Season Description: “Passing the Baton”
Now for only the third time in 64 years, The Wind Symphony is about to name a new conductor, a leader who can carry forward the legacies of Darrell Johnston and Edward C. Harris while at the same time making their own mark on SJWS. This season, we have selected four finalists from the pool of applicants. Each finalist will get the chance to program, rehearse and conduct a San Jose Wind Symphony concert.
This February 26th we are delighted to welcome our third finalist to the podium: Dr. David Vickerman, Associate Professor of Music and Director of Bands at San José State University.
Concert Description:
"Where there is love there is life." - Mahatma Gandhi.
Tonight's program is inspired by the many ways we express love: from passionate romance to the love from a parent to a child. Bring your loved ones for an afternoon celebrating the most powerful human emotion!
Bio of Dr. David Vickerman
Dr. David Vickerman, 2015 winner of The American Prize in Conducting and 2023 winner of the Outstanding Music Educator Award for CMEA Bay Section, is an Associate Professor of Music and the Director of Bands at San José State University. Prior to his appointment at San José State University, he was the Director of Bands at The College of New Jersey (2012-2017) and the Johns Hopkins University Homewood Campus (2010-2012). In addition to his duties at SJSU, he has previously served as the Associate Conductor of Great Noise Ensemble, in Washington D.C. and he is a highly sought-after guest conductor, having conducted numerous honor bands across the country.
A fervent advocate for contemporary music, Dr. Vickerman has commissioned works by eminent composers and conducted numerous premieres. He has also arranged several pieces for winds including Concerto for Saxophone Quartet and Wind Ensemble by Philip Glass (published through WiseMusic Classical), Ára Batur by the Icelandic rock band, Sigur Rós, Observer in the Magellanic Cloud by Mason Bates and Craigslistlieder by Gabriel Kahane. Dr. Vickerman also regularly presents at regional, national and international conferences on topics ranging from teaching social justice issues in band to embracing vulnerability in rehearsal and performance.
Dr. Vickerman graduated from the Peabody Institute with a DMA in Wind Conducting in 2014 and a Master’s Degree in Wind Conducting from the University of Oregon in 2010. Prior to his work at the University of Oregon, he taught high school in California for 6 years after receiving a Bachelor of Music Degree in Music Education and teaching credential from California State University Stanislaus in 2002.
The San Jose Wind Symphony will be following guidelines regarding COVID-19:
- Masks providing covering for the nose and mouth are highly recommended for all concertgoers, but are now optional
- A limited number of tickets will be available to purchase at the door, but we strongly recommend buying tickets in advance