A Holiday Celebration with the UNO University Band
Sunday, December 6, 2026 | 3:00PM
Strauss Performing Arts Center | University of Nebraska at Omaha
Joshua Kearney, Music Director
Chris Tucker, Associate Music Director
Pete Wilger, Conductor UNO University Band
Christine Erlander Beard, Guest Flute Soloist
Premiere of The Snipe for Flute and Wind Band,
a new work for concert band and solo flute by Erika Svanoe
You are invited to a Holiday celebration by the Nebraska Wind Symphony and the UNO University Band. There is no admission charged for this concert, but donations are always welcome.
Come early and enjoy pre-concert music by NWS members beginning at 2:35PM in the Strauss Lobby! Please join us to meet our playing members and enjoy some refreshments at the post-concert reception.
This concert features a performance by the UNO University Band under the direction of Pete Wilger followed by the Nebraska Wind Symphony directed by Dr. Joshua Kearney.
This program features somethings old and somethings new and, of course, music of the holiday season. Hop on and we will take you for quite a ride.
The UNO University Band begins the program with these selections.
A Glorious Fanfare – Franco Cesarini
– conducted by Mark Burch, Graduate Conducting Student
A Crown of Thorns, A Soul of Fire – Benjamin Barker
Caccia – Norman Dello Joio
– conducted by Dr. J. Ashley Jarrell
Winter’s Revel – Erika Svanoe
Here is some brief information about the works the Nebraska Wind Symphony is performing.
Zoom: Fanfare for Wind Ensemble by Scott Boerma
Scott was commissioned to write this to celebrate Jamie Nix’s tenth year as director of wind ensembles at Columbus State University. Inspired by weekly Zoom Covid that voiced unbridled enthusiasm (and impatience) to getting back to doing things we love like making live music. Start your engines because, after revving our engines during Covid, here we go full speed.
Pastime in Good Company by KING HENRY VIII as arranged by Philip SPARKE
Also known as “The King’s Ballad”, Pastime in Good Company is an English folk song written by King Henry VIII in the early 16th century. It is regarded as the most famous of the King’s creative works. It became a popular song in England and other countries during the Renaissance.
Blessed Are They from “A German Requiem” by Johannes Brahms arranged by Barbara Buehlman
Johannes Brahms (1833–1897) was moved to write A German Requiem for chorus and orchestra by the deaths of his friend Robert Schumann and his mother. The decision to include the word “German” in the title is notable as is his use of German text (drawn from Martin Luther’s translation of the bible) instead of the traditional Latin. Barbara Buehlman, a major force in the modern concert band movement and a trailblazer for women in music education scored the first movement of the masterwork for concert band.
The Snipe for Flute and Wind Band by Erika Svanoe – Dr Christine Beard, soloist
Though “snipe hunt” pranks at summer camp have convinced many people otherwise, Wilson’s Snipes aren’t made-up creatures. These plump, long-billed birds are among the most widespread shorebirds in North America. The Snipe is written for a capable flute soloist with a flex band accompaniment suitable for most high school bands. This is the world premiere of this new work commissioned by the Nebraska Wind Symphony. This is one way NWS is giving back to the high school programs where our playing members got their instrumental music start.
Christmas March by Edwin F. Goldman edited by R. Mark Rogers
Edwin Goldman had many contributions to the band repertoire. His Christmas March medley is especially popular. Familiar seasonal tunes include: Good King Wenceslas, Adeste Fideles, Jingle Bells, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, The First Noel, Deck the Halls, and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing.
You Better Sleigh! by JaRod Hall
This funky swing arrangement challenges all to a winter holiday musical scavenger hunt. Come listen and discover how many tunes you can identify.
A Christmas Overture by Nigel Hess
A Christmas Overture was originally commissioned as an orchestra work by composer John Rutter for his 2007 Christmas Festival. It proved to be an instant success for orchestra and audience alike. Traditional carols are skillfully juxtaposed and interwoven with appearances by fragments from other carols.
Suite from “The Polar Express” by Alan Silvestri as arranged by Jerry Brubaker
This Suite is a concert medley from “The Polar Express”, a 2004 animated musical Christmas adventure . Featured tunes are “Believe,” “The Polar Express,” “When Christmas Comes to Town,” and “Spirit of the Season.”
You Make It Possible!
Our concerts are presented with no admission charged. We are supported by generous area businesses, our playing members, and many friends like you. Thank you for helping to bring great concert band music to the Omaha area!