2024 Season Events

April 28, 2024
Spring Perfection: An Overture

Welcome to our first concert of the 142nd season! Special guest emcee: former KGO radio host John Rothmann.

Program:

  1. Looney Tunes Overture – arr. Bill Holcombe

  2. Amazing Grace – Traditional / arr. Frank Ticheli

  3. Gallop – Aram Khachaturian / arr. E. Leidzen

  4. Second Suite in F – Gustav Holst

  5. Air for Band – Frank Erickson

  6. Folk Song Suite – Ralph Vaughan Williams

  7. Symphonic Gershwin – arr. Warren Barker

  8. Instant Concert – Harold Walters

  9. Around the World in 80 Days – Victor Young / arr. D. Wright

  10. Golden Gate March – Edwin Franko Goldman

May 5, 2024
Celebrating Polish Culture in the Bay Area

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program honoring Polish heritage and the 233rd anniversary of the Polish Constitution of May 3, 1791. Performances include songs and dances from multiple regions presented by Łowiczanie, Sokoly, Orliki, and St. Albert Polish-American Mission.

Program:

  1. National Anthems of Poland and the USA – Performed by St. Albert Polish-American Mission

  2. Clarinet Polka – Traditional / arr. David Bennett – Golden Gate Park Band

  3. Sarabande and Polka – Malcolm Arnold / arr. J. Paynter – Golden Gate Park Band

  4. Songs and Dances from Przeworsk region – Presented by Łowiczanie, choreography Edward Hoffman

  5. Songs and Dances from Slask region – Presented by Sokoly, choreography Gosia Wojciechowska & Kasha Hudack

  6. Keynote Speech – John Henry Fullen, President, SF-Krakow Sister City Association

  7. Polka and Fugue from Schwanda, The Bagpiper – Jaromír Weinberger / arr. G. Bainum – Golden Gate Park Band

  8. Dances and Songs from Opoczno region – Presented by Łowiczanie, choreography Mary Kay Stuvland

  9. Krakowiak and dances from Podhale, Tatry Mountains – Presented by Orliki, choreography Krystyna Chciuk

  10. Polonaise Militaire – Frédéric Chopin / arr. L.P. Laurendeau – Golden Gate Park Band

  11. Krakowiak – Presented by Orliki, choreography Piotr Irby

  12. Songs and Dances from Spisz region, Tatry Mountains – Presented by Łowiczanie, choreography Mary Kay Stuvland, Maria Wnek, Tadek Zdybal

  13. Three Klezmer Miniatures – Philip Sparke – Golden Gate Park Band

May 12, 2024
Not a ‘Pops’ Concert, a ‘Moms’ Concert

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program honoring mothers and women composers. As the program says, “If at first you don’t succeed, try doing it the way mom told you to in the beginning.” Special selections include works by Grainger, Bizet, Sousa, and more.

Program:

  1. Country Gardens – Percy A. Grainger / arr. T. Clark

  2. The Italian in Algiers – Gioachino Rossini / arr. T. Moses-Tobani

  3. Belle of the Ball – Leroy Anderson

  4. Mother Goose March – John Philip Sousa

  5. Little English Girl – D. Delle Cese

  6. First Suite in E♭ – Gustav Holst

  7. Thoroughly Modern Millie – Jimmy Van Heusen / arr. G. Osser

  8. Mother Hubbard March – John Philip Sousa

  9. L’Arlésienne Suite No. 2 – Georges Bizet / arr. W.J. Duthoit

  10. Mvt. 1: Andante sostenuto

  11. Mvt. 4: Farandole

  12. Valdres March – Johan Hanssen / arr. G. Bainum

  13. Highlights from Gypsy – Jule Styne / arr. P. Yoder

  14. Pas Redoublé – Camille Saint-Saëns / arr. A. Frackenpohl

May 19, 2024
A Cast of Characters

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program of fun and familiar favorites. As Harpo Marx reminds us, “<honk honk>.” Audiences will enjoy a lively mix of classical, marching, and rock ’n’ roll selections featuring a cast of musical characters.

