Tuning Up for a World Premiere

The members of the Wind Ensemble worked with composer Don Owens after school today in preparation for tomorrow night's 'Graduation Concert.'  The Wind Ensemble will present the World Premiere performance of Triple Set (2010), a 22 minute, three-movement work that features three solo percussion 'sets' - and harp - along with the full forces of the contemporary wind band.

"Working with a composer is alway exciting, but having the chance to premiere an original composition that was written especially for this group of students is a wonderful opportunity for the members of the Wind Ensemble," said Fine Arts Department Chairperson Brayer Teague.

Featured soloists in the triple-concerto include Michelle Hsu (sophomore), Emma Sassano (senior) and Isaac Stevenson (junior).  The solo harp part will be performed by Hannah Young (sophomore).  Each of these four students have been working directly with the composer for over six months in preparation for the premiere.

"I've shown the musical score to colleagues all over the world, and the reaction is similar each time someone looks at the music.  They say, 'I can't believe a high school ensemble can play it," mused composer Don Owens as he addressed the musicians on stage during the final dress rehearsal.  "You have my deepest admiration and respect for all the time and energy you have put into realizing this music."

The Graduation Concert will be held on Thursday, May 20, 2010, at 7:00 p.m. in the Clarence Johnson Auditorium of North High.

Developing a Commission

Composer Don Owens was back on campus yesterday, working with three percussion soloists who will be featured in May of 2010 on a work commissioned by North High School.  The world-premiere of Triple Set for Wind Ensemble and Percussion Soloists is slated for May 20th at the annual 'Graduation Concert.'

Composer Returns to Campus

Composer Don Owens was back on campus this past week to check-in with several students who will be performing major segments of his new concerto for percussion trio and harp.  Professor Owens, pictured here with harpist Hannah Young, is working on a piece that will be debuted by the DGN Wind Ensemble in May of 2010.