SDSU's Wind Symphony will perform for 2,000 people at the California All-State Music Education Conference.
The San Diego State University Wind Symphony has been selected as the featured ensemble on the headliner concert of the 2013 California All-State Music Education Conference.
The Wind Symphony was selected through a blind review process of more than 20 ensembles from California and the surrounding area. A panel of musicians screened audition CD’s without knowing the performing group, then ranked each ensemble.
“It is one of the biggest honors in California music education to be an ensemble selected to perform at this conference,” said Shannon Kitelinger, SDSU director of bands.
“Other ensembles will perform at the conference, but only SDSU was selected to perform the headliner (concert) on Thursday evening.”
About the Conference
The conference will draw a musically informed audience, including some of the best high school musicians in California, college-aged musicians, as well as music teachers and professionals from across the state.
The performance is an opportunity to showcase the talent within the SDSU School of Music and Dance. Because of the scope of the audience, this is likely the first and possibly only impression many people will have of the SDSU music program.
“This is a huge recruitment opportunity for our School of Music. It will leave a positive impression around the state that will be felt for years to come. ” Kitelinger said.
For students, this is an opportunity to perform before an audience of more than 2,000, some of whom are potential future employers. Additionally, students will be able to attend the conference and be exposed to clinics, performances and exhibits by music leaders from across the state.
SDSU’s Wind Symphony members will also have the opportunity to collaborate on one piece during their performance with guest artists, Third Coast Percussion. This ensemble is a professional percussion quartet that combines drums, marimbas and vibraphones, with the surprisingly exotic sounds of everyday objects to make music that is playful, memorable and profound.
The group has gained national attention for combining the energy of a rock concert with the precision and sophistication of classical chamber music.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for our students to perform with recognized professionals in their field.” Kitelinger noted.
In the Community
As part of its community outreach efforts, the Wind Symphony will tour both locally in San Diego, as well as in Los Angeles and further north during their trip to Fresno. The tour will culminate with the final performance in Fresno for the conference.