SPAIN 2026
FEATURING
The Wind Ensemble & Purdue Jazz Band
ABOUT PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS
Purdue Bands & Orchestras students are some of the most promising individuals on campus. They are bold, hardworking, and determined to succeed in all they do — setting the Boilermaker standard high. With virtually all of our students majoring in a discipline other than music, our members spread the optimistic spirit of Purdue Bands & Orchestras across campus.
The Purdue “All-American” Marching Band (AAMB) is in its 140th season. In addition to performing at every home football game, the AAMB has been the official band of the Indianapolis 500 race since 1919. Internationally, the AAMB has performed in China (2008), Colombia (2015), and Ireland (2013, 2018, 2023). Notable alumni include Neil Armstrong, Orville Redenbacher, and Russell Games Slayter, the inventor of fiberglass.
Purdue Bands & Orchestras also includes various auxiliary groups. The Purdue Twirling program (2022 AYOP Grand National Collegiate Halftime Show Champions), the Golden Silks Color Guard, the Purdue Winter Guard (WGI Winter Guard Independent A Class Bronze Medalists), the Golduster Dance Team, and the Big 10 Flags all support the pageantry and breadth of talent in the department. Any discussion about Purdue would be incomplete without mentioning the World’s Largest Drum, which maintains its reputation as one of the most iconic emblems of Purdue University.
The excellence continues in our indoor ensembles. Almost two-thirds of the department is spread across our eight concert bands, seven jazz bands, and four orchestras. Each ensemble meets 2 to 3 times weekly and performs at least two concerts per semester. In a commitment to providing travel opportunities for our students, many groups have various additional performances around the nation and the world, having previously traveled to Hawaii, Washington, Eastern Europe, Spain, and Colombia in recent years.
Our thriving chamber music program, various jazz combos, and Percussion Ensemble all provide excellent small ensemble performance opportunities to our students. Additionally, three athletic pep bands support our basketball and volleyball teams throughout their seasons.
In 2022, Purdue Bands & Orchestras moved into our new facility, Marc and Sharon Hagle Hall. Hagle Hall boasts three large rehearsal rooms, 13 practice rooms, faculty studios, and ample student collaboration and study space. This facility is a significant step in supporting the continuous growth of the department.
Through world-renowned performances by 30+ ensembles, Purdue Bands & Orchestras serves as the “Heartbeat of the University” and encourages a lifelong journey with music.
PURDUE BANDS & ORCHESTRAS PRESENTS
SPAIN 2026
FEATURING
The Wind Ensemble & Purdue Jazz Band
MARCH 16
7:00 - 9:00 PM
Auditorio Centro Cultural Sanchinarro
C. de la Princesa de Éboli, 29, 28050 Madrid
MARCH 18
7:30 - 9:30 PM
Union Musical Almansa Auditorio Calle Santa Teresa, 14, 02640 Almansa
MARCH 19
8:00 - 10:00 PM
Liceu Conservatory
Nou de la Rambla, 88, 08001 Barcelona
PROGRAM
WIND ENSEMBLE
Jay S. Gephart, conductor
Dr. David M. Blon, assistant conductor
Tonight’s concert will consist of a selection from the following repertoire.
Downey Overture............................................................................................................................................................................Oscar Navarro
“Intermezzo” from La Boda de Luis Alonzo..........................................................................................................Geronimo Gimenez arr. McAlister/Graham
Joyce’s 71st NY Regiment March........................................................................................................................Thornton Barnes Boyer arr. James Barnes
Oblivion...............................................................................................................................................................................................
Astor Piazzolla arr. Robert Longfield Victor Mendoza, vibraphone
A Southern Jubilee...................................................................................................................................................................Bruce Broughton
Yakka (Pasodoble)...................................................................................................................................... Jose Rafael Pascual-Vilaplana
“Flight to Neverland” from Hook............................................................................................................................................ John Williams arr. Paul Lavender
La Chancla...........................................................................................................................................................................................Dennis Llinás
Encores to be selected from the following repertoire.
National Game March.......................................................................................................................................................... John Philip Sousa
“Fantasia on the Dargason” from Second Suite in F....................................................................................................Gustav Holst
Fandango.............................................................................................................................................................................................Frank Perkins arr. Floyd Werle
Pie in the Face Polka...................................................................................................................................................................Henry Mancini arr. Johnny Vinson
The Stars and Stripes Forever........................................................................................................................................ John Philip Sousa
PURDUE JAZZ BAND
Bethany Robinson, conductor Dimension in Blue......................................................................................................................................................................
