Violinist Jenny Grégoire is Associate Professor of Violin and String Area Coordinator at the University of Alabama. Born in Québec, Canada, Ms. Grégoire attended the Québec Music Conservatoire where she studied with Jean Angers and Liliane Garnier-LeSage and earned both undergraduate and graduate degrees in violin performance, with a minor in chamber music. Upon leaving Québec, Ms. Grégoire attended Northwestern University, where she received a master’s degree in Violin Performance and Pedagogy with Dr. Myron Kartman. She was a member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago for two seasons and worked with conductors Daniel Barenboim, Neeme Jarvi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Pierre Boulez and Cliff Colnot, among others. Jenny Grégoire left Chicago to play one season with the New World Symphony, under the direction of Michael Tilson Thomas, in Miami, FL. Ms. Grégoire is currently concertmaster of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, a position that she has held since 2001. She is extremely sought-after in the southeast, as she is also concertmaster of the Meridian, North Mississippi, and Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestras. In addition to her orchestral career, Ms. Grégoire remains active as a soloist and recitalist. She has appeared several times as a soloist with the Mobile Symphony and the Meridian Symphony Orchestra. In May 2019, she performed the Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and Maestro Adam Flatt. She was also a featured soloist with the North Mississippi Symphony Orchestra in February 2024, and performed Vaughan Williams The Lark Ascending under the direction of Maestro Steven Byess. Ms. Grégoire has presented solo and chamber music recitals throughout the United States, as well as in Brazil, Canada, and Portugal. Additionally, she is on faculty at the Eastern Music Festival, where she is the Assistant Principal Second Violin in the faculty orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Gerard Schwarz. Ms. Grégoire plans to release this fall her first solo recording, “Music of My Homeland”, featuring music for violin and piano by French Canadian composers. Cellist Moisés Molina, originally from Honduras, has built a distinguished career as a soloist, chamber and orchestral musician, teacher, and clinician. His artistry has taken him across the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, with performances and recordings on the Centaur, Parma, Profil, and New World labels. Molina has appeared at renowned international festivals including the Toradze International Music Festival (Tbilisi, Georgia), the Biennial Violoncello Festival (Lima, Peru), the Orfeo Music Festival (Italy), and the Northern Lights Music Festival (USA). A passionate educator, he has also taught at the Singing River Cello Workshop, the Tennessee Valley Music Festival, and Scor! String Experiences. He regularly performs with the ensemble of the Chicago Conducting Masterclass and Workshop. As a guest artist, Molina has been featured at the St. Augustine Music Festival (Florida), the International Chamber Music Festival (Lima, Peru), the Cuzco Music Festival, and the First International Cello Festival (Huánuco, Peru). He has presented master classes at the Conservatorio Nacional de Música (Dominican Republic), the Instituto Superior de Artes (Cuba), the Tennessee Cello Workshop, and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras. An active orchestral musician, Molina serves as Principal Cellist of the Mobile Symphony Orchestra, the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and the Columbus Symphony Orchestra (GA), while also performing frequently with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra. He has previously held leadership positions with the Abilene Philharmonic, Abilene Opera, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra (IL), among others. Currently Associate Professor of Cello and Director of the Cuba Center at the University of Alabama, Dr. Molina has also taught at Western Illinois University, Hardin-Simmons University, and Abilene Christian University. He has presented at state music education conferences, conducted youth and festival orchestras, and, early in his career, was awarded an orchestral fellowship to the Aspen Music Festival. Named Teacher of the Year by the Alabama Music Teachers Association and Music Educator of the Year by the Arts Council of Tuscaloosa, pianist Kevin T. Chance has been hailed as “a superlative musician” playing “with musical conviction and muscularity.”  He has performed throughout the United States and abroad as both soloist and collaborator. Recent engagements include performances at Carnegie Hall as well as concerto appearances with Bernstein’s Age of Anxiety and Rachamninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini with the Huxford Symphony Orchestra, Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the University of Alabama Wind Ensemble, Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy with the Athens Chorale in Georgia, and Gerald Finzi’s Eclogue.  