“Spirit of the Season”

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 

CHRISTMAS MUSIC FOR WINDS – John Cacavas

Sponsored by – Group Travel /Anthony Parisi

“Christmas Music for Winds” by John Cacavas is a concert band arrangement that features a medley of traditional Christmas carols and holiday tunes. Known for his skill in arranging and composing for wind ensembles, Cacavas blends familiar melodies into a cohesive piece that is both accessible and engaging for performers and audiences alike.

The arrangement typically includes well-known carols such as “O Come, All Ye Faithful,” “The First Noel,” and “Joy to the World.” Cacavas’s style provides a clear, warm, and rich sound, allowing each melody to be recognizable while also introducing interesting harmonies and textures. He uses the full range of the wind ensemble, giving brass, woodwinds, and percussion sections opportunities to shine, and the arrangement balances both reflective and festive moods throughout.

The transitions between carols are smooth and well-crafted, making this medley a delightful addition to holiday concert programs. Cacavas’s “Christmas Music for Winds” is celebrated for its straightforward yet effective arrangements that capture the traditional spirit of Christmas, offering a joyful and harmonious holiday experience.

SLEIGH RIDE – Leroy Anderson

(Color Guard Peformance)

Sponsored by – The Kakadelis Family

“Sleigh Ride” by Leroy Anderson is a bright, festive, and lively orchestral piece that has become a holiday favorite. Composed in 1948, the piece captures the joyful sensation of a winter sleigh ride, with playful melodies, catchy rhythms, and clever use of orchestral effects to mimic the sounds of a horse-drawn sleigh.

The music is characterized by a fast tempo and light-hearted, cheerful feel, evoking the imagery of a sleigh gliding over snow. Anderson’s orchestration is full of festive touches: the sound of sleigh bells ringing, the whip crack, and the “clip-clop” of horse hooves, all contribute to the ride’s realism and fun. The famous trumpet “horse whinny” at the end adds a humorous and memorable touch.

“Sleigh Ride” is not specifically about Christmas, but its wintry theme and joyful energy have made it a staple of holiday concerts, often performed by orchestras, concert bands, and even vocal choirs. Its catchy, upbeat melody and iconic sound effects make it an enduring symbol of holiday cheer and winter fun.

WELCOME FROM OUR PRESIDENT MIKE MCKEE

A CHRISTMAS CAROL – Randall Standridge / Based on the story by Charles Dickens

Sponsored by – 

A Christmas Carol by Randall Standridge is a musical work for concert band inspired by the classic Charles Dickens novel. This piece captures the essence of the story, reflecting its themes of transformation, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas. Standridge skillfully weaves original music with familiar holiday tunes to create an atmospheric and dramatic narrative.

The piece is divided into sections that represent key moments or characters from Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, such as the haunting yet hopeful visitations of the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future. The music shifts from dark, mysterious tones to brighter, more uplifting melodies, mirroring the emotional journey of Ebenezer Scrooge. Listeners may hear hints of traditional carols throughout, adding a sense of nostalgia and familiarity.

Overall, A Christmas Carol is a richly textured composition that combines storytelling with festive music, making it a captivating and emotional experience for performers and audiences alike. It’s often performed during holiday concerts to evoke the timeless message of compassion and goodwill.

***COLOR GUARD PERFORMANCE*** 

“You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch” – Sabrina Carpenter

COVENTRY CAROL – arr. Richard L Saucedo

Sponsored by – Lori Williams Brown

“Coventry Carol” arranged by Richard Saucedo is a modern concert band setting of the traditional English carol of the same name. The original carol dates back to the 16th century and is known for its hauntingly beautiful melody and solemn tone, which Saucedo preserves while adding his own unique interpretation.

In this arrangement, Saucedo uses rich harmonies, lush orchestration, and creative textures to bring out the carol’s emotional depth and solemn beauty. The piece often begins with a gentle, mysterious mood, reflecting the carol’s poignant theme, and gradually builds to moments of intensity before returning to a more introspective conclusion. Saucedo’s use of dynamics and orchestral color provides a sense of drama and depth to the arrangement, allowing different sections of the band to showcase their expressive playing.

Overall, Saucedo’s “Coventry Carol” captures both the traditional beauty of the carol and a contemporary concert band style, making it a moving and reflective piece suitable for holiday concerts. It brings an emotional contrast to more festive selections, adding a deeper and more contemplative element to a winter program.

