Opening Ceremonies
Wednesday, 1:00 pm
New Chapel

Cozy Baker, Reporter
Dr. Timothy Zifer, 2001 ITG Conference Host, was obviously excited as he grasped the lectern to welcome an overflow crowd in the Neu Chapel to the University of Evansville. Zifer

Conference Host, Tim Zifer

enthusiastically beckoned one and all to enjoy the festivities to be presented over the next four days. This concert proceeded with an array of outstanding groups, each adding brilliance and variety to the program.

The host UE Wind Ensemble began with a work serving as a processional entitled With Trumpets and Drums, by Alfred Reed. In this dramatic work, trumpets, trombones, chimes, and percussion created both depth and volume. The enthusiastic applause revealed that the host wind ensemble was well appreciated. Of particular note was the group’s low brass presence, giving the work a sense of depth and warmth within the hall’s fine acoustics.

University of Evansville Wind Ensemble

Following the Invocation by John Brittain, Chaplain of UE, The US Navy Band Trumpet Ensemble performed the next segment of the program beginning with Prelude and Fugue for Trumpet Choir by Eric Ewazen, Director Stanley Curtis performed in and led the rest of the group, which included James Ruffaner, Kevin Dines, Paul Johnson, Jerry Keehner, and Robert Couto. The Ewazen was commissioned by and distributed to the membership of ITG. Fanfare for the

United States Navy Band Trumpet Ensemble

International Trumpet Guild (Parts I and II), by Dave Uber, was next after Joseph Hopkins, Chair of the UE Music Department, spoke. Part I was characterized by lyrical lines traded freely throughout the ensemble. Part II

Joseph Hopkins, Chair, UE Music Department

seemed to grow in confidence, ending with a culminating flourish. After a few words by Steve Greiner, UE vice-president of academic affairs, the segment continued with Anthony Plog’s Suite for Trumpets, a technically challenging work that moved forward in intensity and displayed the group’s phenomenal technical abilities. The Navy Trumpet Ensemble concluded their portion of the Opening Concert with Festive Overture, by Dmitri Shostakovich, arranged for the group by Curtis. This brilliant setting stayed faithful to the original work. It included all of the power, technique, dexterity, and finesse characteristic of the orchestral version, and brought this portion of the program to a rousing, well-received conclusion.

After comments by ITG President James Olcott, The Brass Company continued with Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals, a Sigfried Karg-Elert

ITG President, James Olcott

score performed from the balcony. Members were: Timothy Zifer and Reese Land, trumpets; Fred Williams, horn; Arturo Fuerte, trombone; John Dorn, tuba; and Douglas Reed, organ. This work, performed in a confident, articulate manner, provided variety and an antiphonal element to the program.

After Chaplain Brittain’s blessing and announcements by Jamie Morris, director of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Clifton Williams’ The Sinfonians served as a recessional to conclude the Opening Concert. While the various officials who spoke throughout the Opening Concert exited, the UE Wind Ensemble filled the chapel with music of a regal nature. Williams’ fine work for winds was sensitively and accurately performed. Of special note was an extended flute solo with snare drum that was performed with tonal beauty and rhythmic

Jamie Morris

accuracy. The overflow audience was able to enjoy a momentous start to the 2001 ITG Conference.

Program

Trumpet Prelude
(click here for review)
University of Central Florida Trumpet Ensemble
Fantasia and Toccata................ Robert J. Brownlow

John Almeida, Director

Members
Robert Schaer, Annora Daige, Jon Clay
Leo Lamos, Michael Rice, Carmen Griffen

Welcome............................................ Timothy Zifer
2001 ITG Conference Host

University of Evansville Wind Ensemble
Processional
With Trumpets and Drums.......................... Alfred Reed

Timothy Zifer, Director

Invocation............................................. John Brittain
Chaplain, University of Evansville

United States Navy Band Trumpet Ensemble
Prelude and Fugue for Trumpet Choir ............. Eric Ewazen

Stanley Curtis, Director

Members
MU1 Stanley Curtis, MUC James Ruffaner, MUC Kevin Dines,
MUC Paul Johnson, MUC Jerry Keehner, MU1 Robert Couto

Welcome....................................... Joseph Hopkins
Chair, Department of Music, University of Evansville

“ Fanfare for the International Trumpet Guild”..... David Uber
(Pa rt I and Pa rt II)

Welcome ........................................... Steve Greiner
Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of Evansville

Suite for Trumpets............. Anthony Plog
Festive Overture..........Dimitri Shostakovich/Arr. Curtis

Welcome.................................James Olcott
President, International Trumpet Guild

The Brass Company
Praise the Lord with Drums and Cymbals....Sigfried Karg-Elert

Members
Timothy Zifer, Reese Land – Trumpets
Fred Williams – Horn, Arturo Fuerte – Trombone
John Dorn – Tuba, Douglas Reed – Organ

Blessing.............................Dr. John Brittain
University of Evansville
Chaplain

Announcement/Adjournment.............Jamie Morris
Director, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia

Recessional
The Sinfonians.............Clifton Williams

Steve Greiner, U.E. Vice President