LORAS COLLEGE WIND ENSEMBLE
AMERICAN HISTORIES
Thursday, October 29, 2026 Hoffmann Hall, St. Joseph Chapel 7:00 p.m.
ANTHONY DIMAURO, CONDUCTOR
NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to the Loras College Wind Ensemble Fall Concert: American Histories. I am so glad you took the time to be here, and I am excited to share this experience with you. I’ve always been attracted to music that tells a story. We are nearing the end of the year that marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which has given me an opportunity to wonder: what is the story of America? I remember what I was taught in elementary school—that the USA is a melting pot and a land of opportunity. We believe in freedom and valor and a shared sense of entrepreneurship that comes from leaving one’s homeland behind. But this is a simplified version of the story; not every American left their homeland to be here, and for many, it wasn’t by choice. Of course, there are many stories that make up our shared history. It seems impossible to recount them all in a way that leaves everyone feeling equally respected and valued, though I believe that to be a worthy goal. Tonight’s program features some of the stories that connect us—Copland’s pastoral American soundscape, Still’s song of the South, Esmail’s hymn for daily bread, Thomas’s portrayal of struggle and progress, and Fillmore’s hopeful dedication: “to all of us.” As an ensemble leader, I think often about a shared vision for this band program—where students understand my goals, and where I transform my own perspective to meet their needs. I wonder what our shared goals as Americans are and whether we can develop new ones together. My hope with this concert is for you to come away having loved the music, reflected on what it means to be an American, and considered what we still hope to accomplish together.
Anthony DiMauro, DMA Director of Instrumental Activities Conductor, Loras College Wind Ensemble & Jazz Ensemble
CONCERT PROGRAM
Down a Country Lane
Aaron Copland (1900–1990) arr. Merlin Patterson
From the Delta William Grant Still (1895–1978) 1. Work Song 2. Spiritual 3. Dance
Rozana
Reena Esmail (b. 1983)
Forward/Still
Omar Thomas (b. 1984)
Americans We
Henry Fillmore (1881–1956)
PERSONNEL
Flute Madilyn Malone Flute Ania Sharma Flute Hannah Eby Clarinet Brook Davies Clarinet Emily Lemire Clarinet Mia Ward Alto Sax Philip P. Schaefer Alto Sax Angela McGreevey Alto Sax Daeshon Verner Alto Sax Ruby Fusek Alto Sax Angelina Steinlage Alto Sax Victor Ferreras Franco Tenor Sax
Malachi Schwartz
Trumpet Matthew Evans Trumpet Corbin Kerf Trumpet Larry Tscharner Horn Horn
Daniel Bihl Liam Lentz
Trombone Evan Davies Trombone Remy Holladay Trombone Kevin Thomas Euphonium Lilly Anderson Tuba Riley Bourquin Tuba David Overby Percussion Percussion
Alex Dvorak Quinlan Ferguson
UPCOMING CONCERTS & MUSIC EVENTS
COLLEGE NIGHT OF JAZZ
Loras College Jazz Band Wednesday, November 11 | 7:00 p.m. Voices Studio, Downtown Dubuque
JAZZ COMBOS AT THE PUB
Loras College Jazz Band Wednesday, December 2 | 7:00 p.m. The Pub, Alumni Campus Center
MYSTERIES OF CHRISTMAS
Loras College Choirs and Wind Ensemble Friday, December 4 | 4:00 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. St. Joseph’s Chapel, Hoffmann Hall
DONATIONS
We greatly appreciate any donations you and your family are able to give to the Music Studies program at this time. Your support directly impacts the opportunities we are able to provide students through applied lessons and workshops, world premieres, and performance opportunities.