Newsroom

CORVALLIS - David Hoffman, Oregon State University's new director of bands, will conduct the OSU Symphonic Wind Ensemble in a diverse program of symphonic music on Sunday, Nov. 19. The free public concert begins at 3 p.m. at LaSells Stewart Center.

"I would love to see a Corvallis crowd that fills the music hall," Hoffman said. "The program is so diverse that all kinds of listeners will hear something that they enjoy."

The program begins with a Renaissance piece for brass ensemble, and includes Benjamin Britten's "Courtly Dances," Bach's "My Jesus! Oh What Anguish," and John Zdechlik's whirlwind "Celebrations."

The second half of the concert is devoted to an exploration of the march and its treatment by composers of the 19th and 20th centuries. Featured are Hindemith's "March from Symphonic Metamorphoses," "March(es) for the Sultan Abdul Medjid" (two commissioned works by G. Donizetti and by G. Rossini), and John Philip Sousa's "The Thunderer." The concert closes with Ira Hearshen's version of "The Thunderer" from his "Symphony on Themes of John Philip Sousa."

Hoffman moved to Corvallis to join the music department faculty this fall. In addition to overseeing the band program and conducting the wind ensemble, he directs the OSU Jazz Ensemble, coordinates instrumental studies, and teaches courses in conducting and instrumental music education. Hoffman, who is completing his Ph.D. in music education from the University of Minnesota, has a master's degree in wind conducting from Northwestern University and a bachelor's degree in music education from the University of Illinois. He served for seven years on the faculty of the University of Dayton as conductor of the Symphonic Wind Ensemble and director of Jazz Studies.

He also has eight years of public school teaching experience, most recently as director of bands at Roseville Area High School, a program recognized for its excellence by the Minnesota Music Educators Association. He maintains an active schedule as guest conductor and clinician for concert and jazz bands.