In March 2016, he also appeared with the Tuscaloosa Symphony in a performance of Saint-Saens’s Carnival of the Animals. Recital engagements have taken him throughout the U.S. with recent appearances at the American Matthay Association Festivals, the University of Oklahoma, the Louisiana Piano Series International, and the Albion College International Piano Festival. He has also been presented in performances by the Mobile Opera, the Mississippi Opera, Cedar Rapids Opera Theatre, the University of Texas at Brownsville, the University of South Carolina, Columbus State University, Auburn University, Millsaps College, the University of North Dakota, the Saratoga Arts Fest, and Bucknell University.  Dr. Chance was a prizewinner of several regional and national competitions including the National Society of Arts and Letters Career Awards Competition, Music Teachers National Association Competitions (MTNA), and the Brevard Music Center Concerto Competition.  Dr. Chance is a member of the Semplice Duo with flutist Cristina Ballatori. In August 2004, they were named the winners of the Notes at 9,000 Emerging Artist Series Competition in Colorado. Past seasons have taken them to Texas, Colorado, New York, and Louisiana, and they were selected as artist fellows for the 2005 Hampden-Sydney Music Festival in Virginia, where they returned for a series of performances in 2008.  They frequently perform in recital on the “Live from Hochstein” series, which are broadcast live on WXXI radio in Rochester, NY, and in 2014, they made their European debut in Paris. A sought-after teacher, Dr. Chance maintains a prize-winning studio, and he was recently named a Leadership Board Faculty Fellow by the Universtiy of Alabama College of Arts and Sciences. His students are frequently named winners and finalists in local, state, regional, and national competitions, including the 2009 Music Teachers National Association’s National Competition Finals in Atlanta.  He currently serves on the faculties of several summer festivals including the New Orleans Piano Institute.  In demand as a clinician and adjudicator, he regularly presents workshops and lecture-performances on repertoire and pedagogy throughout the country, and he has served as a guest artist and clinician for the Michigan, Mississippi, and Alabama state music teacher conferences. Additionally, Dr. Chance has presented at the 2023, 2019, 2016, and 2008 Music Teachers National Association Conferences. He is a Past President of the Alabama Music Teachers Association and is a past board member of the Music Teachers National Association serving as Director of the Southern Division and later Vice President. Kevin currently serves as the President-Elect of Music Teachers National Association and is a past president of the American Matthay Association. Serving as Associate Professor of Piano and Chair of the Gloria Narramore Moody Piano Area at the University of Alabama, Dr. Chance is a former faculty member at the Alabama School of Fine Arts in Birmingham.  He holds the Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music where he was awarded the Jerald C. Graue Fellowship for academic excellence.  An alumnus of the Aspen Music Festival, he holds the Master of Music degree from Louisiana State University and graduated magna cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College.  His teachers have included Barry Snyder, Constance Knox Carroll, Ann Schein, Anne Koscielny, Herbert Stessin, William DeVan and Betty Sue Shepherd.

Vibraphonist, marimba and mallet synthesizer master Jerry Tachoir (pronounced Tash’-wah), who earned his Bachelor’s degree from the Berklee College of Music, leads the Jerry Tachoir duo in a collection of original tunes with a contemporary jazz genre. The duo includes his wife, Marlène, on piano and wordless vocals, who is also a graduate of Berklee College of Music. Marlène and Jerry Tachoir had an early start as professional musicians. At the age of 15, Jerry was performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony and other orchestras in the area as a mallet percussionist. Meanwhile in Québec, Canada, Marlène was playing keyboards with her father’s swing band at 13 years old. Tachoir has performed at The Northsea Jazz Festival in Holland, the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland, The International Festival of Jazz in Montreal, The Ottawa Jazz Festival and The Mellon Jazz Festival. Jerry is the author of the books Contemporary Mallet Method, An Approach to the Vibraphone & Marimba and Solo Vibraphone Collection, both published by Riohcat Music. Jerry is a very popular and much in demand Artist/Clinician for the Musser Vibraphone and Marimba co./division of Ludwig Drums since 1972.