Program:

  1. La Forza del Destino – Giuseppe Verdi / arr. M.L. Lake

  2. March of the Belgian Paratroopers – Pierre Leemans / arr. C.A. Wiley

  3. Gershwin Selections – arr. David Bennett

  4. The Typewriter – Leroy Anderson

  5. Classic Rock ’N Roll – arr. John Higgins

  6. Fugue á la Gigue – J.S. Bach / arr. Gustav Holst

  7. Classical Gas – Mason Williams

  8. Pacific Island Fantasy – arr. Sammy Nestico

  9. Billy the Kid Waltz – Aaron Copland / arr. P.L. Lang

  10. “Radetzky” March – Johann Strauss / arr. L.P. Laurendeau

  11. Summer of ’69 – arr. Ted Ricketts

  12. Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

May 26, 2024
Armenian Echos

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in partnership with the Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural & Educational Association to celebrate the 106th Anniversary of Armenia’s Independence. The program includes vibrant band works, traditional Armenian dances, and a special trumpet solo, accompanied by the youth and adult dance ensembles of Hamazkayin. Program Coordinator: Lena Manugian. Dance Director: Flora Bagdasaryan.

Program:

  1. National Anthems of Armenia and the United States

  2. “Dele Yaman” – Gomidas, performed by Danielle Zaroukian

  3. Armenian Dances – Aram Khachaturian / arr. R. Satz

  4. Colors of Artsakh Dance – Hamazkayin “Araz” Children’s Dance Group

  5. Concerto for Trumpet and Band – Alexander Arutiunian / transcr. G. Duker – Soloist: Mark Nemoyten

  6. Jug Dance – Hamazkayin “Araz” Dance Group, Liora Kigel

  7. Line Dance – “Yerevan” Dance Ensemble

  8. Folk Dance – Hamazkayin “Araz” Youth Dance Group

  9. Nreni (Pomegranate) – “Yerevan” Dance Ensemble

  10. “Spring” Dance – Hamazkayin “Araz” Youth Dance Group

  11. Enzel Dance – “Yerevan” Dance Ensemble

  12. Closing Remarks – Ruth Alahydoian, Hamazkayin SF “Nigol Aghpalian” Board Member

  13. 2 Dances from “Gayne Ballet” – Aram Khachaturian / arr. E. Leidzen

June 6, 2024
Trumpet Palooza!

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a spectacular trumpet-focused program featuring multiple soloists in a showcase of works for trumpet, cornet, flugelhorn, and brass ensemble.

"Never look at the brass, it only encourages them." — Richard Strauss

Program:

  1. Rose Variations – Robert Russell Bennett, soloist: Eric Wayne

  2. Faeroe Island Dance – Percy Grainger

  3. Concerto for Cornet, Flugelhorn & Trumpet – Warren Barker, soloist: Mark Nemoyten
    – Allegro con brio (Cornet)
    – Andante (Flugelhorn)
    – Allegro Vivace (Trumpet)

  4. Ode for Trumpet – Alfred Reed, soloist: Tom Bertetta

  5. American Symphonette, Mvt. 2 “Pavanne” – Morton Gould, soloist: Mark Nemoyten

  6. Concert Etude, Op. 49 – A. Goedicke / arr. D. Marlan, soloist: Alia Kuhnert

  7. Old Wine in New Bottles; Three Ravens – Gordon Jacob

  8. En Aranjuez con tu Amor – J. Rodrigo / arr. Moon, soloist: Michelle Latimer

  9. Old Wine in New Bottles; Wraggle Taggle Gypsies – Gordon Jacob

  10. Trumpeter’s Lullaby – Leroy Anderson / arr. P.L. Lang, soloist: Germán Gonzalez

  11. Cousins – H.L. Clarke / arr. J. Mortimer, soloists: Eric Wayne & Daven Tjaarda-Hernandez

  12. Bugler’s Holiday – Leroy Anderson / arr. M. Edwards, soloists: Michelle Latimer, Tom Bertetta & Alia Kuhnert

  13. Encore Surprise! – (It’ll be a surprise if they don’t pass out!)

Special thanks to the Chatfield Lending Library for the “Rose Variations” sheet music: https://chatfieldband.lib.mn.us/

June 16, 2024
Celebrating Juneteenth & Father’s Day!