Tonight’s concert will consist of a selection from the following repertoire.
Nestico Giant Steps.......................................................................................................................................................................................... John Coltrane
Simmons The Ponderous Pachyderm of the Planks.........................................................................................................................Sherman Irby
of Wellman Braud
Victor Mendoza, vibraphone
Sammy
Jamey
WIND ENSEMBLE PERSONNEL
PICCOLO Yara Hijaz
Saint John, IN Neurobiology & Physiology
FLUTE Jeana Yeo Carmel, IN Pharmaceutical Sciences
Keya Upadhyay Chelmsford, MA Mechanical Engineering
Linda Xu Brentwood, TN Computer Science
Natalie Toledo Johns Creek GA Political Science
OBOE Ava Baker O’Fallon, MO Chemical Engineering
Isaak Gutierrez Pembroke Pines, FL Civil Engineering
Kyle Siu Honolulu, HI
Electrical Engineering
BASSOON Luke Trahin Fishers, IN Electrical Engineering
Seth Cowan Allen, Texas
Nuclear Engineering
Finn Henderhan Wixom, Michigan Audio Engineering Technology
Bb CLARINET Jeremy Moon Austin, TX Computer Science
Ellen Rath Chesterton, IN Interior Design Professional Program
Keshav Sreekantham Austin, TX Data Science
Gabriel Morgenstern Indianapolis, IN Data Science
Andrew Campbell East Lyme, CT Computer Science
Leanne So Honolulu, HI Pharmaceutical Sciences
Aiden Taheri Honolulu, HI Mechanical Engineering
Calder Feit DeMotte, IN Chemical Engineering
Isabella Gonzalez Houston, TX Computer Engineering
Eb CLARINET Aiden Sussner Minneapolis, MN
M.S. Accounting
BASS CLARINET Raqib Chowdhury Indianapolis, IN Biochemistry
Ellie Heaney Chepachet, RI Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
SAXOPHONE
Chanul Sumanasinghe Carmel, IN
Neurobiology & Physiology
Tommy Colton Carmel, IN Mechanical Engineering
Cooper Chiappetta Carmel, IN Computer Science & Data Science
Tarek Osman Carmel, IN Computer Science
Joseph Johnson Detroit, MI
HORN Ryan Sierra Coppell, TX
Jared Hasty St. Louis, MO
TRUMPET
TROMBONE
Industrial Engineering
Computer Science
Integrated Business & Engineering; Finance
Gabriel Boyd Virginia Beach, VA Mechanical Engineering
Mal Palmer Carmel, IN German; Mathematics
Joseph Weideman Fishers, IN Cybersecurity
Julia Simmons Zionsville, IN Mathematics
Naje Bedja Nashville, IN
Doctor of Pharmacy
Andrew Nguyen Indianapolis, IN M.S. Aviation & Aerospace Management
Sathya Devarajan Aurora, IL Mechanical Engineering
Edward Hu Boise, ID Computer Engineering
Aneesh Pannala Sugar Land, TX Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
Steven Win Fort Wayne, IN Mathematics
Patton Duvall Columbia, TN Natural Resources & Environmental Science; Jazz Studies
Ethan Bowlby Elkhart, IN Audio Engineering Technology
Norah Kopolow Champaign, IL Biology
Daniel Henze Coppell, TX Mathematics
Arman Pathan Coppell, TX Mathematics; Computer Science
Henry Tsay Pleasanton, CA Computer Science
Elaine Lee Portland, OR Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
Owen Toro Lafayette, IN Pharmacy
BASS TROMBONE Ben Wasson Pittsburgh, PA Actuarial Science; Applied Statistics
EUPHONIUM Michael Gardner Greenwood, SC Genetics; Ecology, Evolution, and Environmental Biology
Ethan Kim Plano, TX Materials Engineering
TUBA Rhys Bulham Frisco, TX
Will Rater
PERCUSSION
Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
Valparaiso, IN M.S. History
Tobias Sturgell Trafalgar, IN Agricultural Engineering
Corbin Richardson Fort Worth, TX Computer Engineering
Victoria Knott Bolingbroook, IL Mechanical Engineering
Nathan Kinney Cincinnati, OH Computer Science
Shrey Vedantham St. Louis, MO Computer Science
Ollie Kaufhold South Bend, IN Kinesiology
Bethany Eppinger Columbia, MO Materials Science & Engineering
Trinity Forish Fort Wayne, IN Mechanical Engineering Technology
Michelle Young Overland Park, KS
STRING BASS Ava Hoskins Carmel, IN
Professional Flight Technology; Aviation Management
Natural Resources & Environmental Science
Jay S. Gephart earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree with Distinction (1983) and a Master of Music degree in Tuba Performance with High Distinction (1988), both from Indiana University. He began his career as a public-school band director, teaching for 12 years before joining the faculty of Purdue University in the fall of 1995. He was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2001 and to full Professor in 2009. In 2006, he was appointed Director of University Bands and currently serves as the Al G. Wright Chair of Purdue Bands & Orchestras and is a founding member and Chair of the Student Life, Arts & Culture Alliance. Beyond his university roles, Professor Gephart serves as Artistic Director of the Kokomo Park Band and the Indiana Wind Symphony. He is also a faculty member and serves on the Board of Directors of the American Band College.