Dr. Bruce Faske joined the faculty at the University of Alabama School of Music in 2024 as Associate Professor of Trombone. He also serves as Principal Trombonist of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and Second Trombonist of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Prior to Alabama\, Dr. Faske taught at Arkansas State University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. As an orchestral musician\, Dr. Faske has performed with numerous ensembles\, including the Dallas Opera\, Richardson Symphony (TX)\, San Antonio Symphony (TX)\, Meridian Symphony (MS)\, Starkville Symphony (MS)\, Waco Symphony (TX)\, Texarkana Symphony (TX)\, Owensboro Symphony (KY)\, Jackson Symphony (TN)\, South Arkansas Symphony\, Delta Symphony (AR). As a soloist\, he is committed to championing new repertoire\, including world premieres by Frank Gulino (Southeastern Rhapsody for trombone and piano)\, Howard Buss (Serendipity Suite for trombone\, trumpet and piano) and Derek Jenkins (Remnants for trombone and piano). He has participated at the 2017\, 2018\, 2021\, and 2022 International Trombone Festivals\, the International Women’s Brass Conference\, the Music by Women Festival at the Mississippi University for Women\, and soloist at the North American Brass Band Championships in Huntsville\, Alabama. He has presented clinics for the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Directors Association\, Arkansas Bandmasters Association\, Arkansas Music Educators Association\, Arkansas Small Band Association\, Big 12 Trombone Conference\, and public school band programs in Texas\, Alabama\, Oklahoma\, and Arkansas. Bruce Faske earned degrees from the University of Alabama (DMA)\, Baylor University (MM)\, and Texas A&M University-Commerce (BSM). His teachers include Jonathan Whitaker\, Brent Phillips\, Jimmy Clark\, John McCroskey\, Joseph Cox\, Don Lucas\, and Larry Campbell. In addition to his formal studies\, he was a Participant in the 2011 and 2013 Alessi Seminar\, a week long\, international workshop led by Joseph Alessi\, Principal Trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. Dr. Faske is a Trombone Artist for the S.E. Shires Company.

Dr. Bruce Faske joined the faculty at the University of Alabama School of Music in 2024 as Associate Professor of Trombone. He also serves as Principal Trombonist of the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra and Second Trombonist of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. Prior to Alabama, Dr. Faske taught at Arkansas State University and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. As an orchestral musician, Dr. Faske has performed with numerous ensembles, including the Dallas Opera, Richardson Symphony (TX), San Antonio Symphony (TX), Meridian Symphony (MS), Starkville Symphony (MS), Waco Symphony (TX), Texarkana Symphony (TX), Owensboro Symphony (KY), Jackson Symphony (TN), South Arkansas Symphony, Delta Symphony (AR). As a soloist, he is committed to championing new repertoire, including world premieres by Frank Gulino (Southeastern Rhapsody for trombone and piano), Howard Buss (Serendipity Suite for trombone, trumpet and piano) and Derek Jenkins (Remnants for trombone and piano). He has participated at the 2017, 2018, 2021, and 2022 International Trombone Festivals, the International Women’s Brass Conference, the Music by Women Festival at the Mississippi University for Women, and soloist at the North American Brass Band Championships in Huntsville, Alabama. He has presented clinics for the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Directors Association, Arkansas Bandmasters Association, Arkansas Music Educators Association, Arkansas Small Band Association, Big 12 Trombone Conference, and public school band programs in Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Bruce Faske earned degrees from the University of Alabama (DMA), Baylor University (MM), and Texas A&M University-Commerce (BSM). His teachers include Jonathan Whitaker, Brent Phillips, Jimmy Clark, John McCroskey, Joseph Cox, Don Lucas, and Larry Campbell. In addition to his formal studies, he was a Participant in the 2011 and 2013 Alessi Seminar, a week long, international workshop led by Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombonist of the New York Philharmonic. Dr. Faske is a Trombone Artist for the S.E. Shires Company.

