Wednesday
November 20 | 6:00 PM
Rialto Center for the Arts
program notes by Adam Dalton, conductor
Terminus. It’s a play off of the original name of Atlanta. While this concert isn’t directly about Atlanta itself, the title serves as a symbolic nod to the city’s beginnings and its ongoing evolution. "Terminus" was the name given to Atlanta in the 1830s, signifying its role as the terminus (or end point) of several major railroads. However, this “end” was merely a starting point for the city's growth and transformation into a bustling metropolis. The program explores the theme of new beginnings, suggesting that endings are not necessarily final, but often lead to new opportunities and growth. Through a selection of works by composers with connections to Georgia, the concert reflects on the idea that every conclusion paves the way for something fresh and exciting. In this way, "Terminus" becomes a metaphor not only for Atlanta's history, but for the continuous cycle of renewal and possibility.
downside-up (2016)
WILLIAM PITTS | B. 1986
This piece was written by an Atlanta based composer for a few local high schools and Georgia State.
I’m very drawn to this quote from the composer: “Today, optimism is one of the few human attributes that prevails in the midst of a world full of bad news. I have learned that if I try to find the positive among all of the negatives, I have a greater sense of fulfillment. These enthusiastic ideas permeate my music as well. downside-up was written as a musical outcry of ‘positivity.’”
While endings may initially seem daunting, seeking the positive in them can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and growth.
Beauty Broken (2015)
NICOLE PIUNNO | B. 1985
This piece is fully inspired by a work titled “Blow Up #1” by Ori Gersht (picture below) in the Columbus Museum of Art. Here is what Piunno notes recount:
"Gersht used high-speed photography to capture a moment in time of an arrangement of flowers exploding. In that one short moment Gersht captured a profound truth about this world and the human condition... At first sight the photo looked amazing. It was beautiful and exciting. Yet when I looked closely, I realized it was beauty that was broken... However, once I accepted both and was able to hold the paradox of these two realities, I was able to see the photograph for what it truly was. A sense of hope emerged as I felt a longing for beauty to be restored."
Diamond Tide (2015)
VIET CUONG | B. 1990
Rachel Breaux, conductor
"A 2010 article published in Nature Physics details an experiment in which scientists were able to successfully melt a diamond... The extreme temperature and pressure used in this experiment are found Neptune and Uranus, and scientists therefore believe that seas of liquid diamond are possible on these two planets. Oceans of diamond may also account for these planets’ peculiar magnetic and geographic poles... Lastly, as the scientists were melting the diamonds, they saw floating shards of solid diamond forming in the pools—just like icebergs in our oceans. Imagine: distant planets with oceans of liquid diamond filled with bergs of sparkling solid diamonds drifting in the tide…"
The music of American composer Viet Cuong (also born in ATL) has been performed on six continents by musicians and ensembles such as the New York Philharmonic, Eighth Blackbird, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra, Sō Percussion, Alarm Will Sound, Atlanta Symphony, Sandbox Percussion, Albany Symphony, PRISM Quartet, and Dallas Winds, among many others. Cuong’s music has been featured in venues such as Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and the Kennedy Center, and his works for wind ensemble have amassed several hundreds of performances worldwide. Passionate about bringing these different facets of the contemporary music community together, his recent projects include a concerto for Eighth Blackbird with the United States Navy Band. Cuong also enjoys exploring the unexpected and whimsical, and he is often drawn to projects where he can make peculiar combinations and sounds feel enchanting or oddly satisfying. His works thus include a snare drum solo, percussion quartet concerto, and double oboe concerto. He is currently the Pacific Symphony’s Composer-in-Residence and serves as Assistant Professor of Music Composition at The University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Cuong holds degrees from Princeton University (MFA/PhD), the Curtis Institute of Music (AD), and Peabody Conservatory (BM/MM).
Full Circle (2019)
RYAN GEORGE | B. 1978
Composer Ryan George used to write the music for the Georgia State Panther Band when it first started. For this piece, George reflects on the impact of being able to compose for the honor band that he performed in 22 years prior:
When Ray contacted me about writing this piece I was struck immediately with the realization that my life had come full circle... Full Circle is intended to be a musical homecoming. Something that exudes joy, excitement, and optimism. This piece is not so much about compositional cleverness but a reflection of the past and it’s influence on the present and the future. It is an embrace of those moments and experiences that positively change our lives.
Madison Tiegreen
Madison Tiegreen considers herself a multidimensional professional. Her formal studies are in Choral Music Education and Religious Studies, psychology, philosophy, and science. The intersection of her passions is working with humans in a range of ways. Whether it be through music, art, education, or social work, she is committed to creating spaces where individuals can come together, connect authentically, and grow personally and collectively.