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program honoring African American composers and artists.

"Music to me is like breathing. I don’t get tired of breathing, I don’t get tired of music." — Ray Charles

Program:

  1. Lift Every Voice and Sing – Johnson & Johnson / arr. C. Taylor

  2. The Entertainer – Scott Joplin / arr. A. Frackenpohl

  3. Folk Suite for Band – William Grant Still

  4. Satchmo – arr. Warren Barker

  5. Halcyon Hearts – Katahj Copley

  6. Red Tails – Ayatey Shabazz

  7. Queen of Soul – arr. Paul Murtha

  8. Three Negro Dances – F. B. Price / arr. E. Leidzen

  9. An Ellington Portrait – arr. Floyd Werle

  10. Porgy and Bess – George Gershwin / arr. R. Bennett

  11. The Genius of Ray Charles – arr. Michael Brown

June 23, 2024
Songs & Dances

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in an afternoon of lively music. "Is there a heart that music cannot melt? Alas! How is that rugged heart forlorn." — Beattie

Program:

  1. Perpetuum Mobile – J. Strauss / arr. A. Reed

  2. English Dances – Malcolm Arnold

  3. Yankee Doodle – arr. Morton Gould

  4. Four Dances from West Side Story – L. Bernstein / arr. I. Polster

  5. Yagi Bushi – arr. Naohiro Iwai

  6. Pineapple Poll Suite from the Ballet – A. Sullivan / arr. C. Mackerras

  7. Wrong Note Rag – L. Bernstein / arr. T. Ricketts

  8. San Francisco – B. Kaper & G. Kahn

  9. Dancing Tambourine – W.C. Polla / arr. P. Yoder

  10. An American in Paris Selections – G. Gershwin / arr. J. Krance

June 30, 2024
Celebrating Pride!

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in an afternoon of music honoring Pride and the LGBTQ community. "It takes no compromising to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no survey to remove repressions." — Harvey Milk

Program:

  1. Commando March – Samuel Barber

  2. A Musical Toast – L. Bernstein / arr. C. Grundman

  3. 2nd American Folk Rhapsody – Clare Grundman

  4. Marche Militaire Francaise – C. Saint-Saëns / arr. M.L. Lake

  5. Down a Country Lane – A. Copland / arr. M. Patterson

  6. Overture to Candide – L. Bernstein / arr. C. Grundman

  7. Longford Legend – Robert Sheldon

  8. Over the Rainbow – Harold Arlen & E.Y. Harburg / arr. W. Barker, Kris Palmer, vocals

  9. Pas Redouble – C. Saint-Saëns / arr. A. Frackenpohl

July 4, 2024
Happy Independence Day!

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a patriotic program celebrating the nation’s birthday. "Guard against the impostures of pretend patriotism." — George Washington

Program:

  1. Strike Up the Band – G. Gershwin / arr. W. Barker

  2. Simple Gifts – Frank Ticheli

  3. American Overture – Joseph W. Jenkins

  4. The Fairest of the Fair – John P. Sousa

  5. American Patrol – F.W. Meacham

  6. Chester – William Schuman

  7. Salute to American Jazz – arr. Sammy Nestico

  8. Fourth of July – Morton Gould

  9. In Praise of Freedom – Warren Barker

  10. Stars and Stripes Forever – John P. Sousa

July 7, 2024
Treasures of the Band World

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program of classic audience favorites. "Einstein was wrong. E = Fb." — anonymous

Program:

  1. Original Suite – Gordon Jacob

  2. Spoon River – P. Granger / arr. R. Sheldon

  3. Variations on America – C. Ives / arr. W. Rhoads

  4. The Blues! – arr. Sammy Nestico

  5. Shenandoah – trad. / arr. F. Ticheli

  6. Suite of Old American Dances – Robert R. Bennett

  7. Chant an Jubilo – Francis McBeth

  8. Gershwin! – G. Gershwin / arr. W. Barker

July 14, 2024
Disney Magic: Wind Band Fantasmic

Robert Halseth, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a magical program of Disney favorites. "If your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme." — Jiminy Cricket

Program:

  1. When You Wish Upon a Star – N. Washington & L. Harline / arr. E. Leidzén

  2. Whistle While You Work – L. Morey & F. Churchill / arr. R. Becker

  3. Mary Poppins – R. Sherman / arr. I. Kostal

  4. The Bare Necessities – T. Gilkyson / arr. J. Vinson

  5. The Little Mermaid – A. Menken & H. Ashman / arr. J. Bocook

  6. Aladdin – arr. Paul Jennings

  7. Toy Story 2 – R. Newman / arr. J. Bocook

  8. The Incredibles – M. Giacchino / arr. J. Bocook

  9. Up – M. Giacchino / arr. M. Brown

  10. Frozen – arr. Stephen Bulla

  11. Encanto – L. Miranda / arr. P. Murtha

  12. The Lion King – arr. John Higgins

July 21, 2024
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue

Dr. Germán Gonzalez, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program blending classics and contemporary favorites. "The only love affair I’ve ever had was with music." — Maurice Ravel

Program:

  1. A Festival Prelude – Alfred Reed

  2. Syncopated Clock – L. Anderson / arr. P. Lang

  3. Three Ayres From Gloucester – Hugh M. Stuart
    – The Jolly Earl of Cholmondeley
    – Ayre for Eventide
    – The Fifes of Wembley

  4. Carnival of Venice – H.L. Clarke, Kris Palmer, piccolo soloist

  5. Jamaican Rumba – A. Benjamin / arr. E. Morgenstern

  6. The Circus Band – C. Ives / arr. J. Elkus

  7. Who’s Who in Navy Blue – John P. Sousa

  8. Wedding Dance – J. Press / arr. F. Fennell

  9. April in Paris – V. Duke / arr. R. Maltby

  10. Broadway One-Step – Karl King

July 28, 2024
Tune Town: Music for Kids

Robert Halseth, conductor, leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program full of favorites for young listeners. "Music is one language that requires no interpretation." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Program:

  1. Thunder and Blazes – J. Fucik / arr. J.S. Seredy

  2. Children’s March – Edwin Franko Goldman

  3. Wizard of Oz Selections – H. Arlen / arr. James Barnes

  4. Olympic Fanfare and Theme (1984 Los Angeles) – J. Williams / arr. J. Curnow

  5. Country Gardens – P. Grainger / arr. T. Clark

  6. The Wiz Selections – C. Smalls / arr. B. Lowden

  7. Barnum and Bailey’s Favorite – K.L. King

  8. The Teddy Bear’s Picnic – J. Bratton / arr. P. Yoder

  9. Sound of Music Selections – R. Rogers / arr. R.R. Bennett

  10. Moana Selections – arr. Jay Bocook

  11. Music of Disneyland – arr. Jerry Brubaker

August 4, 2024
Heroes Near and Far

The Golden Gate Park Band honors our ‘first responders’ and the volunteers of The Neighborhood Emergency Response Team.