SPEECH – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DR LINDSEY WILLIAMS

SELECTIONS FROM HOME ALONE  – John Williams / arr. Paul Lavender

(Color Guard Peformance)

Sponsored by – Chris Martin / Copperhead Salon

Selections from Home Alone, arranged by Paul Lavender, is a medley of music composed by John Williams for the beloved 1990 holiday film Home Alone. The arrangement brings together some of the most memorable themes from the movie’s soundtrack, capturing both the heartwarming and playful moments of the film.

The medley typically includes “Somewhere in My Memory”, a touching and nostalgic piece that serves as the emotional core of the movie, along with more whimsical and lively tracks like “Holiday Flight” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”. Lavender’s arrangement skillfully weaves these themes together, creating dynamic contrasts between the tender, reflective melodies and the upbeat, energetic sections.

The piece allows for a wide range of expression, with lush orchestration and sweeping melodies that evoke the magic and wonder of the holiday season. It is often performed at holiday concerts, appealing to audiences with its blend of festive cheer and sentimental warmth.

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ACT 2 – 

MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR – Eddie Pola and George Wyle / arr. John Moss

Sponsored by – You Matter

“The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” is a joyful Christmas song written by George Wyle and Edward Pola, first popularized by Andy Williams in 1963. The song has since become a holiday classic, celebrated for its cheerful and festive tone.

With lively, upbeat lyrics, the song captures the excitement and warmth of the holiday season, mentioning familiar traditions like holiday greetings, parties, and family gatherings. The music itself is bright and energetic, with a swinging, almost big-band feel that perfectly complements the festive lyrics.

It often features brass and string sections in arrangements, adding to its celebratory spirit. The song’s positive, infectious melody and lyrics about spreading cheer make it a staple of Christmas playlists and holiday performances. Its timeless charm continues to resonate with audiences, symbolizing the joy and magic of the season.

OLD SCOTTISH MELODY (Auld Lang Synge) – Charles A. Wiley

Sponsored by –  

“Old Scottish Melody” by Charles A. Wiley is an arrangement of the traditional tune “Auld Lang Syne” for concert band. This piece is reflective and nostalgic, often performed during New Year’s celebrations or at moments of farewell. Wiley’s arrangement presents the familiar melody with a warm, lush orchestration that highlights the emotional depth of the song.

The piece opens softly, allowing the melody to unfold with simplicity and grace, gradually building to a more powerful and expansive sound as the full band joins in. Wiley’s use of rich harmonies and dynamic contrasts gives the arrangement a sense of dignity and reflection, capturing the bittersweet feeling of remembering the past while looking forward to the future.

“Old Scottish Melody” is often used to close performances or special events, as its melody, combined with Wiley’s sensitive arrangement, evokes a sense of unity, remembrance, and hope.

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS (A setting of the Clement Clark Moore poem for narrator and band) – Jack Bullock

Narration – Parker Williams

Sponsored by – Don Slone

’Twas the Night Before Christmas arranged by Jack Bullock is a festive piece for concert band that features a narrator reading the iconic Christmas poem by Clement Clarke Moore, set to engaging and colorful musical accompaniment. The arrangement combines traditional holiday tunes with original music, perfectly underscoring the story’s whimsical and magical mood.

The band plays a variety of styles throughout the piece, from gentle, serene sections that evoke the quiet of Christmas Eve to lively, spirited moments that capture the excitement of Santa’s arrival. The narration is synchronized with the music, enhancing key moments in the poem and bringing the words to life with dramatic flair.

This arrangement is both a musical and storytelling experience, often performed at holiday concerts to entertain audiences of all ages with its charm, humor, and festive energy. The combination of narration and music makes it a unique and interactive holiday performance.

SPEECH – ARTISTIC DIRECTOR DR LINDSEY WILLIAMS

HOLIDAY GALOP – Randall Standridge

(Color Guard Peformance)

Sponsored by –  Lita Handy-Peters / ReMax Central Realty

“Holiday Galop” by Randall Standridge is a fast-paced, playful, and energetic piece for concert band that combines holiday cheer with the lively feel of a galop—a quick, light, dance-like musical form. The arrangement blends familiar Christmas tunes such as “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls” with spirited rhythms and rapid tempos, giving the piece a whimsical, almost humorous character.