Over his 31 years at Purdue, Professor Gephart spent 19 years as Director of the “All-American” Marching Band, leading the ensemble in performances around the world. Recent appearances include Beijing, China, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin, Ireland, and La Feria de las Flores in Medellín, Colombia. The “All-American” Marching Band continues to serve as an ambassador for Purdue, the state of Indiana, and the United States. During this time, he also led the Wind Ensemble in distinguished performances, including two appearances at the Indiana Music Educators Association State Convention; the national convention of the American Bandmasters Association in Indianapolis; two performances at Carnegie Hall in New York City; and the 2025 John Philip Sousa Band Festival at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
In addition to his performance achievements, Professor Gephart has received numerous honors recognizing his dedication to the performing arts and his students’ success. These include the Indiana Outstanding Bandmaster Award, the Purdue University New Professional Award, the James Calvert Outstanding Music Educator Award (2018), and designation as Collegiate Educator of the Year by the Indiana Music Educators Association (2018). He was also recognized as an Honorary Old Master by Purdue University and, in 2025, received the Special Boilermaker Award for his significant contributions to enhancing the quality of life and educational experience for Purdue students.
Professor Gephart has been active in numerous professional organizations, including the National Association for Music Education, National Band Association, College Band Directors National Association, Indiana Bandmasters Association, Indiana Music Educators Association, and Phi Beta Mu. From 2010 to 2012, he served as President of the Big Ten Band Directors Association. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the John Philip Sousa Foundation, and was elected to membership in the American Bandmasters Association in 2008. He later served on its Board of Directors as Vice President in 2018 and as President from 2020 to 2022.
Professor Gephart and his wife, Jana, reside in Lafayette, Indiana. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and four dogs, all of whom they cherish.
Dr. David M. Blon received his Bachelor of Music Education in 2009 from Slippery Rock University, his Master of Music in Conducting in 2011 from Youngstown State University, and his Doctor of Musical Arts in Wind Conducting in 2019 from the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory of Music & Dance. His primary conducting teachers include Steven D. Davis, Stephen L. Gage, Joseph Parisi, James Berry, Stephen Hawk, and Jack Stamp.
Before pursuing his doctoral degree, Dr. Blon served as Associate Director of Bands at the University of Hawaii, and from 2011 to 2016, he directed the “Rainbow Warrior” Marching Band, Symphonic Band, Jazz Ensemble, and Percussion Ensemble, in addition to teaching courses in conducting and music education. He previously served as Director of Athletic and Concert Bands at West Virginia Wesleyan College. For three summers, he was Ensemble Manager and sectional conductor for the World Youth Wind Symphony program at Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Dr. Blon first came to Purdue as an Artist-in-Residence during the 2019–2020 academic year and officially joined the faculty in 2021 as Clinical Assistant Professor of Bands. He conducts the Concert Band (Fall/ Spring), Collegiate Bands (Fall/Spring), Varsity Band (Fall), and serves as the assistant conductor of the Wind Ensemble. Each year, he leads Purdue’s Summer Concert Band, which welcomes members from the Greater Lafayette community, Purdue students past and present, as well as recent high school graduates and rising juniors and seniors. Dr. Blon serves on Purdue University’s Faculty Senate as a member of the Steering Committee, and he is the faculty advisor for the Music Library Volunteer Management Team. In 2023, he co-directed the spring Percussion Ensemble. At Purdue, he has taught a music division course in Music Appreciation and also served as faculty coordinator of the Purdue Bands & Orchestras First-YearEngineering Learning Community.
