Guest conductors and Tull’s comments

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I’m pleased to announce our guest conductors for the 2014-2015 season:

  • Dr. Peter Martin, Wind Ensemble Director at the University of Southern Maine – November 9
  • Dr. Tom McCauley, Wind Ensemble Director at Montclair State University – January 25
  • Dr. Emily Threinen, Wind Ensemble Director at Temple University – May 16

I am so excited that these exceptional colleagues will be joining us next season!

I also want to share these thoughts from Tim Tull. His father, Fisher Tull, was an award-winning composer, I had the good fortune to meet and work with him on several occasions. During my tenure with WSW, we’ve performed Tull’s Sketches on a Tudor Psalm, The Final Covenant, and Introit, and Tim made a kind donation of 12 of his father’s published works to our WSW library about three years ago.

I’ve known Tim since graduate school at Northwestern, where we were both in the wind conducting program. We’ve stayed very close over the years. He is now the Orchestra Librarian for the Houston Grand Opera, which is coming to New York in July to present The Passenger at Lincoln Center. I sent Tim the YouTube links from last Saturday’s concert, and he just sent this to me. He suggested that I paraphrase, but I think Tim underestimates the power of his words. I know that you will appreciate his thoughts.

You know, that Ticheli piece is hard. I looked around at “community” groups around here and NO ONE is doing anything like what you are doing. You are practically operating on a professional level. I know that your players realize and appreciate the challenges and opportunities that you afford them. I watched the video from UT [University of Texas at Austin] with Ticheli himself conducting this piece and it was only slightly more polished than your performance. That is unbelievable from an amateur group that rehearses once a week. It will probably not mean anything to them but if you want to paraphrase this and relay it in a rehearsal, feel free. I am so impressed and they are so lucky to have you. I know you told me some of the backstory of the group and I don’t really remember it but the players must have been hungry to move to another level. Some groups would resist and dig in heels but your people have obviously embraced your vision in spades.
Curt, I am so impressed and I can’t wait to see you.
Tim

Third party compliments are always the best, especially from such an expert. Congratulations on making such a fine impression!