Wind Ensemble Releases New CD
The Cal Poly Wind Ensemble has released its latest compact disc recording, titled "Live! In the Walt Disney Concert Hall."
Recorded professionally during the ensemble's June 2010 performance in the famed concert hall, the CD includes 10 tracks by composers Kevin Puts, Joseph Swantner, J.S. Bach and Jaromir Weinberger.
The recording also includes "Stitches in Time," a new work written by Music Professor Meredith Brammeier. The work intertwines short musical ideas using instrumental color, musical texture, and melodic and harmonic pattern to create a unified composition.
The CD includes several guest performers and conductors. W. Terrence Spiller is featured as a piano soloist in Kamillo Kendvay's Concertino for Piano, Winds and Percussion conducted by Christopher Woodruff, Cal Poly associate director of bands. Cal Poly alumnus and professional percussionist John Astaire performs a movement from Schwantner's Concerto for Percussion. This work is led by another Cal Poly graduate and conductor, Anna Binneweg. Both Astaire and Binneweg graduated from the Music Department in 1998.
Music Professor Emeritus William Johnson is also featured in his last official performance as the director of bands at Cal Poly. Johnson led the Cal Poly band program from 1966-2010.
"Live! In the Walt Disney Concert Hall" is available for $10 (plus $2 for shipping and handling if applicable) on the Wind Bands Web page or by calling 805-756-2556. The CD is being distributed by Mark Custom Recordings Inc. and includes a full-color, eight-page booklet designed by Music Department staff member Michele Abba.