In addition to his work as a conductor and educator, Dr. Blon is active in recording production and arranging. He has served as producer for albums by the Youngstown State University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Stephen L. Gage (released by Naxos Music Library), and the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory Wind Symphony, conducted by Steven D. Davis (released digitally via SoundCloud). He has collaborated with numerous distinguished composers, including Pulitzer Prize–winning composers Zhou Long and Jennifer Higdon. In 2019, Dr. Blon published a transcription of Jennifer Higdon’s orchestral work, “Machine,” written for wind ensemble through the composer’s Lawdon Press.
Dr. Blon was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, and only truly discovered his appreciation for the sport of basketball after moving to Indiana. He regularly attends Indiana Fever and Pacer games and lives in West Lafayette with his two dogs, Kara and Alya.
JAZZ BAND PERSONNEL
ALTO SAX
Ellen Rath Chesterton, IN Interior Design Professional Program
Elliot Woo Los Angeles, CA Business Analytics & Information Management
TENOR SAX Moses Colin Chesterton, IN Mechanical Engineering
Seth DeWhitt Sammamish, WA Computer Science
BARITONE SAX Jonathan Pletcher Mishawaka, IN Wildlife
TRUMPET Dan Gui
West Lafayette, IN M.S. Computer Engineering
Amelia Jobe Ann Arbor, MI Game Development
Andrew Nguyen Southport, IN M.S. Aviation & Aerospace Management
Jacob Park Round Lake, IL Actuarial Sciences & Applied Statistics
Steven Win Fort Wayne, IN Mathematics
TROMBONE Macgyver Cottrell Los Angeles, CA Mechanical Engineering Technology
Benjamin Johnston Winter Park, FL Mechanical Engineering
Emma Krueger Overland Park, KS Materials Science & Engineering
Owen Toro Lafayette, IN Pharmaceutical Sciences
BASS TROMBONE Griffin Fox Grayslake, IL Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
GUITAR TJ Kay Valparaiso, IN Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering
BASS Jascha Lewit Riverwoods, IL Electrical Engineering
Grace O’Neil Lincolnshire, IL Nuclear Engineering
PIANO Michael Wall Western Springs, IL Mechanical Engineering
DRUMS
Carl Nielsen Chualar, CA Agricultural Systems Management
Bethany Robinson received her Bachelor of Science in 2004 and continued on to earn her Master of Education in 2011, both from Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. After graduating, she immediately began teaching and spent 19 years at Noblesville Schools in Indiana as assistant band director and jazz director. During her time in public school music education, she grew the high school jazz program from 1 to 6 jazz ensembles, and was named Indiana Jazz Educator of the Year (2014), Noblesville Teacher of the Year (2015), Indiana Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist (2016), Jazz Hero by the Jazz Journalists Association (2022), and the Indiana Outstanding High School Music Educator of the Year (2023). This was the same year that she led her top jazz ensembles to their recognition as an Indiana (ISSMA) Jazz State Honor Band, and as 2-time Jazz at Lincoln Center Essentially Ellington Finalists.
Robinson joined the faculty of Purdue University as the Director of Jazz in 2024, where she enjoys directing 4 of the department’s 7 jazz ensembles, sponsors the Purdue chapter of the Jazz Education Network (JEN), and facilitates collaborative and learning opportunities between guest artists from around the world and her Purdue jazz students. Upon joining the Purdue Bands & Orchestras faculty, Robinson also became the Festival Director for the annual Purdue Jazz Festival, the largest college-run jazz festival in the country, 36 years strong.
