September 30, 2005

Purdue Symphonic Band to make Carnegie Hall debut in 2006

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Carnegie Hall has long been a mecca for musicians. Lots of talented individuals, bands and orchestras travel a career road they hope will take them there, but only a few ever make it.

In 2006, the Purdue Symphonic Band – which has been offered an invitation to perform at the finale concert of the New York Wind Festival next March – will add its name to the list of the select few.

"To play on that stage where the finest musicians in the world have given concerts is very special," said Jay Gephart, Symphonic Band director. He said he was delighted to receive the invitation from the festival's artistic director William V. Johnson of California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo. Early in his career, Johnson taught at Seeger Memorial High School in Williamsport and is familiar with Purdue's program and its ensembles.

"Carnegie Hall is perceived as only being available to the finest professionals in the world, so in a sense it legitimizes what we do at Purdue and what amateur musicians are able to accomplish," Gephart said. "The prestige of being selected elevates the Symphonic Band to a high level and makes everyone realize how respected it is."

None of the 70 student musicians who will play on Carnegie Hall's famed stage is majoring in music or intends to make it a career because there are no music majors at Purdue. About two-thirds of them study science, engineering and technology.

For one professional musician – Purdue Bands' veteran director Bill Kisinger – the experience will cap a 37-year career. Kisinger, who's slated to retire in May, will get a chance to solo on the euphonium in "Pantomime" by Philip Sparke.

"Carnegie Hall has a glorious reputation and I am looking forward to it. It's a nice crowning jewel in my career," Kisinger said. He said he can truly empathize with the joke about the tourist who asks the woman toting a violin case on the streets of New York City how to get to Carnegie Hall. "She says, 'Practice. Practice. Practice.' which fits me," Kisinger said.

The New York Wind Band Festival is an invitation-only affair. The core participants, just six, are high school bands that come from outstanding programs. Four will be attending from the United States, one from Japan and one from England.

Purdue's Symphonic Band and the Wind Ensemble from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., were invited as showcase bands to perform for the students and the festival audience at the event's closing concert on Monday, March 27.

Even though the date is months away, "there's a huge sense of energy and excitement about the preparation for this concert that translates into the students stepping it up a notch," Gephart said. "This is different from a Long Center or Elliott Hall concert. There's a heightened intensity and a whole different attitude."

Gephart plans to program the Carnegie Hall performance much like he does the local concerts. His philosophy in programming runs counter to the current trend for wind bands that leans toward heavier literature including chamber music.

"That's not terribly appealing to me. We program with the audience in mind. We want them to be entertained and to hear music that's tuneful," he said. "Our Carnegie Hall concert will be the same in every respect. We're not going to change to go to New York."

Ramping up to the Carnegie concert, the Symphonic Band offers two special concerts this fall. The first, a "Sousa Spectacular!," patterned after the style and content of John Phillip Sousa concerts, will serve as a fundraiser for the trip. It is set for 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, in the Long Center, 111 N. Sixth St. Tickets are $10; they are available at the Purdue box office by calling (765) 494-3933.

On Nov. 20, the band will team with the Black Voices of Inspiration from the Purdue Black Cultural Center to present a "Tribute to Rosa Parks" using music inspired by Parks' courage when she refused to sit at the back of the bus. This fall marks the 50th anniversary of the pivotal moment in the civil rights movement.

The band takes off for New York City Friday, March 24. Besides rehearsing for the concert at Carnegie Hall, Gephart has made arrangements for the group to hit the highlights of New York City including a Broadway show, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Statue of Liberty.

An alumni reception is being planned in conjunction with the event. Purdue Bands will release details in late October of a trip allowing parents, alums and interested others the opportunity to follow the band to Carnegie Hall. For information, call Gephart at (765) 494-7886.

Writer: Kathy Matter, Purdue Bands public relations director, (765) 496-6785, kcmatter@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Related Web site:
Purdue University Bands

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