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Kent, Ohio — Announced as a new ensemble earlier this year, the inaugural class of the Kent State Youth Winds make their debut Saturday, Nov. 6 under the baton of guest conductor Anthony Maiello. The concert is part of the ������ Glauser School of Music’s annual Wind Band Conductor’s Symposium beginning Nov. 5 and running through Nov. 7. 

“I am honored and extremely excited to be the guest conductor for the inaugural concert of the Kent State Youth Winds,” said Maiello. “This highly innovative program allows exceptional high school musicians and KSU music education students to connect in a very special and meaningful manner. It will enable high school musicians to improve their musicianship, and music education students to have real-life teaching experiences. This incredible opportunity allows young musicians to be showcased, enhances educational programming at the university level, and encourages collaboration with local communities.”

Maiello currently serves as professor at and associate director of the George Mason University School of Music in Fairfax, Va. He also founded and is the principal conductor and artistic director of the American Festival Pops Orchestra—an ensemble dedicated to performing and advocating for the best American popular music. In demand as a conductor, clinician, adjudicator, and presenter, Maiello has authored several books on the art of conducting and was inducted into the Bands of America Hall of Fame in 2010. 

He leads a program featuring a variety of 20th and 21st-century pieces for wind ensemble, including “Into the Raging River” by Steven Reineke, “March of the Belgian Paratroopers” by Pierre Leemans, and “Gettysburg” by Randy Edelman. Also on the program is Claude T. Smith’s “Eternal Father, Strong to Save” and Hans Zimmer’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End” arranged by Jay Bocook.

A highlight of the program is Clifton Williams’ “Dramatic Essay,” featuring Chris Petrella as featured soloist. Petrella is the of the High School Division of the , the premier competition for trumpet players in the United States. Written in 1958, “Dramatic Essay” was commissioned by the education division of the C.G. Conn Corporation and trumpeter Don Jacoby. The six-minute work is written as a dramatic dialogue between soloist and ensemble.

“I am delighted to make music with the young musicians of Kent, Ohio, and surrounding area,” said Maiello. “In addition, being part of the soon approaching Kent State Wind Band Conductor’s Symposium offers me the opportunity to coach and nurture professional conductors on a national level.”

The concert will start at 7:00 p.m. in Cartwright Hall at 650 Hilltop Drive on the Kent Campus. Parking is free in all surrounding lots. Seating is limited to facilitate physical distancing, and facial coverings are required for all visitors.

Single tickets are $10 for adults and free for those 18 and under with a ticket reservation. Full-time Kent Campus undergraduate students can also reserve a free ticket using Arts Pass. Subscription packages are available. Order in advance online, by phone or in-person through the Performing Arts Box Office, open Monday through Friday from 12 to 5 p.m. in the Roe Green Lobby of the Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets available at the door approximately one hour before the start of the performance. To purchase tickets, visit www.kent.edu/music/buy-tickets. 

About the Kent State Youth Winds

Founded in 2021, the Kent State Youth Winds (KSYW) provides local high school and exceptional middle school wind and percussion players the opportunity to learn music performance techniques from ������’s professional artist-teachers, develop individual playing skills, and perform in a wind ensemble with other interested and highly skilled young musicians. The ensemble is led by principal conductor Wendy K. Matthews and assistant conductors Sarah Kois and Garrett Doty. Learn more at www.kent.edu/youth-winds. 

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Contact for Press:

Andrew Paa, Marketing and Communications 
330-672-0894 | apaa@kent.edu