The music features lively percussion, brisk tempos, and sudden dynamic contrasts that make it exciting for both performers and listeners. It evokes the image of a fast sleigh ride through a wintery landscape, filled with fun and excitement. Standridge’s use of unexpected twists, tempo shifts, and festive melodies makes “Holiday Galop” a popular choice for holiday concert programs, appealing with its charm, energy, and festive spirit.

STILLE NACHT (ASL) – Franz Gruber / arr. Chip Davis and Robert Longfield

Sponsored by – A Fly Guy Massage / Ricoh Smith

“Stille Nacht”, known in English as “Silent Night”, is a classic Christmas carol composed by Franz Xaver Gruber in 1818, with lyrics by Joseph Mohr. It was first performed on Christmas Eve in Oberndorf, Austria. The carol is simple, yet deeply moving, with a gentle melody that evokes peace and serenity.

The song’s lyrics describe the calm and holy night of Jesus’ birth, with themes of divine peace and light. The melody, composed by Gruber, is traditionally slow and flowing, creating a tranquil and reflective atmosphere. “Stille Nacht” has since been translated into many languages and remains one of the most beloved and widely sung Christmas hymns worldwide, often associated with candlelight services and moments of quiet reverence during the holiday season.

CHRISTAMS EVE SARAJEVO 12/24 – Paul O’Neil and Robert Kinkel / arr. Bob Phillips and George Megaw

Sponsored by – Nicole Edwards

“Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” is an instrumental piece by Paul O’Neill, created for the rock band Savatage and later popularized by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. The song is a fusion of Christmas carols like “God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen” and “Carol of the Bells,” blending classical music elements with rock.

It features a driving, intense energy, combining electric guitars, orchestral strings, and heavy percussion to create a dramatic and powerful atmosphere. The arrangement contrasts serene, delicate sections with intense, fast-paced rock segments, symbolizing the juxtaposition of peace and conflict. The song was inspired by a story O’Neill heard about a cellist who played Christmas carols in the ruins of war-torn Sarajevo during the Bosnian War, bringing a poignant emotional layer to the music.

It has since become a hallmark of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s holiday performances, known for its dynamic and epic sound.

HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS – Hugh Martin and Ralph Blaine/ arr. Ryan Nowlin

Sponsored by – The Golden Bee Fleurs

“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is a popular holiday song written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane. First introduced by Judy Garland in the 1944 film Meet Me in St. Louis, it has since become a Christmas standard. The song has a reflective, bittersweet tone, with lyrics that initially expressed hope amid hardship. The original version, sung by Garland, was somber, but Frank Sinatra later requested revisions to make it more uplifting, leading to the more familiar, optimistic version.

The melody is gentle and tender, with a warm and nostalgic feel that evokes feelings of comfort, longing, and togetherness during the holiday season. Its simplicity and emotional resonance have made it a favorite for both personal performances and recordings by artists across genres.

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, *Brandon Gray, Emily Jones, Jamie Woods

OBOE

Shawn Harris

BASSON

Mark Bennett

CLARINET

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

SAXOPHONE

+Victoria Albert, Joshua Crook, +∞Michael McKee(Tenor), Amy Miller, Jessica RIce, Marques Rudd(Baritone)

TRUMPET

Andrew Conger, Rob Cothran, Danielle DeVoney, +Veruska Guerrero, Dutchley Leger, 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, McKenna Calabro, Matthew Vancelette, Chris Whitsett

BARITONE / EUPHONIUM

  Matthew Fix, +Anthony Parisi, Ricoh Smith

TUBA

Joshua Black, Angie Brehm, ∞Juan Carlos Canasi, Langston Lucas

PERCUSSION

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

ELECTRIC BASS GUITAR

Trent Martino

PIANO

+∞Mike McKee

COLORGUARD

Jo Cassel, Alexander Rivera-Charles, +Bri Cipriani , Vanessa Christensen, Erin Dunne, Tara Hegedus, Christina Liu, Samantha Lynne’s, Caleb Newman, Valeria Nuber, Scarlett Powers, Karissa Quinn, Chip Weatherman, Chris Whitsett

STAGE MANAGER

∞Blue Estrella

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

2024 – 2025 CFSOF ENSEMBLE GROUPS

Quarter Notes Clarinet Choir – 

April 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)

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