Program:

  1. Strike Up the Band – G. Gershwin / arr. P. Yoder

  2. The Gypsy Baron Suite – J. Strauss / arr. W. Beeler

  3. In the Miller Mood – G. Miller / arr. W. Barker

  4. On the Trail – F. Grofe / arr. E. Leidzén

  5. I Left My Heart (in San Francisco) – Cory & Cross / arr. A. Reed

  6. D. H. S. March – Capt. Lewis Buckley

  7. Clarinet Candy – Leroy Anderson

  8. Courageous San Francisco – F.P. Search / arr. F.R. Fuller

August 11, 2024
Kilts, Ceilidhs, Castles & Haggis – The Music of Scotland

“If it’s not Scottish, it’s crap.” — Stuart Rankin

Program:

  1. Scotland the Brave – arr. Norman Richardson

  2. Loch Lomond – arr. Frank Tichelli

  3. Chambery • Para Handy • Bees – Dunsmir Scottish Dancers

  4. Four Scottish Dances – Malcolm Arnold
    – A Strathspey
    – A Reel
    – A Hebridean Song
    – A Lively Fling

  5. Ye Banks and Braes – Percy Grainger

  6. Tribute • Yellow • ‘Dancing’ • Pet/Angel – Dunsmir Scottish Dancers

  7. A Scottish Rhapsody – Clare Grundman

  8. Bond, James Bond – Stephen Bulla

August 18, 2025
St. Stephen’s Day Celebration

Saint Stephen’s Day has been celebrated in the Golden Gate Park since 1958.

Program:

  1. Rákóczi March – Hector Berlioz

  2. National Anthems of the United States and Hungary – Daina Pray, vocalist

  3. Poet and Peasant Overture – Franz von Suppé

  4. Transylvanian Music – performed by the Danubius Band

  5. Eszterlánc Hungarian Folk Ensemble performing Kalotaszegi Dances

  6. Medley from The Merry Widow – Franz Lehár; Daina Pray, vocalist

  7. Light Cavalry Overture – Franz von Suppé

  8. Endre Levente Balogh: Ó Szent István (old Moldavian song) and a Hungarian Dance from the 16th Century

  9. Dél-Alföldi Dances – performed by Eszterlánc Hungarian Folk Ensemble

  10. Puszta: Four Gypsy Dances – Jan Van der Roost

  11. Hungarian Dance No. 5 – Johannes Brahms

September 1, 2024
Big Band Jazz

“There are two kinds of music. Good music and the other kind.” — Duke Ellington

Program:

  1. Blues in Hoss Flat – Basie/M. Taylor

  2. Hay Burner – Sammy Nestico

  3. Let the Good Times Roll – L. Jordan/arr. G. Goodwin

  4. Summertime – G. Gershwin/arr. D. Wolpe

  5. Sway – Gimbel & Ruiz/arr. M. Collins

  6. Days of Wine and Roses – H. Mancini/arr. D. Barduhn

  7. Shake Rattle and Roll – C. Calhoun/arr. B. Lowden

  8. The Way You Look Tonight – J. Kern/arr. R. Holmes

  9. ‘Taint What You Do – arr. J. Clayton

  10. New York, New York – J. Kander/arr. D. Costa

  11. Jump, Jive and Wail – L. Prima/arr. R. Holmes

  12. Georgia on My Mind – H. Carmichael/arr. D. Barduhn

  13. In the Mood – Glenn Miller

  14. Straighten Up and Fly Right – N. Cole/arr. J. Gonsalves

  15. A Tisket, A Tasket – E. Fitzgerald/arr. K. Lessmann

  16. I Can’t Stop Loving You – D. Gibson/arr. Q. Jones

  17. Kansas City – J. Leiber/arr. B. Lowden

  18. Happy – P. Williams/arr. M. Tomaro

  19. Birdland – J. Zawinul/arr. J. Higgins

September 2, 2024
A Labor Day Celebration

“The road to success is always under construction.” — Lily Tomlin

Program:

  1. The January February March – Don Gillis

  2. Bayou Breakdown – Brant Karrick

  3. God Bless America – I. Berlin/arr. E. Leidzen

  4. Montego Bay – Sammy Nestico

  5. Music of the Beatles – arr. Michael Sweeney

  6. On the Mall – E.F. Goldman/arr. M. Lake

  7. Old Home Days – C. Ives/arr. J. Elkus

  8. Black Horse Troop – John P. Sousa

  9. This Land is Your Land – W. Guthrie/arr. G. Kenny

  10. Horse and Buggy – Leroy Anderson

September 8, 2024
Celebrating the Mexican Heritage in the U.S.