Beyond teaching, Robinson pursues her own development as an educator and musician. She is a 2-time Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellow, receiving grants to study jazz and culture in both the US (2011) and Brazil (2019). She is especially passionate about uplifting young musicians and has co-led the Indiana Jazz Girls Day since 2018, hosting workshops and side-by-side concerts for students around the state of Indiana to elevate student leaders through jazz. Other positions she has held include NAfME Jazz Council Chair, Past-President of the Indiana Jazz Educators Association, Executive Board Member for the Jazz Education Network, and is a newly elected member of the GRAMMY Recording Academy. She has been the guest conductor for All State Jazz Ensembles in New York, Iowa, South Carolina, and North Carolina. She was the chief adjudicator and guest artist for the Victorian Schools’ Jazz Festival in Melbourne, Australia (2024), and is an independent clinician and adjudicator for Jazz at Lincoln Center, Yamaha, Music For All, and more.
She has been honored with the invitation to perform at the Jazz Woche Jazz Festival in Hannover, Germany, and is recognized as a Yamaha Performing Artist and GRAMMY Music Educator Award Finalist. She currently resides in Indianapolis and uses her time outside of the classroom to gig with friends and colleagues on upright bass, electric bass, and vocals.
WIND ENSEMBLE PROGRAM NOTES
DOWNEY OVERTURE - NAVARRO
Downey Overture is dedicated with all my affection to the Downey Symphony Orchestra, for its hard work and dedication, and, of course, to its conductor, Sharon Lavery, for her professionalism and great passion for music. Downey Overture is a Latin-American fusion with which I have wanted to link my birth country, Spain, and California, the land that, as a result of the two years I lived there, has left a permanent imprint on my heart. An amalgam of rhythm and musical color wrapped in an atmosphere of dance are the essence of this piece. It is joyful, energetic, and written with all my enthusiasm and dedication.
INTERMEZZO FROM LA BODA DE LUIS ALONZO - GIMINEZ/McALISTER/GRAHAM
La Boda de Luis Alonso (The Wedding of Luis Alonso) by Gerónimo Giménez is a zarzuela, a Spanish lyricdramatic genre that alternates between spoken and sung scenes, the latter incorporating operatic and popular song, as well as dance. The zarzuela was innovative in giving a dramatic function to musical numbers, which were integrated into the work. Dances and choruses were incorporated as well as solo and ensemble numbers, all to orchestral accompaniment.
Gerónimo Giménez y Bellido, born in 1854, was a Spanish composer and conductor, who spent most of his career writing zarzuelas, with La Tempranica and La Boda de Luis Alonso as his most well-known ones. By the age of 12 he was a first violin at the Teatro Principal and soon began conducting performances in his hometown of Seville, Spain. He won a First Prize in Harmony and Counterpoint at the Paris Conservatoire at the age of 17, beating out fellow classmate Claude Debussy. His best-received works were written early, but by the turn of the century his compositions were falling out of favor. He died in near poverty in 1923.
JOYCE’S 71ST NY REGIMENT MARCH - BOYER/BARNES
Joyce’s 71st N.Y. Regiment March is an American march composed by band director, arranger, and composer Thornton Barnes Boyer (1856-1936) in 1881. Boyer’s “most famous” composition, it is a classic of the American parade and concert band march repertoire, and is regularly performed by U.S. military bands today. Dedicated to the regimental band of the 71st New York Infantry Regiment, “one of the most well-known military bands of the 19th century,” Boyer composed the march while living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and employed by the J. W. Pepper Music Company, which “quickly published” the march after receiving it.
The “Joyce” referenced in the march’s title is Thomas Joyce, who founded the 71st Regiment’s wind band after the unit became part of the New York National Guard in the aftermath of the Civil War. Known as “The American Guard” beginning in 1853, when their Ogden long rifles were replaced with bayonet-carrying muskets, the 71st New York Regiment was founded on October 23, 1850, and took part in the First Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Chancellorsville, the occupation of Alexandria, Virginia, and the Battle of Gettysburg.
