How did UNF’s Wind Ensemble get to Carnegie Hall?

Practice, practice, practice, as the age-old story goes. And a little funding from UNF’s Transformational Learning Opportunity program.

The Wind Ensemble performed at Carnegie Hall in June as part of the Excellence in Education Concert Series. It was the first time any UNF musical group has performed at the renowned hall. The Ospreys were part of a double bill that included Oregon State University. Fifty students and three faculty members took part in the program.

“It was all we had hoped for and much more,” said Dr. Gordon R. Brock, who directed the Wind Ensemble through the evening’s performance.

Under Brock’s direction, the Wind Ensemble performed works by Ticheli, Tchaikovsky, Tosti, Daugherty and Bassi. UNF’s performance impressed the executive director of Distinguished Concerts International, New York, which produced the concert.

“Wow! What a night of music! Bravo,” Iris Derke wrote to Brock after the show. Congratulations to you and all of your performers … it was a great evening for wind ensembles and I am so proud that UNF graced the DCINY concert series and shared your talents with all of us at Carnegie Hall.”

UNF featured soloists Dr. Krzysztof Biernacki, baritone; Dr. Guy Yehuda, clarinet; and recent UNF graduate Casey Dodd, timpani. Dr. Randall Tinnin also served as guest conductor.

Based on UNF’s debut performance, DCINY has extended an invitation for a return engagement.

“This has been and will continue to be a significant benchmark in the evolution of our music program at the University of North Florida,” Brock said.

The Alumni Association hosted a reception at an uptown hotel for the music students, their parents, faculty, supporters and alumni living in the New York area. More than 50 people attended.