Originally from Jasper, Alabama, Matthew Meadows joined the United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” in April of 2025. He remains in-demand as a soloist, chamber musician and clinician. In recent years, he has earned top prizes in numerous solo competitions. In 2019, he was awarded second-prize in the International Horn Competition of America University Division. Most recently, he was named the “National Winner” in the MTNA Young Artist Competition, winner of the International Phoenix Music Competition for Horn Duos, winner of the 2021 Southeast Horn Workshop Graduate Solo Competition, winner of the 2021 Kappa Kappa Psi Biennial Solo Competition, winner of the 2022 FOOSA Philharmonic Concerto Competition, and winner of the 2022 United States Army Band “Pershing’s Own” National Collegiate Solo Competition. Matthew has been an active professional having served as the Principal Horn of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra, Co-Principal Horn of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, and Third Horn of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. In addition, he has been a substitute player with orchestras such as Alabama Symphony, Louisiana Philharmonic, Huntsville Symphony, Mobile Symphony, and Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra. Matthew has performed internationally as a soloist, most recently appearing with the Georgian Philharmonic Orchestra at the 2024 Toradze International Music Festival in Tblisi, Georgia.  Along with an active symphonic schedule, Matthew has been an active chamber musician. He was principal horn of the Capstone Horn Quartet, also known as “Tater and the Tots” which was awarded first-prize in both the Southeast Horn Workshop Quartet Competition and the International Horn Society Summer Symposium Amateur Quartet Competition. Matthew is currently completing the final stages of his Doctor of Musical Arts Degree under the instruction of Charles “Skip” Snead and also working towards a Secondary Concentration in Wind Conducting with Dr. Ken Ozzello. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in music education and master’s degree in horn performance from the University of Alabama. Matt is a member of the National Association for Music Education, the National Band Association, the International Horn Society, and a Life Member of Kappa Kappa Psi. Josh Pantoja is horn player for the Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra since 2004, and horn professor at the Puerto Rico Music Conservatory, College and Pre-College levels. Faculty at Clazz International Music Festival in Arcidosso, Italy, Brass Coach for the Puerto Rico Youth Symphony Orchestra and Substitute Horn Professor at the Juilliard Pre-College. He is an active chamber music performer with Camerata Caribe, Café Corta’o Horn Quartet and Pantojazz. Joshua is also a songwriter and the author of the books “From Classical to Jazz an Improvisation Method”, “Ornamenting your Improvisation a Guide to Approach Notes”, “Chord Tone Arpeggios” and “Basics and Colors – Horn Etudes”, the later one commissioned by the Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program. Pantoja has performed Masterclasses at Manhattan School of Music, The Mannes School of Music, The Juilliard Summer Program, Juilliard’s Music Advancement Program, Bard College, Montclair University, Delaware University, Shenandoah Conservatory, Texas A&M Corpus Christi, University of Arizona. He was also a guest artist at the Southeast Horn Workshop (2023) at the University of Central Florida. Most recently Prof. Pantoja was on tour in Europe, performing Masterclasses in Germany, Switzerland and Italy, some of the schools and universities were: Frankfurter Bläserchule in Frankfurt, Hochschule für Musik in Hannover,  Hochschule für Musik in Nürnberg, Musik-Kurzwochen in Arosa. Another places Pantoja has performed Masterclasses are National University of Colombia in Bogota, University of Caldas in Manizales- Colombia, University of Eafit in Medellin- Colombia, Puerto Rico Music Conservatory and many different music schools in Puerto Rico; Faculty at the International Horn Festival and Academy in Manizales- Colombia, 2008 and 2009. During pandemic times he performed Online Masterclasses for the University of Panamá, Latino American Horns and Peruvian Horns. Professor Pantoja began his musical studies at Escuela Libre de Música in Caguas, Puerto Rico at the age of 12, where he received  his first French Horn lessons from Professor Jorge Figueroa. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree from The Juilliard School where he studied with Professor Jerome Ashby and his Master’s degree from Manhattan School of Music with Professor Javier Gándara. Currently he studies Jazz and Improvisation with Professor Julito Alvarado. Joshua performs with Puerto Rico Symphony Orchestra since 2004 as a member of the horn section. During the summer 2023, Prof. Pantoja was invited to performed Mahler Second Symphony  as part of the horn section of the NDR RadioPhilharmonie in Hannover, Germany. He also has performed with the The Orchestra of the Americas, where he visited countries in Central and South America, Europe and several states of the United States. In 2022 he was guest musician at the Puerto Rico Jazz Jam with the Humberto Ramirez´s Big Band. Other important musical ensembles that he has perform with includes Colombia National Symphony Orchestra, International Chamber Orchestra of Puerto Rico, Camerata Pops, Eafit Symphony Orchestra, Dominican Republic National Symphony Orchestra, American Russian Young Artist Orchestra (2002 Russia and USA Tour), New York Opera Society, Di Capo Opera in NY, Manhattan Virtuosi, Filarmónica Arturo Somoano in Puerto Rico, Caguas Municipal Band, Puerto Rico State Band,  Casals Festival Orchestra, The Juilliard Orchestra, The Juilliard Symphony, Manhattan School of Music Orpheus Institute, Manhattan School of Music Symphony, Philharmonic and Chamber Orchestras, Altenburg Music Festival (Germany), Idlyllwild Music Festival (California), The Orchestra of the Americas (2002-04 and 2006), Paquito D’Rivera 50th Anniversary All Stars Concert at Carnegie Hall, VII International Festival of Music and Sacred Art at the Vatican, Rome 2008, World Economic Forum 2010 at Carnegie Hall.      Married to a beautiful Colombian woman, likes to spend his summers in Colombia. Loves coffee, birds and going to the beach.