OBLIVION - PIAZZOLLA/LONGFIELD
Born in Argentina, raised in the musical melting pot of New York City before returning to his native country, Astor Piazzolla revolutionized the tango as a compositional form, incorporating jazz and classical idioms into what he called nuevo tango. He was also a virtuoso bandoneon player, an Argentine/Uruguayan instrument somewhat similar to an accordion. Piazzolla was spotted playing bandoneon by renowned pianist Artur Rubenstein, who encouraged him to study composition with noted Argentine composer Alberto Ginastera. Ginastera, in turn, persuaded Piazzolla to enter a composition contest, and by winning, he was granted a scholarship to study with Nadia Boulanger in Paris. Boulanger quickly convinced Piazzolla to abandon his formal compositions, which she felt lacked originality, and explore his musical roots. He returned to Argentina, formed an octet, and developed his nuevo tango style of composition. Piazzolla lived in Italy periodically during the Argentine dictatorship of the 1970’s and 1980’s, and in 1984 composed Oblivion as music for a film by Mario Bellochio entitled Enrico IV. Oblivion is written in the style of a milonga, a song form that predates the tango. It has become one of Piazzolla’s most popular works, and has been adapted for performance by a variety of solo instruments.
A SOUTHERN JUBILEE - BROUGHTON
This work is a wonderful addition to the band repertoire and was commissioned by the city of Fairfax Band Association, Fairfax, Virginia, Robert Pouliot, Music Director. The composer calls this a “celebratory piece, thematic, with a Southern accent”. Bruce Broughton is a ten-time Emmy award-winning composer known for his film and TV scores, including Silverado (1985), Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993), and Tiny Toon Adventures. He is a member of the Board of Directors for the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP). Broughton composed his well-known Sonata for Tuba and Piano in 1976, and since then it has become a staple of the tuba repertoire. Tubist Kent Eshelman (Professor of Tuba and Euphonium at Baylor University) approached Broughton in 2011 to gauge Broughton’s interest in composing a new work for tuba. He was eager to take on the project, and the result is this fast-paced, six-minute work that displays moments of virtuosity, lyricism, and relentless intensity.
YAKKA - PASCUAL-VILLAPLANA
Yakka is a pasodoble for band commissioned by the “Asociación de Amigos de la Música” from Yecla for their participation at the 2007 International Certamen of Valencia. Yakka is a classical pasodoble, combining more modern colors and harmonies. The alto saxophone solo in the first theme is an homage to the conductor of the band, Ángel Hernández Azorín, a saxophonist.
FLIGHT TO NEVERLAND - WILLIAMS/LAVENDER
Flight to Neverland (1991) is the highlight of music from Steven Spielberg’s film Hook. It overflows with fairy tale magic, pirate adventures, an undeniable sense of freedom in flight, and childhood wonder. As Spielberg reunites us with the timeless characters of Peter Pan, Wendy, and Captain Hook, Williams captivates us with his expertly crafted and Oscar-nominated score. The composer cleverly crafts the entire main theme around the interval of a minor third, the first interval children are able to identify and sing. He offers the following words on the piece:
For countless centuries mankind has dreamed of flying, which is why I think it could be argued that the greatest achievement of the twentieth century may have been the accomplishment of flight itself. Our fascination with flying and the freedom we associate with it may also be one of the principal reasons why the story of James Barrie’s play has been retold in every imaginable medium. My favorite moment has always been when Peter Pan and Tinkerbell rise above the rooftops of London and fly off to Neverland. In writing the music for Steven Spielberg’s film version of the story, which he called Hook, I tried to create a clear singing melody that might combine some of the wonder of childhood with the energy and “lift” required for this famous flight.
La Chancla is Spanish for a slipper -- more accurately, a flip flop. While Cubans usually say “chancleta”, Puerto Ricans refer to it as “chancla.” It is a common meme or joke among Hispanics that a mother with a chancla in her hand could get an entire room of unruly kids in line or even chase away a bear (look it up on YouTube -- it happened!). It is the Excalibur of Hispanic mothers and grandmothers everywhere, and so I thought it would be a fun project to write a piece with this title and play between the mythical and merengue.
LA CHANCLA - LLINÁS
The mythical element to La Chancla is represented by a combination of whole tone and octatonic collections. The merengue stands in stark contrast to the mythical representing the culture through more conservative functional harmony but intense rhythmic vitality. The piece is not programmatic -- just a fun collection of these styles and the interplay between them.
This work was commissioned by a consortium of band programs led by Thomas Verrier and Vanderbilt University. Tom had the vision of creating a work that was to be donated to bands in the Latin Americas who had limited budgets to purchase music. For every participating institution of this consortium, a copy of La Chancla will be donated to a band in the Latin Americas.