She is currently studying Choral Conducting at Georgia State University under the mentorship of Dr. Deanna Joseph. She holds the title of Conducting Scholar at All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Atlanta–an urban parish with a long tradition of choral excellence. When not conducting, she sings staff soprano in the semi-professional choir at All Saints’ and utilizes her passion for art and design in an additional role in communications.
Prior to this, she served in several capacities, from professional singer to choir director, for both youth and adult choirs at different churches and schools across the Metro Atlanta area. Throughout her time at Georgia State, Madison sang in the international, award-winning ensemble University Singers. During this tenure, the choir produced two professional albums, which she was featured on. Performances included appearances at GMEA, ACDA, NCCO and other national and regional conventions, collaborations with Grammy Award-winning artists, and international tours, notably the World Choral Symposium in Istanbul, Turkey. Additionally, Tiegreen served as the university’s Collegiate ACDA Chapter President.
In daily life, Madison spends most of her time outdoors, exploring the world and all it has to offer. She finds joy capturing it in nature, walking, and through photography and abstract painting.
Adam F. Dalton
Dr. Adam Dalton is currently the Director of Bands and Associate Professor of Music at Marshall University where he oversees all aspects of a comprehensive band program including concert bands, the Marching Thunder, and basketball pep bands. He also conducts the Marshall Wind Symphony, teaches courses in music education and conducting, and serves as the recruitment director for the music department. Prior to his appointment as Director of Bands, Dr. Dalton served as Director of Athletic Bands at Marshall for five years.
Dr. Dalton is a native of Virginia where he attended James Madison University and earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education. After graduating, he moved to Atlanta, GA where he taught high school at Milton High School, a large 5A program in Georgia. He then accepted a Graduate Teaching Assistantship at The University of Alabama where he received his Master of Arts in Music Education and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Instrumental Conducting.Dr. Dalton performed with The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps for three years earning two world championships and a gold medal in individual and ensemble. He also marched in various independent winter guards in the southeast, consistently making finals at Winter Guard International. His designing and teaching experience includes the 2008 World Champion Phantom Regiment, The Carolina Crown Drum and Bugle Corps, and currently serves as a caption head for the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps. He is featured on the WGI video, Toss and served as a clinician and performer for the first everSpinfest Clinic, an annual educational event sponsored by WGI. Dr. Dalton maintains a busy schedule as a designer, consultant, and adjudicator for marching bands and indoor groups both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Dalton worked with every ensemble while at The University of Alabama and was a featured conductor for the 2013 All-State Festival performance with The Alabama Wind Ensemble. His high school band received superior ratings at Large Group Performance Association. As a percussionist, Dr. Dalton performed with the Alabama Wind Ensemble for four years including their 10 day tour of Italy in 2012. He is a founding member of the Alabama Winds, a community band based in Birmingham, AL. He has also participated in the Alabama Wind Ensemble recording project The Glass Bead, available on Albany Records.
Dr. Dalton’s professional affiliations include the Collegiate Band Director’s National Conference, the National Association for Music Education, the Collegiate Music Society, and the National Band Association.
Rachel Breaux
Graduate Assistant Conductor
Rachel Breaux, a native of Temple, GA, is pursuing the Masters of Music degree in Wind Band Conducting. She is a recent graduate of the University of West Georgia where she earned the Masters of Music degree in Flute Performance. While at UWG, Rachel took advantage of conducting opportunities with the Wind Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Joshua Byrd. She also holds a Bachelors of Music degree in Music Education from West Georgia.
As a performer, Rachel has studied privately with Elisa Lyle, Candance Keach, and Dr. Tammy Evans, and actively runs a private and sectional studio consisting of students within Carroll, Paulding, Fayette, and Coweta counties. She also participates in marching band instructional staff, flute sectional clinics, beginning and advanced conducting graduate teaching assistant instruction, theatre orchestra pits, and local church orchestras; including the Tabernacle Baptist Church, Roopville Baptist Church, Douglasville Baptist Church, and East Newnan Baptist Church.
On the side, Rachel specializes in social media and marketing for local organizations and honor bands. Her professional affiliations include the Georgia Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and the National Band Association.
She currently resides in Temple, GA with her 5-year old forever puppy, Oscar.
Credits:
Created with images by • Marc See - Graffiti on Train Cars on Tracks • NIPAPORN - Steampunk chocolate machine with gears and pipes bronze tones • Dawid - Attractive wooden "Welcome to Atlanta" sign, perfect for US city entrance road signs, travel signage, urban landmarks, and city-themed marketing projects. • Dawid - Beautiful wooden "Welcome to Atlanta" sign, perfect for US city entrance road signs, travel signage, urban landmarks, and city-themed promotional projects. • Wollwerth Imagery - Downtown Atlanta Georgia at night panorama • undefined - Silhouette of man departing into sunset on smooth water of lake • Paris - City Of Atlanta