About the Artist Jon Noffsinger maintains an active performing schedule as a concert saxophonist and in diverse jazz and commercial idioms. Exploring and promoting these rich and diverse musical opportunities is central to his creative, teaching, and service activities. Numerous works have been written for Mr. Noffsinger and his students—often receiving their premieres at national and international conferences. Some of his recorded performances may be found in his collaborations with Demondrae Thurman (Snapshots, 2013), The Birmingham Seven (Just Passing Through: The Birmingham Seven, 2022, Summit 799; Yeah, About That, 2016; Second Set, 2014; and The Birmingham Seven, 2012), and as one of the Tuscaloosa Horns, on the Temptations’ 2001 Motown release of “A Love I Can See” on the Awesome CD (440016 330-2). Jon Noffsinger is proud to be a contributing member of the Alabama Jazz Collective, comprised of jazz educators from throughout the state of Alabama at leading universities, colleges, and high schools. Additionally, he has appeared as featured soloist with the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville Symphony Orchestras in Alabama and with the Anderson Symphony Orchestra in South Carolina and has had multiple collaborations with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the orchestras of Mobile, Meridian, and the Alabama Gulf Coast. His achievements have been honored by the Alabama Music Hall of Fame, the Arts & Humanities Council of Tuscaloosa County, Concert Artists Guild, the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition, and the Conservatoire National de Region—Bordeaux. Mr. Noffsinger’s principal teachers have included James Forger, Griffin Campbell, Jean-Marie Londeix, and Gerald Welker. Jon Noffsinger has served on The University of Alabama music faculty since 1993. Internationally sought after as a professional pianist, JUN OKADA enjoys an active career as a soloist, in duo ensembles, and as a chamber music specialist. A native of Hiroshima, Japan, she began her music studies at YAMAHA Music School and received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Michigan State University under the tutelage of Deborah Moriarty. Ms. Okada has previously served as a faculty member of Hope College in Holland, Michigan.

Long recognized as one of the world’s leading instrumentalists, Ransom Wilson has turned increasingly to a career as a conductor of orchestral and operatic repertoire.

About the Artist Long recognized as one of the world’s leading instrumentalists, Ransom Wilson has turned increasingly to a career as a conductor of orchestral and operatic repertoire.  He is Artistic Director of New York’s LE TRAIN BLEU ensemble, Music Director of the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company,  Music Director of Solisti New York Orchestra, former Artistic Director of Oklahoma’s famed OK MOZART International Festival, former Music Director of the Flint Symphony, Tuscaloosa Symphony, Idyllwild Arts Academy Orchestra, and the SUNY Purchase Orchestra. He is currently the Music Director of the Redlands Symphony in Southern California, which has experienced an unprecedented increase in ticket sales and attendance since his arrival.   He has appeared as guest conductor with many major orchestras including the London Symphony Orchestra, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Houston Symphony, the Denver Symphony, the San Francisco Chamber Symphony, the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, the New Jersey Symphony, the Budapest Strings, the Berkeley Symphony, and he led a successful tour with James Galway and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  Mr. Wilson has accompanied many internationally renowned artists from the podium, including Itzhak Perlman, André Watts, Frederica von Stade, Joshua Bell, Garrick Ohlsson, Paul Watkins, Anne-Marie McDermott, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, François Dumont, Nicholas Canellakis, Michael Stephen Brown, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Jeffrey Kahane and Hilary Hahn. An esteemed operatic conductor, Mr. Wilson recently spent ten years as a member of the conducting staff at the Metropolitan Opera.  He has twice appeared as conductor for productions of Handel operas at the New York City Opera, and has led a highly acclaimed production of the American stage premiere of  Mozart’s Il Re Pastore, with the Glimmerglass Opera.  Additionally, he conducted the first professional production of composer Amy Beach’s only opera Cabildo, on the “Great Performers at Lincoln Center” series.  The production was recorded and released on CD by Delos International.  Recent seasons have included concerts and recordings with the London Symphony Orchestra, the New Haven Symphony, England’s Hallé Orchestra, the New Jersey Symphony, the Tulsa Philharmonic, and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s, among others. He conducted Puccini’s La Bohème at the International Opera Center in Amsterdam, as well as Rossini’s La Cenerentola in San Sebastián, Spain.  