The Hodgson Wind Ensemble performed at the College Band Directors National Association national conference in Kansas City on March 16, and by all accounts, it was a complete success. Cynthia Johnston Turner, director of the ensemble, sent a few words from the road following the performance.
The HWE performance at CBDNA was spectacular and incredibly well-received. Comments like, "so innovative," "brilliantly executed," "musical story-telling at its best," "fantastic sounds," etc. The audience (full of well-educated musicians) were particularly appreciative to hear the Messiaen live, and Liza was mesmerizing… truly an artist.
Peter Lane's premiere of "Beacons" was beautiful, and Cody Brookshire's "Honeycomb" (conducted by Jaclyn Hartenberger) was a hit. Both Peter and Cody were part of a composer's forum in the morning. The Lindberg was a tour-de-force in that hall. The audience leapt to their feet after the performance.
Our students were inspired by the venue and the event, and rose to the occasion. The bar is now set higher, I'm proud of them. Excited to see where we go from here.
Thank you to Dale Monson for his continued support of excellence.