Vanderbilt Wind Symphony
About
The Vanderbilt Wind Symphony opens its 2026–27 season under the direction of guest conductor Robin Fountain, emeritus professor of conducting, who led the ensemble for more than two decades during his distinguished tenure at Vanderbilt. The program celebrates the richness and diversity of twentieth-century American and British wind music, pairing Leonard Bernstein’s vibrant and nostalgic dances with the folk-inspired lyricism of Ralph Vaughan Williams and Percy Grainger. Experience the remarkable versatility of the wind band as the concert journeys from energetic, vibrant music to moments of deep expression, featuring both rich ensemble playing and outstanding soloists.
⭐ Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Ingram Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $13.50
Tickets on sale Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at BlairTickets.com.
Program Notes
Divertimento – Leonard Bernstein, arr. Clare Grundman
Composed in 1980 for the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s centennial, Divertimento is Bernstein’s affectionate tribute to his musical roots in Boston. Blending lyrical waltzes, jazz-infused rhythms, and exuberant fanfares, the suite captures the wit, vitality, and theatrical energy that define Bernstein’s distinctive style.
Shepherd’s Hey – Percy Grainger
Based on a traditional English Morris dance tune, Shepherd’s Hey is one of Grainger’s most beloved miniatures. Scored for wind band by the composer, the work brims with lively rhythms, robust textures, and rustic charm, capturing the joyful spirit of an English country dance.
Toccata Marziale – Ralph Vaughan Williams
Completed in 1924, Toccata Marziale is a landmark of the wind band repertoire. Vaughan Williams transforms the traditional toccata into a showcase for winds and brass, combining bold fanfares, rich counterpoint, and vibrant sonorities in a work of ceremonial power.
Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra (Band Arrangement) – Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Merlin Patterson
Widely regarded as a cornerstone of the tuba repertoire, Vaughan Williams’s concerto presents the instrument as both lyrical and virtuosic. From the good-humored energy of the opening movement to the expressive Romanza and brilliant final Rondo, the work highlights the tuba’s remarkable range and character.
⭐ Wednesday, September 23, 2026, Ingram Hall, 7:30 p.m.
Tickets: $13.50
Tickets on sale Friday, June 12, 2026, 10:00 a.m., at BlairTickets.com.
Program Notes
Divertimento – Leonard Bernstein, arr. Clare Grundman
Composed in 1980 for the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s centennial, Divertimento is Bernstein’s affectionate tribute to his musical roots in Boston. Blending lyrical waltzes, jazz-infused rhythms, and exuberant fanfares, the suite captures the wit, vitality, and theatrical energy that define Bernstein’s distinctive style.
Shepherd’s Hey – Percy Grainger
Based on a traditional English Morris dance tune, Shepherd’s Hey is one of Grainger’s most beloved miniatures. Scored for wind band by the composer, the work brims with lively rhythms, robust textures, and rustic charm, capturing the joyful spirit of an English country dance.
Toccata Marziale – Ralph Vaughan Williams
Completed in 1924, Toccata Marziale is a landmark of the wind band repertoire. Vaughan Williams transforms the traditional toccata into a showcase for winds and brass, combining bold fanfares, rich counterpoint, and vibrant sonorities in a work of ceremonial power.
Concerto for Bass Tuba and Orchestra (Band Arrangement) – Ralph Vaughan Williams, arr. Merlin Patterson
Widely regarded as a cornerstone of the tuba repertoire, Vaughan Williams’s concerto presents the instrument as both lyrical and virtuosic. From the good-humored energy of the opening movement to the expressive Romanza and brilliant final Rondo, the work highlights the tuba’s remarkable range and character.