Featuring Ballet Folklorico Mexicano de Caros Moreno

“The sound of water is worth more than all the poets’ words.” — Octavio Paz

Program:

  1. Zacatecas March – G. Codina/arr. L.P. Laurendeau

  2. Mexican Hat Dance – F.A. Partichela/arr. L. Folgelberg

  3. Nayarit – Jarabe Nayarita / La Majagua / Nayarita final

  4. Hidalgo – La Tres Huastecas / El Querreque / El Caballito

  5. Huapango – J.P. Mancoyo/arr. L. Osmon

  6. La Bamba de Vera Cruz – T. Tucci/trans. D. Hunsberger

  7. Baja California – No Te Rajes Tijuana / La Loba / El Patito

  8. Jalisco – El Gavilan / La Madrugada / Jarabe Tapatio

  9. Juarez – arr. Rafael Mendez

  10. Cielito Lindo – arr. Naohiro Iwai

September 15, 2024
Smiling Irish Eyes

In partnership with the United Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco

“Out of Ireland have we come, great hatred, little room, maimed us at the start. I carry from my mother’s womb a fanatic heart.” — William Butler Yeats

Program:

  1. Irish Tune from County Derry – Percy Grainger

  2. Shepherd’s Hey – Percy Grainger

  3. Selections to be announced from the stage – Whelan Academy of Dance

  4. The Girl I Left Behind Me – Leroy Anderson

  5. Molly on the Shore – Percy Grainger

  6. Selections to be announced from the stage – Whelan Academy of Dance

  7. The Irish Washerwoman – Leroy Anderson

  8. Irish Salute – arr. Frank Cofield
    – Galway Bay
    – With My Shillelagh Under My Arm
    – Dear Old Donegal

September 22, 2024
Celebrating the Spanish Flamenco Flair

With special guests Flamenco Libre – Damien Alvarez, director

“We are a very typical Spanish family – a bullfighter, an actress, a flamenco dancer and singer!” — Paz Vega

Program:

  1. Amparita Roca – Jaime Texidor

  2. La Feria – Paul Lacome; Solo de guitarra – David Alvarez; Solo de cante – La Yuli; Solea por Bulerias – Flamenco Libre, San Francisco

  3. Andalucia – E. Lecuona/arr. P. Yoder

  4. Malagueña – E. Lecuona/arr. S. Nestico

  5. El Relicario – J. Padilla/arr. P. Lang; Alegrias – Flamenco Libre, San Anselmo; Solo de baile – Tientos – Damien Alvarez

  6. Sevillanas

  7. Aragonaise – J. Massanet/arr. L.P. Laurendeau

  8. Españi Cañi – P. Marquina/arr. R. Cray

  9. Man of La Mancha Selections – M. Leigh/arr. F. Erickson

October 6, 2024
Sounds from the Screen

“You never write a theme for a movie thinking ‘This will live forever’” — John Williams

Program:

  1. Raider’s March – J. Williams/P. Lavender

  2. Colonel Bogey March – Kenneth Alford

  3. Star Wars Saga – J. Williams/S. Bulla

  4. The Clowns – N. Rota/J. Mortimer; Guest conductor – Mark Nemoyten

  5. Zorba the Greek Themes – M. Theodorakis/K. Whitcomb

  6. Funeral March of a Marionette – C. Gounod/M.L. Lake

  7. March to the Scaffold – H. Berlioz/E. Leidzen

  8. 2 Gymnopedies – E. Satie/A. Reed

  9. Stars and Stripes – John P. Sousa; Guest conductor – Mark Nemoyten

  10. When You Wish Upon a Star – L. Harline/S. Nestico

  11. West Side Story Selections – L. Bernstein/W.J. Duthoit