2025 Season Events

April 18, 2025
Friday "Happy Hour" Big Band Dance Party with Illuminate

The GGPPB becomes an 18 piece Big Band with some special guests playing Swing, Blues and other music for dancing and finger snapping, including music of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and much more. Bring your dancing shoes or just sit and groove. This concert will feature guest singer Tiffany Uncare Barry.

April 27, 2025
The Soul of the City since 1882: An Overture for season 143

Music Director Dr. German Gonzalez led the Golden Gate Park Band in an energetic program filled with beloved audience favorites, classic band repertoire, and cinematic highlights. From animated overtures to timeless marches, the afternoon showcased the color, warmth, and versatility of the concert band tradition.

Program:

  1. Looney Tunes Overture – arr. Jerry Brubaker Holcombe

  2. Amazing Grace – Frank Ticheli

  3. Tubby the Tuba – George Kleinsinger

  4. Featuring Bin Love, tuba, with narration by Kathy Holly

  5. Instant Concert – Harold L. Walters

  6. The Impossible Dream (from Man of La Mancha) – Lyrics by Joe Darion, music by Mitch Leigh

  7. First Suite in E-flat for Military Band – Gustav Holst

  8. This Land Is Your Land – Woody Guthrie

  9. Music from Up – Michael Giacchino / arr. Michael Brown

  10. San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair) – Bronisław Kaper & Walter Jurmann (music) / Gus Kahn (lyrics) / arr. Briegel

  11. The Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

May 4, 2025
Honoring Polish Culture

In celebration of Poland’s rich musical heritage, the Golden Gate Park Band presented an afternoon of beloved Polish masterworks alongside vibrant traditional folk music and dance. From the elegance of Chopin to the national opera of Moniuszko, the program honored Poland’s classical legacy while welcoming spirited performances by the Lowiczanie Polish Folk Ensemble of San Francisco.

Program:

  1. Polonaise Militaire (Military Polonaise in A Major, Op. 40, No. 1) – Frédéric Chopin / arr. H. Prendiville

  2. Clarinet Polka – Traditional / arr. Bennett

  3. Melody from Étude, Op. 10, No. 3 – Frédéric Chopin / arr. Isaac

  4. Halka Overture – Stanisław Moniuszko

  5. Three Klezmer Miniatures – Philip Sparke

May 11, 2025
A "Pops" Mom's Concert

Music Director Dr. German Gonzalez led a “Pops” program celebrating mothers everywhere and highlighting the artistry of women composers. Blending light classics, marches, lyrical solos, and contemporary works, the concert honored both tradition and the creative voices shaping today’s band repertoire.

Program:

  1. ’Tis a Gift – Anne McGinty

  2. Win, Giants! – Brittany (composer credit as listed) & Wolohan

  3. (If you have first names, I can complete this accurately.)

  4. Concertino for Flute – Cécile Chaminade

  5. Featuring Derick Yih, principal flute

  6. Tropical – Morton Gould / arr. David Bennett

  7. Mother Hubbard March – John Philip Sousa

  8. Pas Redoublé – Camille Saint-Saëns

  9. Our Cast Aways – Julie Giroux

  10. A San Francisco Medley – arr. Gordon Pappas

  11. Pineapple Poll (Selections) – Sir Arthur Sullivan

  12. Stealing Home – Julie Giroux

  13. California – Virginia Ballaseyus

  14. Little English Girl – Delle Cese

May 18, 2025
A Cast of Characters

While most of the Bay to Breakers costumed runners had crossed the finish line by concert time, Maestro Dr. German Gonzalez kept the festive spirit alive with a colorful cast of musical characters. From operatic drama to pop anthems, marches, and novelty favorites, the afternoon carried on the celebration in true San Francisco style.

Program:

  1. La Forza del Destino (Overture) – Giuseppe Verdi

  2. Army Air Corps March – Robert Crawford

  3. Australian Up-Country Tune – Percy Grainger

  4. Pacific Island Fantasy – Sammy Nestico

  5. 25 or 6 to 4 – Robert Lamm (Chicago) / arr. Paul Murtha

  6. March of the Belgian Paratroopers – Pierre Leemans

  7. Abbey Road: A Symphonic Portrait – John Lennon & Paul McCartney / arr. William D. Revelli Hearshen

  8. (Commonly credited as arr. Ira Hearshen)

  9. The Impossible Dream (from Man of La Mancha) – Mitch Leigh / arr. Frank Erickson

  10. The Typewriter – Leroy Anderson

  11. Summer of ’69 – Bryan Adams & Jim Vallance / arr. Ted Ricketts

  12. The Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

May 25, 2025
Passionate Armenian Culture Celebration

Music Director Dr. Germán Gonzalez led the Golden Gate Park Band in a vibrant celebration of Armenian heritage in partnership with the Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Association of San Francisco. Featuring masterworks by Aram Khachaturian and Alan Hovhaness, the program was enriched by traditional dance performances from Hamazkayin’s youth ensembles and the Yerevan Dance Ensemble, highlighting the enduring spirit, history, and artistry of Armenian culture.

