“SONIC STORIES”

Artistic Director – Dr. Lindsey Williams 

Associate Artistic Director – Marques Rudd

“Our mission is to promote LGBTQIA+ awareness, acceptance, and equality in a positive way through entertainment and inclusion. Our diverse membership serves the community by educating through the performing arts.”

ACT 1 

OLYMPICS: A CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION – John Williams

Sponsored by – Juan Canasi and Joe Kennedy

Olympics: A Centennial Celebration, arranged by John Moss, is a powerful tribute to 100 years of the modern Olympic Games. This exhilarating medley features some of the most iconic Olympic themes, including Leo Arnaud’s Bugler’s Dream and John Williams’ Olympic Fanfare and Theme, The Olympic Spirit, and Summon the Heroes. With soaring brass, driving rhythms, and triumphant melodies, the piece captures the energy, pageantry, and unity that define the Olympic spirit. It’s a stirring musical journey that honors both the history and hope of this global celebration of excellence.

SPEEDWAY – Mark Lortz

Sponsored by – By CFSOF in memory of Helen Ventimiglia

Speedway by Mark Lortz is a high-octane concert opener that thrusts listeners into the exhilarating world of auto racing. This programmatic piece captures the essence of high-speed competition through driving rhythms, bold brass fanfares, and dynamic contrasts. From the anticipation of the starting line to the thrill of the final lap, Speedway delivers an adrenaline-fueled musical experience that mirrors the excitement of the racetrack. 

WELCOME FROM OUR CFSOF PRESIDENT MIKE MCKEE AND VICE PRESIDENT CHRIS MARTIN

OLD CHURCHES – Michael Colgrass

Sponsored by – MOKE Orlando

Old Churches by Michael Colgrass is a meditative and atmospheric piece that evokes the quiet reverence of ancient sacred spaces. Inspired by the sound of Gregorian chant, the work uses free-flowing rhythms and subtle textures to create a sense of timelessness. With sections of improvisation and graphic notation, performers become part of a sonic landscape that mirrors the echoes of voices in stone-walled monasteries. The result is a haunting and reflective experience, inviting both performers and listeners into a world of stillness and spiritual depth.

***COLOR GUARD PERFORMANCE***

You can’t stop the Beat

MUSIC FROM MISSION IMPOSSIBLE – Jay Babcook

(Color Guard Peformance)

Sponsored by – LeRoy Costner Attourney at Umanski Law Group

Music from Mission: Impossible, arranged by Jay Bocook, brings the pulse-pounding energy of the legendary spy franchise to the concert stage. Featuring Lalo Schifrin’s unmistakable 5/4 theme and music from Danny Elfman’s score for the 1996 film, the arrangement blends suspenseful rhythms, bold brass fanfares, and dramatic pacing. From stealthy intrigue to high-octane action, this medley captures the spirit of espionage and adventure that has defined Mission: Impossible for generations—delivering an exciting and cinematic experience for performers and audiences alike.

SPEECH – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DR LINDSEY WILLIAMS

HALCYON HEARTS  – Katahj Copley

(Baton Peformance)

Sponsored by – Group Travel /Anthony Parisi

Halcyon Hearts by Katahj Copley is a radiant and expressive overture that explores love as a powerful, unifying force. The title refers to a “halcyon” time—an ideal period of peace and happiness—which is beautifully captured through lush harmonies, lyrical melodies, and bursts of joyful energy. The piece begins with a bold, unexpected flourish, symbolizing the surprise and excitement of discovering love, and continues with a passionate, uplifting momentum. Copley wrote Halcyon Hearts as a tribute to those who choose love and compassion in the face of chaos and negativity. It’s a musical reminder that when we lead with love, we help create a brighter, more harmonious world.

INTERMISSION

***PLEASE ENJOY OUR SILENT AUCTION***

ACT 2 – 

SQUIRREL CHASE – Carol Brittin Chambers

(Color Guard Peformance)

Sponsored by – CFSOF in memory of Jason Clark

Squirrel Chase by Carol Brittin Chambers is a fast-paced and playful galop that captures the wild excitement of a dog chasing a squirrel. With energetic rhythms, clever melodies, and sudden twists, the piece brings this humorous scene to life. Fun and spirited, it’s an audience favorite that showcases both precision and personality from the ensemble.

PLANET B – Catherine Likhuta

(Color Guard Peformance)

Sponsored by – Penn Charter High School

Planet B by Catherine Likhuta is a powerful and imaginative work that addresses climate change and the urgent need to care for our planet. Opening with ethereal harmonies evoking space, the music soon turns to Earth—portraying its distress, the rise of youth-led activism, and ultimately, a vision of hope and renewal. Through vivid musical storytelling, Planet B delivers both a warning and a call to action

SLEEPY VILLAGE – Sammy Nestico

Sponsored by – The Golden Bee Fleurs

Sleepy Village by Sammy Nestico is a tranquil and picturesque composition that invites listeners to envision a serene, idyllic village scene. Known for his significant contributions to both jazz and concert band music, Nestico crafted this piece to evoke a sense of calm and reflection. The gentle melodies and harmonious arrangements paint a musical portrait of a peaceful community, capturing the essence of a quiet village at rest. This work showcases Nestico’s ability to blend rich harmonies with lyrical lines, creating a soothing and contemplative atmosphere that resonates with audiences.

TAILSPIN – arr. Rob Romeyn

Sponsored by – Chris Martin / Copperhead Salon

Tailspin! arranged by Rob Romeyn is a thrilling, high-energy piece that evokes the sensation of a dramatic aerial descent. Inspired by the composer’s own experience aboard a turbulent flight, the music features bold rhythms, dynamic contrasts, and contemporary harmonies. Perfect for young bands, it delivers excitement and momentum from start to finish—an exhilarating ride for both performers and audience alike.