Wilson has also conducted numerous times as an Artist Member of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, both in New York and on tour. As flute soloist, he has appeared in concert with some of the greatest orchestras and artists of our time, including the Chicago Symphony, Philadelphia Orchestra, San Francisco Symphony, Detroit Symphony, London Symphony Orchestra, Frederica von Stade, Jessye Norman, Thomas Hampson, Susan Graham, Dolora Zajick, Erin Morley, Sasha Cooke, Edgar Meyer, Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg, Hilary Hahn, Jean-Pierre Rampal, Sir James Galway, Barry Douglas, Claude Frank, Peter Frankl, Robin Sutherland, and many others. Ransom Wilson is the recipient of several illustrious honors.  In 1988 the New York Times Foundation awarded him the first Alabama Prize, which is awarded to natives or residents of that state who have distinguished themselves in the performing or visual arts.  The following year he, with pianist Christopher O’Riley, received a National Public Radio award for best performance by a small ensemble on a national broadcast.  In 1993 he was inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. The Austrian government honored him with their prestigious Award of Merit in Gold, in recognition of his efforts on behalf of Mozart’s music in America. Mr. Wilson’s highly successful recording career, which has included three Grammy Award nominations, began in 1973 when he made a recording with Jean-Pierre Rampal and I Solisti Veneti.  More than 30 solo recordings have followed on the Angel/EMI, RCA, Orion, Musical Heritage Society, Warner Classics, and Nimbus labels, among several others. As conductor, he has made a best-selling recording of music by John Adams and Steve Reich with Solisti New York and a disc of Baroque music with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.  A recording on the CRI label features Mr. Wilson conducting the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in the music of Aaron Jay Kernis and he recorded Stravinsky’s Histoire du Soldat in a citically acclaimed performance on the Chesky label. A strong advocate of contemporary music, Wilson has commissioned new works by Steve Reich, John Luther Adams, Joseph Schwantner, John Harbison, Peter Schickele, George Tsontakis, Sean Friar, Lilya Ugay, Jean-Michel Damase, Jean Françaix,  and Carlos Surinach.  Most recently, he conducted the London Symphony Orchestra in a recording of music by American composer Michael Colina.  A gifted arranger, he has transcribed much of the music for his Angel/EMI/ Warner Classics recordings and—at Carnegie Hall with Frederica von Stade as soloist—he has conducted his own orchestrations of three of Maurice Ravel’s Five Greek Songs, which were left unorchestrated by the composer.
 He recently conducted the premiere of his new orchestration of Ravel’s Sonatine with the Redlands Symphony. Educated at the North Carolina School of the Arts and the Juilliard School, Wilson pursued post-graduate studies as an Atlantique Scholar in France with Jean-Pierre Rampal.  He has studied conducting with Roger Nierenberg, James Dixon, Otto-Werner Mueller and received extensive coaching from the late Leonard Bernstein.

About the Artist Stephen Lange has been a member of The Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops Orchestra since 2010. Previous positions have included Associate Principal Trombone of the Saint Louis Symphony and Assistant Principal Trombone/Second Trombone in the San Antonio Symphony. Mr. Lange has also performed with the All-Star Orchestra, New York Philharmonic and internationally toured with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and Kennedy Opera House. He is also in demand as a clinician and soloist, presenting solo recitals and master classes worldwide. Mr. Lange has been on the faculty of many of the top trombone festivals, such as the Cleveland Trombone Seminar, The Eastman Summer Trombone Institute, The Georgia Trombone Summit, and the Southeastern Trombone Symposium, as well as coachings with the New World Symphony. A native of Dallas, Texas, Mr. Lange earned a Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, and a Performer’s Certificate from Indiana University in 1997, and graduated with a Masters of Music degree in 1999 from the Juilliard School. As a student he won several awards, including the ITF Lewis Van Haney Philharmonic Prize, ITF Frank Smith Trombone Competition – and with the Extension Ensemble Brass Quintet, first place at the Molnterey Bay and Fischoff Chamber competitions.  During his time in Saint Louis, Mr. Lange helped found, and was a member of, The Trombones of the Saint Louis Symphony. The group gave master classes and recitals throughout the Midwest, culminating in the critically acclaimed recording, 4.1.  As a music educator, Mr. Lange is on faculty at the New England Conservatory of Music, working with private students, the trombone choir, and the Orchestra Brass Repertoire Class. He is forever indebted to his teachers; Joe Dixon, Texas, Keith Brown, Professor Emeritus at Indiana University, and Joseph Alessi, Principal Trombone of the New York Philharmonic.