PURDUE JAZZ BAND PROGRAM NOTES
DIMENSION IN BLUE - NESTICO
A master of big band writing, Nestico brings warmth and sophistication to Dimension in Blue, a piece that channels the polished swing tradition he helped define during his long collaboration with Count Basie. Lush harmonies and smooth ensemble writing create the classic Count Basie Orchestra sound, while a saxophone feature and alto solo allow different voices to emerge from the band’s full ensemble texture.
GIANT STEPS - COLTRANE/SIMMONS
This jazz standard is famous for its harmonic complexity, pushing performers through rapidly shifting key centers in what musicians often call the “Coltrane changes.” Simmons’ arrangement captures both the intellectual brilliance and the driving energy of the tune, reflecting the virtuosic spirit that evolved from innovators like Charlie Parker. This features Purdue Jazz Band’s lead tenor, Seth DeWhitt.
THE PONDEROUS PACHYDERM OF THE PLANKS - IRBY
Long-time lead alto saxophone at Jazz at Lincoln Center paints a musical portrait that feels both playful and sophisticated. Irby blends modern jazz language with big band tradition, resulting in a composition full of character, rhythmic surprises, and bold ensemble interplay featuring the trombone section.
PORTRAIT OF WELLMAN BRAUD - ELLINGTON
Ellington’s tribute honors his groundbreaking New Orleans/St. James Parrish-born bassist Wellman Braud, whose innovations helped transform the role of the instrument in jazz. The piece evokes the elegance and atmosphere of the Harlem Renaissance era, recalling the vibrant musical life and arranged with a nod to Braud’s roots in St. James.
THE CLAW - FLORY
Originally associated with the inventive saxophone ensemble Supersax, this arrangement showcases tight harmonies and virtuosic lines inspired by bebop improvisation. Flory’s adaptation for jazz band preserves the piece’s playful intensity while highlighting the precision of the saxophone section.
TWO-THREE’S ADVENTURE - HENRIQUEZ
Henriquez, a bassist and composer with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, brings rhythmic vitality and Latin jazz influence to this spirited work. The piece unfolds as a musical journey, blending groove-driven momentum with piano, trumpet, saxophone, and bass features along the way.
Inspired by the landscapes of the American West, Booth’s composition is an ode to the state flower of Nevada. Open harmonies and flowing melodies evoke wide spaces and natural beauty, while inventive textures give the band opportunities for expressive storytelling.
FIERCE - MILLER/UEDA
This energetic composition lives up to its title, combining driving rhythms with bold melodic statements. Ueda’s arrangement highlights the collaborative spirit found in projects like Artemis, a band with drummer Allison Miller that has been a part of past Purdue Jazz Festivals (36 years and counting) celebrating strength, individuality, and several meters and genres along the way.
BACK HOME AGAIN IN INDIANA - SPERA
A beloved jazz standard, this tune has long been a favorite for improvisers. Spera’s arrangement brings fresh vitality while honoring its roots, capturing the nostalgic charm associated with Indiana and its enduring musical legacy, along with a hint to the contrafact standard, Donna Lee.
Back home again in Indiana
And it seems that I can see
That gleaming candlelight still shining bright
Through the sycamores for me
That new-mown hay sends all its fragrance
From the fields I used to roam
When I dream about the moonlight on the Wabash
Then I long for my Indiana home
SPAIN - COREA/LA BARBERA
Corea’s iconic work blends jazz with classical inspiration, drawing from Joaquín Rodrigo’s Concierto de Aranjuez. La Barbera’s arrangement highlights the piece’s dramatic flair and rhythmic drive, bridging traditions, paying tribute to Spain, and expressing gratitude for the incredible opportunity to play in this country.
GUEST ARTIST
Vibraphonist, producer, composer, and educator, Victor Mendoza of Mexican origin, is considered one of the greatest artists of international recognition in the genre of Latin Jazz and Contemporary Jazz by critics around the world.
Mendoza’s recordings and concerts include collaborations with, Paquito D' Rivera, Claudio Roditi, George Garzone, Gary Burton, Dave Samuels, Giovanni Hidalgo, Horacio "El Negro" Hernández, Antonio Sánchez, Lee Konitz and flamenco great, Jorge Pardo.