SPEECH – ANNA ESKAMANI AND ORLANDO YOUTH ALLIANCE

THE INFERNO (from the Divine Comedy)  – Robert W Smith

Sponsored by – YOU MATTER

The Inferno (from The Divine Comedy) by Robert W. Smith is a powerful and dramatic work for wind ensemble, inspired by the first part of Dante Alighieri’s epic poem The Divine Comedy. In this movement, Smith musically depicts the descent into Dante’s vision of Hell—a realm of darkness, chaos, and eternal punishment.

Opening with intense, ominous themes, the piece takes listeners through the gates of Hell, marked by driving rhythms, dissonant harmonies, and a relentless sense of motion. Each section portrays different levels of torment, reflecting the vivid imagery and emotional depth of Dante’s literary masterpiece. The music is filled with contrasting moods—from violent fury to eerie stillness—mirroring the complexity of the souls condemned to eternal suffering.

With its cinematic scope and bold instrumentation, The Inferno challenges performers and immerses audiences in a gripping, unforgettable musical journey through one of literature’s most haunting landscapes.

FORWARD STILL – Omar Thomas

Sponsored by – Bullseye Appraisals

Forward/Still by Omar Thomas is a reflective and emotional work for wind ensemble that explores themes of struggle, resilience, and hope. Beginning with a solemn chorale and evolving into a steady, forward-moving groove, the piece symbolizes the ongoing journey toward justice and healing. Its unresolved ending invites reflection on the future we are creating.

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CARIBANA AFTER PARTY – Omar Thomas

Sponsored by – Bullseye Apprais

Caribana Afterparty by Omar Thomas is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean dance music, blending the smooth grooves of calypso with the high energy of soca. Inspired by Trinidad and Tobago’s carnival traditions, the piece invites performers and audiences into an immersive rhythmic experience—complete with a lively “riddim section” where musicians become part of the percussion. It’s a joyful, high-spirited tribute to Caribbean culture and sound.

2024-2025 CFSOF PERFORMING MEMBERS

Artistic Director – Dr. Lindsey Williams

Associate Artistic Director – Marques Rudd

FLUTE.

Beth Ashcraft, Dusty Deao (Piccolo), Rebecca Collins, +Nicole Edwards (Alto, Piccolo), Ninabeth Frank, Caila Froling, Emily Jones

OBOE

Shawn Harris

BASSON

Mark Bennett

CLARINET

Reed Abbott, +Keith Allen, Jasmine Barnaby, Mark Boyer (Bb, Bass), Allison Cothran, ∞Bruce Freeman, John Greene (Contra), Megan Kalman (Alto,Bass), Joe Kennedy, +Chris Martin, Megan McInnes (Eb, Bb), David Phillips (Bass), Leigh Sagendorf (Bb, Bass), ∞Laura Welch

SAXOPHONE

+Victoria Albert, Jesus Barrios, Joshua Crook, +∞Michael McKee(Tenor), Amy Miller, Daniel Molina (Baritone), Jessica Rice, Marques Rudd (Baritone)

TRUMPET

*Zac Chowning, Andrew Conger, Rob Cothran, Mia Daniel, Danielle DeVoney, +Veruska Guerrero, Logan Miller, Brandon Nelson, Brittany Purves, Eddy Santiago, +Justin Vercher 

FRENCH HORN

Dale Allison, Chip Bryant, Matthew Cassel, Ari Cricks, +Courtney Lovestrand, Nicholas Pearson-Walsh

TROMBONE

Jason Boglio, Matthew Vancelette, Chris Whitsett

BARITONE / EUPHONIUM

  Laurie Arlegui, +Anthony Parisi, Ricoh Smith

TUBA

Joshua Black, ∞Juan Carlos Canasi, *C.J. Shafer

PERCUSSION

Alexis Bannaruk, Jill Carville, +Veruska Guerrero, Michelle Kakadelis, Lynn Howard, Trent Martino, David Phillips

ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR

Trent Martino

PIANO

+∞Michael McKee

COLORGUARD

Jo Cassel, Alexander Rivera-Charles, +Bri Cipriani , Vanessa Christensen, Erin Dunne, Tara Hegedus, Scott Hood, Christina Liu, Samantha Lynes, Samantha Mathis, +∞Michael McKee, Caleb Newman, Valeria Nuber, Scarlett Powers, Karissa Quinn, Sasha Scherlinsky (Baton), Crystal Von Oy, Chip Weatherman

STAGE MANAGER

∞Blue Estrella

(*) = GUEST PERFORMER
(∞) =  FOUNDING MEMBER
(+) = CFSOF BOARD MEMBER

2024 – 2025 CFSOF ENSEMBLE GROUPS

Quarter Notes Clarinet Choir – 

Reed Abbott, Mark Boyer, Joe Kennedy, Chris Martin, Megan McInnes, Michael McKee, David Phillips, Leigh Sagendorf, Laura Welch

High Flutin’ Flute Ensemble – 

Beth Ashcraft, Dusty Deao, Nicole Edwards, Ninabeth Frank, Emily Jones, Jamie Woods

Bell Tones Brass Ensemble – 

Joshua Black (Tuba), Andrew Conger (Trumpet), Mathew Fix (Baritone), Logan Miller (Trumpet), Nicholas Pearson-Walsh (Horn), Justin Vercher (Trumpet)

DONORS AND SPONSORS:

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