Hodgson Wind Ensemble - selections from West Side Story

The Hodgson Wind Ensemble presents a special Second Thursday Scholarship Series concert on Oct. 9, with a program featuring selections from "West Side Story."

The concert also marks the Second Thursday debut of new director of bands in the Hodgson School of Music, Cynthia Johnston-Turner, with a program of music written entirely by American composers.:

 Selections include Joan Tower’s Fanfare for the Uncommon Woman, No. 2, John Adams’ Short Ride in a Fast Machine, Slava!, and Symphonic Dances from West Side Story, both compositions by Leonard Bernstein.

“Jazz is America’s music, and the work of Bernstein and Adams tap into that genre,” said Turner, who began her position at the Hugh Hodgson School of Music this fall. “It’s exciting, gritty music with artistic value that appeals to this country’s aesthetic, and their inclusion makes for an uplifting, fun performance.”

The performance also features graduate conducting students Tyler Ehrlich and Jack Eaddy, Jr., as well as special guest soloist Pamela Mia Paul for the Georgia premiere of Steven Bryant’s Concerto for Piano.

The renaming of the University of Georgia Wind Ensemble to the Hodgson Wind Ensemble represents the new direction and vision Turner has for the group. In addition to this rebranding, Johnston Turner has changed the ensemble’s structure, reducing the number of performers to one-per-part.

“Excellence has its place,” said Turner. “These are the finest wind musicians here, and reducing the instrumentation encourages more ownership and responsibility, in addition to pushing students to be more sensitive musicians. It’s structured like a chamber ensemble—though that doesn’t mean we still can’t get quite loud when appropriate.”

Get your tickets today to enjoy a fantastic evening of music and welcome Dr. Johnston-Turner to the Second Thursday tradition. Bravo, Hodgson School.