As a soloist, his performances include the World Festival Orchestra under the direction of Paquito de Rivera, Milan Svoboda Orchestra in Prague, Sinfónica Carlos Chavez in Mexico City, the prestigious Jazz Knights Big Band of West Point, the Orchestra of the City of Granada, Spain, the great Banda Primitiva in Lliria, Spain and most recently as guest soloist with the Orquesta Sinfónica FCP in Argentina. Additional presentations include jazz festivals in Montreal, Québec, Paris, Boston, New Orleans Heritage, London, Warsaw, Madrid, Tel Aviv, and a sold-out concert at the Taipei National Concert Hall.
Most recent concert presentation include performances in Japan, Korea, Mexico, the Perugia Jazz Festival, Xalapa Jazz Fest, the Birstonas Jazz Festival with the Lithuanian National Big Band, and the Taichun Jazz Festival in Taiwan - for an estimated audience of 100 thousand spectators.
His recordings "If Only You Knew" and "This is Why " were very well received by international critics and because of this, Latin Beat Magazine named him among the most prominent artists in Latin jazz. The CD “Black Bean Blues,” was named one of the best of the year by Modern Drummer Magazine, and Jazziz Magazine named Mendoza as "the leader of the vibraphone in this genre, and one of its most imaginative composers. The Smithsonian Institute in Washington included this production in the exhibition "Latin Jazz: The Perfect Combination," alongside artists such as Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez.
Mendoza served as Director of the Contemporary Performance Graduate Program at Berklee’s Valencia Campus in Spain and recently retired from the institution as full-time Professor. Currently, he maintains an active schedule as artist/clinician for Yamaha and Vic Firth and as a internationally recognized educator, he often leads master classes at universities and conservatories around the world. His clinics include lectures at the International Association of Jazz Educators, and the Percussive Arts Society International Conference.
Victor Mendoza is a Yamaha, Vic Firth, and Zildjian Performance Artist.
FROM THE VICE PROVOST
On behalf of Purdue University, we are thrilled for our Wind Ensemble and Purdue Jazz Band to perform in Spain as part of a Spring Break international experience. Through these performances, our students share their artistry while engaging in meaningful cultural exchange and global learning through the arts.
Purdue Bands & Orchestras serves as the “Heartbeat of the University” and represents a proud tradition of providing exceptional performing and learning opportunities to Purdue students for the past 140 years.
With no school of music, Purdue Bands & Orchestras provides opportunities for students to pursue their love of music regardless of their field of study. Our more than 1,300 student musicians represent disciplines from across the University.
As members of our department, students develop as lifelong participants in music through extraordinary performances, innovative learning experiences, and valuable leadership opportunities in an environment where the uniqueness of every individual is celebrated.
This international experience reflects Purdue’s commitment to the arts as a vital component of student learning and well-being. By engaging with communities beyond campus and across cultures, our students deepen their global perspective, strengthen their creative voice, and serve as cultural ambassadors for Purdue University—demonstrating how the arts connect people, ideas, and experiences across borders.
Hail Purdue!
Dr. Beth McCuskey Vice Provost for Student Life Purdue University
FACULTY & STAFF
Jay S. Gephart.....................................................................................................Director and AI G. Wright Chair
Matthew R. Conaway......................................Professor, Director of “All-American” Marching Band
Dr. Pamela J. Nave................................................................Associate Professor, Director of Percussion
Adam Bodony..........................................................................Associate Professor, Director of Orchestras
Bethany Robinson...............................................Clinical Assistant Professor, Director of Jazz Bands
Jarrard Harris..............................................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. David M. Blon.......................................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Dr. Lucas H. Petersen.............................................................................................Clinical Assistant Professor
Douglas R. Fletcher.............................................................................................................Director of Operations
Amy Brandfonbrener................................................................................................Chamber Music Instructor
Esther Kirgiss........................................................................................................Director of External Relations
Caitlin Cotten........................................................................Manager of Recruitment & Student Success
Humza Nasir..............................................................................................................................Multimedia Designer
Susan Lipscomb.............................................................................................Senior Administrative Assistant
Kim Delks.........................................................................................................................................Business Assistant
Adisyn Nichols..................................................................................................................Student Office Assistant
Elora Ifeguni............................................................................................................................Graphic Design Intern
Udochukwu Akorah...................................................................................................Social Media Ambassador
