness…” by Joseph Schwantner – Both a delicate and dynamic composition, this piece was commissioned by the Illinois College Band Directors Association in 1996, and premiered at the Midwest Music Educators National Conference convention in Peoria, Illinois. As with Schwanter’s previous two works for wind ensemble, he says In Evening’s Stillness… was inspired by poetry:

“In evening’s stillness a gentle breeze, distant thunder encircles the silence.”

Schwantner’s compositional career has been marked by many awards, grants, and fellowships, including the Pulitzer Prize in 1979 for his orchestral composition “Aftertones of Infinity” and several Grammy nominations.

“Run to the Light” by Ivan Trevino – If you enjoy the variety and exciting vibrations only possible with a full band percussion section, this piece is designed for you! Commissioned by the Eastman Wind Ensemble in 2022, the composer dedicated “Run to the Light” to “a thousand or so very special people in Victoria, Texas.” Ivan Trevino, 41, is a Mexican-American composer, percussionist, writer, and arts advocate. He has composed over 70 works for percussion and won numerous Percussive Arts Society International Composition Contest awards. Trevino currently serves as lecturer in percussion at University of Texas at Austin, and is co-director of the Eastman Percussion Festival, a biennial summer festival hosted by Eastman School of Music.

“Until the Scars” by John Mackey – An adaptation of the opening movement to Mackey’s full symphony for band titled “Wine-Dark Sea,” the composer drew inspiration for this work from Homer’s tale of Odysseus. Enjoy Mackey’s dynamic interpretation of this epic story as the Greek King and his marauding crew triumphantly celebrate their victory over the Trojans, only to meet disaster at sea.

“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring” by Johann Sebastian Bach (arr. Alfred Reed) – With a background which boasted approximately 200 musical ancestors, it’s not surprising that Johann Sebastian Bach (1685 – 1750) developed a keen interest in music at an early age. He mastered the violin and clavier and devoted himself to the study and mastery of the organ. As court organist in the town of Arnstadt at the age of eighteen, Bach became interested in composition, devoting every leisure moment to improving his skills. During his lifetime, Bach was more famous as an organist and court musician than as a composer. His works were largely unknown until rediscovered some eighty years after his death. We are fortunate to enjoy them now as his legacy.

“Bohemian Rhapsody” by Freddie Mercury (arr. Masamicz Amano) – Regarded as one of the greatest singers in the history of rock music, Mercury referred to “Bohemian Rhapsody” as a “mock opera” that resulted from the combination of three songs he had written. It was recorded by his band, Queen, at five studios between August-September, 1975. Due to recording logistics of the era, the band had to bounce the tracks across eight generations of 24-track tape, resulting in nearly 200 tracks for overdubs. The song parodies elements of opera with bombastic choruses, sarcastic recitative, and distorted Italian operatic phrases. You’ll love this fantastic wind band arrangement!

Come join us for this unique assemblage of classical-to-modern wind band music! Be sure to buy tickets in advance, or go to our website to reserve your comfortable seat in the Robertson Performing Arts Center. Be sure to visit any of our social media pages to Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us spread the word!

Tickets:

Adults: $15.00 | Senior: $10.00 | Students/Youth: FREE

Location:

Robertson Performing Arts Center @ Redmond High School

17272 NE 104th St, Redmond, WA 98052

The Washington Wind Symphony presents “Light from Within” on Sunday, December 17th!

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What better way to get into a happy, holiday mood than taking in this collection of heart-warming wind band music at Redmond’s Robertson Performing Arts Center? Our music director Jacob Scherr has curated a symphonic collection of seasonal favorites to brighten your December Sunday. You’ll hear:

*   “Minor Alterations,” by David Lovrien — Listen carefully for your favorite Christmas carols within this tasteful compilation, which Lovrien has cleverly tailored into minor keys. From the distinctive “Deck the Halls” at the start to the final, frenzied “Nutcracker Suite” finale, each tune is lovingly twisted into something new and inventive.

*  “Bach’s Fugue à la Gigue” — by Johann Sebastian Bach (trans. Gustav Holst; ed. Jon Ceander Mitchell) — In 1928, Holst set about scoring Bach’s “Organ Fugue in G Major” for brass and military band, then branded it with his own title. This technically demanding piece draws in listeners with its mesmerizing interweaving of musical lines. 

