Wind Ensemble celebrates 50 years

Hunsberger

o celebrate the Wind Ensemble's 50th anniversary, the Eastman School of Music is hosting a three-day international conference on wind music and a gala concert.

"Focusing on the Future, Discovering our Heritage" will take place February 6-9 and bring together more than 200 wind music advocates and specialists as well as the three conductors who have led the Ensemble during its 50 years: current, 36-year conductor Donald Hunsberger, founder Frederick Fennell, and Fennell's immediate successor, A. Clyde Roller.

"This anniversary celebration salutes all the performers who have been a part of the Wind Ensemble for the past 50 years," said Hunsberger. "The Ensemble has led, guided, and set the standard for many of the contemporary wind band programs around the world through its repertoire development and performance techniques. We have much to celebrate."

Conference highlights include the world premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Bernard Rands's commissioned work Unending Lightning, performances by the percussion ensemble Nexus, solo performances by Chicago Symphony Orchestra clarinetist Larry Combs and hornist Gail Williams, along with various panels, workshops, and presentations.

The conference also features Mark Scatterday, the newly appointed professor of conducting and ensembles at Eastman and conductor of the Eastman Wind Ensemble, who assumes the role of conductor after Hunsberger retires in May. Scatterday will conduct Husa's "Percussion Concerto" at the gala concert in Eastman Theatre on February 8.

Other ensembles performing at the conference include the Ithaca College Wind Ensemble, the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music Chamber Winds, and the United States Military Academy Band.

The gala concert in Eastman Theatre on February 8 at 8 p.m. is free and open to the public. Registration information and conference specifics are available online at www.rochester.edu/Eastman/EWE, by phone at x4-1440, or by fax at 506-0138.

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