By Dennis Volkert
Sturgis Wind Symphony presents “Play List” at 3 p.m. March 1 at Sturges-Young Center for the Arts. Admission is free.
The theme focuses on musical numbers suggested by ensemble members, director Jim Whitehead said.
“I asked the players to submit pieces they truly enjoy or have always wanted to perform or replay, and I built the concert around their selections,” Whitehead said.
Repertoire:
- The Great Locomotive Chase
- Gabriel’s Oboe
- Pictures at an Exhibition
- Tiptoe Through the Tubas
- Festivo
- The Great Escape
- Emperata Overture
- Rhapsody for Solo Clarinet
- Takarajima
- Choreography
Several members of the symphony described why they chose specific pieces.
Susan Carter, oboe, “Gabriel’s Oboe.” “This Golden Globe award-winning piece by Ennio Morricone is the main theme from the movie ‘The Mission.’ In the film, Father Gabriel, an envoy with Cortez conquistadors, plays this song in the jungle on his oboe to befriend the Guarani tribal people. The beautiful melody is often selected to celebrate the haunting sound of the oboe.”
Ryan Davis, trumpet, “Emperata Overture.” “I chose it because I love its intensity, meter changes and the melodies are so catchy. I got to play this my freshman year and my sister was a senior and also played trumpet, so it’s fun to look back on that time in my life.”
Art Ebert, tuba, “Tiptoe Through the Tubas.” “(This) was arranged by Jerry Brubaker is a fun piece that includes swing, Latin and march style music. The tuba does not typically play the melody or get technical passages, and ‘Tiptoe Through the Tubas’ provides the tuba section with all of that and more.
Haruka Griffith, tuba, “Takarajima.” “This piece was originally composed by Hirotaka Izumi of the jazz fusion band T-Square and was later famously arranged for wind ensemble by Toshio Mashima. This iconic Japanese work is known for its high energy and vibrant samba style. It is widely recognized for being upbeat, technically challenging, yet accessible, making it a favorite among both high school and professional wind ensembles in Japan. I chose this piece for several reasons. First, I wanted to select something we don’t usually perform. Second, I wanted to introduce a work by a Japanese composer. Most importantly, I wanted both the audience and the performers to enjoy the experience.”
Denise Lewis, clarinet. “Rhapsody for Solo Clarinet and Band.” “I first found this piece 38 years ago while doing research as an undergraduate, and I have wanted to play it ever since, but never had the chance to program it until now. It is so much fun and one of few solo clarinet works written for band rather than orchestra accompaniment. I’m very grateful for this opportunity with Sturgis Wind Symphony.”
Patrick McCarty, trumpet, “The Great Locomotive Chase.” “We played this two years ago and it has some exciting percussion in it.”
Robert Schwartz, trombone, “The Great Escape.” “I suggested the movie theme song, because I like it!”
Jim Whitehead, conductor, “Choreography.” “What makes ‘Choreography’ so memorable is it’s incredible dynamic range. There is great contrast between the driving, rhythmic sections and the lush, slow movements. As a musician, it’s the kind of piece that keeps you on your toes and stays with you long after the final curtain.”
This is the second of three performances for Sturgis Wind Symphony’s 2025-26 season.
SWS members
(Listed alphabetically by instrument group.)
Alto saxophone: Barb Gray, Joy Peck and Connie Yorks.
Clarinet: Alexa Ahrens, Charles Collins, Janice Davidson, Joan Fisher, Denise Lewis and Jolene Tartaglia.
Bass clarinet: Roseann Bezilla and Karen Hargreave.
Bassoon: Bobbi Lukowski.
Euphonium: Carl Cummings.
Flute: Mary Beth Brenneman, Mary Diamond, Julia Lund, Robin Schuler, Stacey White and Lilly Whitehead.
French horn: Flip Johnson, Elizabeth Whitehead, Ella Whitehead and Lauren Whitehead.
Oboe: Susan Carter.
Percussion: Jim Deroshia, Jessica Haller, Emily Halling, Nick Smith, Christopher Steele and Ray Swinsick.
Piccolo: Jan Wiley.
Trombone: Katelyn Halling, Jim Kilgour, Larry Murroy, Robert Schwartz and Derick Wilson.
Trumpet: Ryan Davis, Erica Finch, Carolina Garcia Luna, Keith Lillie, Pat McCarty and Kenneth Norton.
Tuba: Art Ebert, Haruka Griffith and Roger Lewis.
Conductor: Jim Whitehead.