*  “Russian Christmas Music,” by Alfred Reed — The late American composer Alfred Reed was just 23 when he was commissioned to write this stirring tribute to promote Russian-American unity — and he completed it in just 14 days. First performed near the end of World War II and immensely popular among wind ensemble fans, its dramatic Tchaikovsky-esque finale alone is worth the price of admission!

*  “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” by Albert Hague and Eugene Poddany (arr. Larry Clark) — Melding the songs “Welcome Christmas” with “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” the composers honor Dr. Seuss’ 1966 TV animated musical comedy classic by the same name. Sit back and enjoy the fun memories conjured up by this timeless, familiar music.

*  “Halcyon Hearts,” by Katahj Copley — Written to denote the moment of peace when one finds their love or passion, this work is especially poignant today in today’s world. “No matter what race, gender, religion, nationality or love, we all are united with the common thread of passion from the heart. This piece was written in dedication to those who love no matter which negativity is in the world; do not allow hate and prejudice to guide the way we live our lives. Always choose love and the halcyon days will come.” — From the Composer

*  “The Eighth Candle,” by Steve Reisteter — Composed in 1997 by a Roman Catholic inspired by Aaron Copland, this piece remembers the story of Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. It begins with an extended hymn-like section followed by an exciting dance of celebration. Finally, the feast commemorates the victory of the Maccabees over the Syrian-Greek tyrant Antiochus over 2,180 years ago. Legend has it that, after the battles were won, there was only enough oil for the ceremonial lights to last for one day. Yet by some miracle, the oil lasted for eight days.

We hope you’ll take a break from your busy holiday schedule to join us for this heartwarming concert. Be sure to buy tickets in advance to reserve your comfortable seat in the Robertson Performing Arts Center, go to our website for more information. or visit any of our social media pages to Like, Subscribe, and Share!

Tickets:

Adults: $15.00 | Senior: $10.00 | Students/Youth: FREE

Location:

Robertson Performing Arts Center @ Redmond High School

17272 NE 104th St, Redmond, WA 98052

WWS in Concert

Announcing the Washington Wind Symphony 2022-2023 Concert Season!

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The Washington Wind Symphony is proud to announce our 2022-2023 concert season! We look forward to seeing you in the Redmond Performing Arts Center for a full four concert season!

  • Sunday, November 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm
  • Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, April 8, 2023 at 2:00 pm
  • Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2:00 pm

the Washington Wind Symphony 2022-2023 Concert Season

Poster for concert "A New Dawn"

A New Dawn

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The Washington Wind Symphony presents “A New Dawn”

The Washington Wind Symphony is so excited to perform live again, we decided to waive admission! To celebrate our long-awaited return to the stage, we’re making this special concert free to all. Come celebrate our emergence from the pandemic as we present “A New Dawn,” conducted by our music director, Jacob Scherr. You’ll hear:

* Children’s March: Over the Hills and Far Away, by Percy Grainger — Penned in 1919 in honor of Grainger’s Scandinavian companion, Karen Holt, with whom he shared a long-distance relationship during the first decade of the twentieth century, this beloved composition is recognized as one of the most original and essential pieces of the wind band literature.

* Of Our New Day Begun, by Omar Thomas — This somber piece pays homage to those who died on June 17, 2015, while worshiping in the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Striving to express the pain, anger, grace, and forgiveness demonstrated by the victims’ families, Thomas anchored his composition with James and John Johnson’s time-honored song, Lift Every Voice and Sing, and peppered it with blues harmonies and melodies. Singing, stomping, and clapping are also prominent features of this work, a nod to traditional Black worship services.

* The Promise of Living, by Aaron Copland, arr. James Curnow — Transparent and chamber-like at its onset, Copland dramatically introduces the folk song Zion’s Walls, as the melodies unfold and intertwine until the composition builds to its dramatic climax. Follow the rise and fall of the melody as the woodwinds gradually interject to create a sense of lyrical dialog within the band.

* First Suite in E-flat, by Gustav Holst, rev. Colin Matthews — Completed in 1909, Holst’s legendary suite didn’t receive its official premiere until 11 years later on June 23rd, 1920, by an ensemble of 165 musicians at the Royal Military School of Music at Kneller Hall. This popular work is considered a masterpiece of wind band writing, sounding as fresh and original today as the day it was written.

Please join us on April 3 and enjoy these works and more in the comfortable Redmond Performing Arts Center. We can’t wait to play for you!