This concert features music inspired by voices around the Pacific
Rim, from California to Australia, Singapore to Russia, Mexico to
Canada (to name a few). Included is Eagle
Song by Bob Baker, a Squamish Nation (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh
Úxwumixw) composer in present-day Vancouver,
and a Māori lullaby,
“Hine e Hine” originally by Fanny Howie. California composers are
represented in two selections: Mondavi Fanfare by
Roger Nixon — commissioned for the opening of the Mondavi center
in 2003 — and Go California, a march written by Jonathan
B. Elkus, who directed the UC Davis bands from 1992 to 2003.
Program
Campus Band • Garrett Rigsby and Natalie Laurie,
directors
Jack Loh: Canton Folk Song Suite
Bob Baker (Squamish Nation): Eagle Song
Jodie Blackshaw: Vulnerable Joy
Roque Cordero: Spirit of Panama March
— Intermission —
UC Davis Concert Band • Pete Nowlen, director
Roger Nixon: Mondavi Fanfare
Jinjun Lee: Sing
Worachat Kitrenu: Reun-Pae
Fanny Rose Howie: Hine e Hine
Antonio Gervasoni: Peruvian Fanfare No. 1
Joe Hisaishi: Studio Ghibli Anime March
Nubia Jaime-Donjuan: “Sajuaro” from the Little Mexican
Suite
Sergei Prokofiev: March, op. 99
Jonathan B. Elkus: Go California
In 1978 the Tellefsen Hall Directors at UC Berkeley commissioned
Jonathan Elkus (Director of the UC Davis bands from 1993 to 2003)
to compose UC Berkeley’s “Cal Band March” in memory of Chris
Tellefsen, an employee of the Associated Students of the
University of California who worked closely with the Cal Band
from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Originally known as “Go
California,” it was arranged by Elkus and Larry Austin, who had
also served as UC Davis’s Concert Band Director from 1958 to
1972. This is a new concert edition, retitled “Go California”
with contributions from Kai Boennighausen, who received his
bachelor’s degree in music from UC Berkeley in 2023.
One of UC Davis’s highest priorities is the safety of its
students and all members of its community. UC Davis
prohibits all forms of sexual harassment and sexual violence,
including sexual assault, dating and domestic violence, and
stalking. Such conduct violates University policy and may
violate California law.
Chris Froh, continuing lecturer, received the 2024 Undergraduate
Teaching Award from the Academic Federation. Froh is known for
teaching courses that include Theory, Rock Music, History of the
Beatles, percussion ensemble and individual percussion students.
Professor Kurt E. Rohde’s composition seeking all that’s
still unsung will receive its world premiere at Brandeis
University performed by the Lydian String Quartet on
April 6.
Professor Carol A. Hess has recently received the Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Society for American Music, which
promotes music of the Americas. The presentation was made on
March 23 during the society’s annual conference.
Robert S. Bloch, UC Davis professor emeritus of music, died on
November 4 at age 89. He was a member of the faculty from 1974 to
2000, primarily teaching violin and music theory in addition to
giving concerts. The UC Davis Music Department remains
grateful for the musicianship Bloch shared on stage and in the
classroom. Theodore Karp, a prior faculty member (1963–73) who
went on to teach at Northwestern University, previously described
Bloch as “A quiet man with a ready, genial wit.” He was also
self-admittedly restless, which showed in the breadth of his
endeavors.