When: Saturday, May 10, 2025 - 8:00 p.m.

Where: Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw State University (488 Prillaman Way, Kennesaw, GA 30144)

The Atlanta Wind Symphony will feature its 2025 high school concerto competition winner, saxophonist Everest Li, and special guest the Hiram High School Wind Symphony. The Atlanta Wind Symphony’s community outreach programs include inviting outstanding high school ensembles to share the stage. This is the first joint concert for the two ensembles.

Selections being performed by the Atlanta Wind Symphony:

 The Cowboys by John Williams - An exciting Western overture - full of the brilliant effects, rhythmic drive, and lyrical themes that are the hallmarks of a John Williams work - depicting the joys and hardships of cowboy life.

 English Dances by Malcolm Arnold - Every theme in these boisterous, good-humored dances is original with Arnold, with a mastery of instrumentation evident throughout the composition.

 Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone by Andre Waignein, featuring soloist Everest Li - A work that spontaneously turns into a natural musical journey and showcases both the technical prowess and the expressive nature of the saxophone.

 One Life Beautiful by Julie Giroux - An impressionistic work musically describing how having only one life is what makes life so sacred, tragic, and precious. Selections being performed by the Hiram High School Wind Symphony:

 Urban Light by James David - A brilliant display of colors, forward momentum, and intertwining rhythmic layers that is inspired by the iconic Los Angeles landmark of the same name.

 Dum Spiro Spero by Chris Pilsner - The composer's goal was to write something as deeply emotional and human as the title, which means "While I breathe, I hope"; Simple melodies supported by colorful orchestration and harmonies gives the piece a powerful sense of grace and splendor.

 Kaleidoscope Eyes by Katahj Copley - The composer writes: "Kaleidoscope eyes is a visual effect – creating mirages, splashes of colors, and moments of confusion. When [learning about the term], I knew what I wanted to do: manipulate rhythm and color changes within the wind band."

Selection by the combined ensembles:

 The March from “1941” by John Williams - One of Mr. Williams' most requested titles from his distinguished career in film music, this jaunty march is a fun-filled romp from beginning to end, skillfully conceived with tuneful strains, rousingly aggressive brass writing, and superb orchestration.

Ticket information:

$15 adult; $10 senior (65 years of age or older), student, and military; children 12 and under free. $40 family package (four or more in a family). Order tickets at https://atlantawindsymphony.ticketspice.com/aws-high-school-concerto-competition-winner

About the Atlanta Wind Symphony (AWS):

The Atlanta Wind Symphony is celebrating its 45th season as an all-volunteer community wind ensemble dedicated to delivering inspiring performances of quality wind band literature. Comprised of more than 70 adult musicians ranging in experience from music educators to hobbyists, the group has performed at Carnegie Hall and has received the John Philip Sousa Foundation's Sudler Silver Scroll, North America's most prestigious award for community concert bands. The AWS also received the honor of being selected to perform at the 2021 Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic, the world’s largest instrumental music conference. Atlanta Wind Symphony Music Director David Kehler serves as Director of Bands and Professor of Music at Kennesaw State University where he oversees all aspects of the University’s expanding band program; teaches courses in instrumental conducting, symphonic repertoire, and wind literature; and serves as Music Director and Conductor of the KSU Wind Ensemble. AWS Associate Conductor Chris Shumick is in his 13th year as the Director of Bands at Milton High School, where his bands consistently win top honors at festivals and contests. For more information visit www.AtlantaWindSymphony.org

About the AWS high school concerto competition winner

Everest Li is an Atlanta-based saxophonist at Walton High School, who will be pursuing his studies in music performance at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music. While studying under principal saxophonist of the 116th United States Army Band, Brandyn Taylor, for the past four years, Everest served as principal tenor saxophonist in the Atlanta Youth Wind Symphony (AYWS) for two years and is the current principal alto saxophonist and section leader. In 2023, he performed in Carnegie Hall and plans to perform in an upcoming tour in Europe this summer. In addition to AYWS, Everest made the Georgia Music Educators Association All- State Band for six consecutive years, earning principal chair many times. This past summer, Everest spent his time in the Interlochen Center for the Arts, MI, and the Brevard Music Center, NC, developing his musical skills while working under distinguished faculty. Everest has also previously worked with professors of saxophone from various universities including Dr. Timothy McAllister (University of Michigan), Taimur Sullivan (Northwestern University), Joseph Lulloff (Michigan State University), among others. Outside of music, Everest is an avid tennis enjoyer, food enthusiast, and book reader, who loves spending time with friends and family.

About the Hiram High School Wind Ensemble:

The Hiram High School Wind Symphony consists of 9th-12th grade students recognized as some of the most talented musicians within the band program. The ensemble performs 4-5 concerts annually, showcasing advanced repertoire at the high school and collegiate levels. Additionally, members of the Hiram High School Wind Symphony actively participate in prestigious performance opportunities such as the GMEA District and All- State Band, GMEA District and All-State Jazz Band, and the West Georgia Winds.

About the Atlanta Wind Symphony's season sponsor, Arclin USA:

Arclin is an Atlanta-based chemistry and applications company which supplies technologies to applications spanning from building products to agriculture. In addition to headquarters in Roswell, Arclin operates 12 manufacturing locations across North America and employs a team of more than 600. People are Arclin's first priority, and the company maintains a focus on investing in local communities to impact positive change. This concert and the efforts of the Atlanta Wind Symphony are examples of an organization which tirelessly works to benefit the community.