Marine Band Established by an Act of Congress in 1798, the United States Marine Band is America’s oldest continuously active professional musical organization. Its mission is unique—to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. President John Adams invited the Marine Band to make its White House debut on New Year’s Day, 1801, in the then-unfinished Executive Mansion. In March of that year, the band performed for Thomas Jefferson’s inauguration and it is believed that it has performed for every presidential inaugural since. In Jefferson, the band found its most visionary advocate. An accomplished musician himself, Jefferson recognized the unique relationship between the band and the Chief Executive and he is credited with giving the Marine Band its title, “The President’s Own.” Whether performing for State Dinners or South Lawn arrivals, events of national significance, or receptions, Marine Band musicians appear at the White House an average of 200 times each year. These performances range from small ensembles such as a solo pianist, jazz combo or brass quintet to a country band, dance band or full concert band. The diversity of music often presented at the Executive Mansion makes versatility an important requirement for Marine Band members. Musicians are selected at auditions much like those of major symphony orchestras, and they enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps for permanent duty with the Marine Band. Most of today’s members are graduates of the nation’s finest music schools, and more than 60 percent hold advanced degrees in music. In addition to its White House mission, “The President’s Own” performs an annual season showcase series of indoor concerts and a popular outdoor summer concert series on the National Mall. Musicians from the band are frequently highlighted in solo performances and participate in more intimate chamber ensemble recitals that feature a wide range of smaller instrumental groups. Marine Band musicians also perform in many different types of ceremonies and events throughout the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area including the Presidential Inauguration, Full Honors funerals at Arlington National Cemetery, Honor Flight ceremonies for veterans at the National World War II Memorial, Friday Evening Parades at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., and educational programs in schools throughout the National Capital Region. Each fall, the Marine Band travels throughout a portion of the continental United States during its concert tour, a tradition initiated in 1891 by “The March King” John Philip Sousa, who was the band’s legendary 17th Director. As Director from 1880–92, Sousa brought “The President’s Own” to an unprecedented level of excellence and shaped the band into a world-famous musical organization. Since Sousa’s time, the band’s musical reach has extended beyond America’s borders on several occasions with performances in England, Norway, Ireland, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Singapore, and the former Soviet Union. During Sousa’s tenure, the Marine Band was one of the first musical ensembles to make sound recordings. By 1892, more than 200 different titles were available for sale, placing Sousa’s marches among the first and most popular pieces ever recorded. While the Marine Band is firmly dedicated to preserving the unique musical traditions established over its long history, it is equally committed to serving as a leading ensemble in the development of new repertoire for winds. In 2000, “The President’s Own” commissioned David Rakowski’s Ten of a Kind, a piece honored as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in music in 2002. In 2007, the band commissioned “Scamp” by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Melinda Wagner, and the Marine Band premièred Scott Lindroth’s Passage at the 2010 Midwest Clinic in Chicago. In 2011, the band commissioned and premièred Flourishes and Meditations on a Renaissance Theme by Michael Gandolfi at the American Bandmasters Association’s annual convention in Norfolk, Va. Most recently, music written for the Marine Band has included Gerard Schwarz’ Above and Beyond, Jacob Bancks’ The Information Age and Laurence Bitensky to write Fearsome Critters, the latter of which was premièred at the Texas Bandmasters Association Convention in San Antonio in July 2012. On July 11, 1998, the Marine Band celebrated its 200th anniversary with a command performance at the White House and a gala concert at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington attended by President and Mrs. Clinton. Also during its bicentennial year, the Marine Band was the only ensemble inducted into the inaugural class of the American Classical Music Hall of Fame in Cincinnati. Given its status among American musical organizations, “The President’s Own” continues to attract prominent guest conductors from major orchestras around the globe, including Osmo Vänskä, Leonard Slatkin, José Serebrier and Gerard Schwarz. On July 12, 2003, the Marine Band returned to the Kennedy Center to celebrate its 205th anniversary in a concert featuring guest conductor John Williams, renowned composer of American film and concert works and laureate conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra. Williams returned to the podium in 2008 to conduct the final concert of the Living History concert series celebrating the Marine Band’s 210th anniversary. In honor of the Marine Band’s 215th birthday, John Williams composed and dedicated an original work to the Marine Band aptly titled “For ‘The President’s Own.’” The Marine Band’s integral role in the national culture and in the government’s official life has affirmed the importance of the arts as a bridge between people. Since 1798, the Marine Band’s mission has been to provide music for the President of the United States and the Commandant of the Marine Corps. As the only musical organization with that mission, the Marine Band looks to the future, viewing its history and tradition as the foundation upon which to build its third century of bringing music to the White House and to the American people.

Praised for “beautiful performances of great warmth” (Classical Voice of North Carolina), Michael Delfín captures the listener with sensitivity and flair as a versatile performer of historical and modern keyboard instruments. Michael won the top prize ex aequo in the Ninth Jurow International Harpsichord Competition, shortly after being nominated to the Diapason 20 Under 30 Class of 2021. As a pianist, Mr. Delfin has won prizes in the International Crescendo Music Awards, Chautauqua International Piano Competition, and two consecutive concerto competitions at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. Recent performances include recitals for the Ear Taxi New Music Festival, The Stone, the Iowa City Early Keyboard Society, and the Western Early Keyboard Association, and solo appearances with Lyra Baroque, Bourbon Baroque, the CCM Concert Orchestra, and the American Chamber Symphony. Mr. Delfin’s advocacy for new music has led to numerous world premieres across the United States to rave reviews. He recently collaborated with mezzo-soprano Leandra Ramm on an album of contemporary art song for Ablaze Records. Mr. Delfín is the artistic director of Bama Baroque and Cincinnati-based ensemble Seven Hills Baroque. Before joining of the faculty at University of Alabama as an instructor of early keyboard, he taught piano at Cedarville University and has taught harpsichord and chamber music at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. He was also recently appointed to the Early Music America’s Emerging Professional Leadership Council and the Historical Keyboard Society of North America’s board of directors. He makes his home with his wife Anne and their son Teddy in Tuscaloosa, where he serves as organist at the Grace Presbyterian Church. A native of Fresno, CA, Dr. Delfín holds degrees from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, San Francisco Conservatory, Peabody Conservatory, and the Johns Hopkins University, and his mentors include Awadagin Pratt, Yoshikazu Nagai, Boris Slutsky, Michael Unger, and Carol Oaks. www.michaeldelfin.com

Campus Orchestra is comprised of UA college students of all degree areas, UA music minors, advanced level pre-college musicians and post-college adults. Participation and seating are by audition. The ensemble meets once a week in Moody Music Building  and performs one concert per semester. The ensemble is overseen by Professor Ransom Wilson with rehearsals led by our doctoral graduate conducting student.

Campus Orchestra is comprised of UA college students of all degree areas, UA music minors, advanced level pre-college musicians and post-college adults. Participation and seating are by audition. The ensemble meets once a week in Moody Music Building  and performs one concert per semester. The ensemble is overseen by Professor Ransom Wilson with rehearsals led by our doctoral graduate conducting student.

Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford\, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson\, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire\, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama\, the United States\, and around the globe\, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.

Sponsored by Ms. Camilla Huxford, the Huxford Symphony Orchestra is the University of Alabama’s top orchestral ensemble.   Under the direction of Camilla Huxford Endowed Chair and Tuscaloosa’s own Ransom Wilson, the orchestra performs a wide range of repertoire, from beloved classics to little-known gems to recently composed works.  The orchestra is composed of students from across Alabama, the United States, and around the globe, bringing talented young musicians together in one ensemble to give world-class performances of orchestral literature to Tuscaloosa and the surrounding community.