Program:

  • “If Only You Knew” – Rouben Hakhverdyan, Vocalist: Danielle Zaroukian

  • Two Dances from Gayane – Aram Khachaturian / arr. Erik Leidzen

  • Colors of Artsakh Circle Dance – Performed by Hamazkayin “Araz” Children’s Dance Group

  • Mountain Dance Traditional Armenian Folk Dance – Performed by Yerevan Dance Ensemble

  • Tapor No. 1 (Processional No. 1) – Alan Hovhaness

  • Waltz from Masquerade – Aram Khachaturian / arr. R. Van Yperen

  • Nightingale Dance – Performed by Hamazkayin “Araz” Youth Dance Group

  • Pinkie Dance – Performed by Hamazkayin “Araz” Children’s Dance Group

  • Flower Bouquet Dance – Performed by Yerevan Dance Ensemble

  • Sassoon Dance – Performed by Hamazkayin “Araz” Youth Dance Group

  • Sardarabad Dance – Performed by Yerevan Dance Ensemble

  • Galop from Masquerade – Aram Khachaturian / arr. Erik Leidzen

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

June 1, 2025
Shining Stars - Celebrating Soloists

Music Director Dr. Germán Gonzalez led the Golden Gate Park Band in a special program showcasing the remarkable talents within the ensemble. From virtuosic solos to beloved symphonic favorites, the concert placed GGPB musicians front and center in a celebration of artistry and collaboration.

Program:

  1. The Liberty Bell – John Philip Sousa

  2. Rose Variations – Robert Russell Bennett – Eric Wayne, cornet soloist

  3. The Symphonic Gershwin – George Gershwin / arr. Warren Barker

  4. Summer Isles (from Hymn of the Highlands) – Philip Sparke – Mike Basta, baritone soloist

  5. Trumpeter’s Lullaby – Leroy Anderson – Dr. Germán Gonzalez, trumpet soloist

  6. The Sounds of Simon & Garfunkel – Paul Simon

  7. Clarinet Candy – Leroy Anderson – Featuring the GGPB Clarinet Section

  8. The Golden Gate March – Edwin Franko Goldman

  9. I Left My Heart in San Francisco – George Cory & Douglass Cross / arr. Rodgers

June 8, 2025
Juneteenth Celebration

Dr. Germán Gonzalez leads this annual program featuring music by African American composers and artists.

Program:

  1. Lift Every Voice and Sing – James Weldon Johnson & J. Rosamond Johnson

  2. The Entertainer – Scott Joplin

  3. Red Tails – Ayatey Shabazz

  4. Salute to the Duke – Duke Ellington & Billy Strayhorn / arr. Calvin Custer Yoder (confirm arranger if needed)

  5. Folk Suite for Band – William Grant Still

  6. Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder / arr. Masamicz Iwai

  7. Satchmo! A Salute to Louis Armstrong – arr. Ted Ricketts

  8. Halcyon Hearts – Katahj Copley

  9. The Genius of Ray Charles – Ray Charles / arr. Michael Brown

  10. Porgy and Bess Selections – George Gershwin / arr. Robert Russell Bennett

June 15, 2025
Golden Gate Park Band Festival & Father’s Day Concert

This concert is part of a two-day festival sponsored by the Friends of the Golden Gate Park Band. See the Band Festival page for the full schedule starting June 14.

Program:

  1. Strike Up the Band – George Gershwin / arr. Warren Barker

  2. The Entertainer – Scott Joplin

  3. Yagi Bushi – Masao Awai

  4. Folk Dances – Dmitri Shostakovich

  5. Honeysuckle Rose – Fats Waller / arr. Ted Thomas

  6. Overture to William Tell – Gioachino Rossini / arr. Meyerelles

  7. Clarinet Candy – Leroy Anderson – Featuring the GGPB Clarinet Section

  8. Wrong Note Rag – Leonard Bernstein / arr. Ted Ricketts

  9. Jazzy Trombone – C. Michelle

  10. Dazzling Drums – Paul Yoder

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

June 22, 2025
PRIDE: A Musical Celebration

The Golden Gate Park Band teamed up with SF’s own Dusty P., Drag Queen, for the annual PRIDE Concert! The program featured anthems and classics like True Colors and Over the Rainbow, as well as Broadway and classical favorites cherished by the LGBTQ+ community or composed by LGBTQ+ artists.

Program:

  1. Overture to Candide – Leonard Bernstein

  2. Blue Tail Fly – Clare Grundman

  3. Jamaican Rhumba – Arthur Benjamin

  4. Down a Country Lane – Aaron Copland

  5. True Colors – Tom Kelly & Billy Steinberg / arr. Michael Brown

  6. Getting to Know You – Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II

  7. Over the Rainbow – Harold Arlen / arr. Warren Barker

  8. Pas Redoublé – Camille Saint-Saëns / arr. Frackenpohl

  9. Selections from The King and I – Richard Rodgers / arr. Robert Russell Bennett

  10. Everything’s Coming Up Roses – Jule Styne

  11. I Left My Heart in San Francisco – George Cory & Douglass Cross / arr. Alfred Reed

June 29, 2025
Songs and Dances

Music Director Dr. German Gonzalez led the Golden Gate Park Band in an exciting program of audience favorites, ranging from classical overtures to jazz, pops, and Beatles-inspired arrangements.

Program:

  1. Light Cavalry Overture – Franz von Suppé

  2. Wrong Note Rag – Leonard Bernstein / arr. Ted Ricketts

  3. Carmen Fantaisie Brilliante – François Borne – Kris Palmer, flute soloist

  4. On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss – David Holsinger

  5. Danse Russe – Igor Stravinsky / arr. Edwin Franko Goldman

  6. The Beatles: Echoes of an Era – John Lennon & Paul McCartney / arr. Jerry Higgins

  7. Pineapple Poll – Sir Arthur Sullivan / arr. Duthoit

  8. Jazz Pizzicato – Leroy Anderson

  9. Washington Post March – John Philip Sousa

July 4, 2025
Independence Day Celebration

Celebrating July 4 with a Concert of Very American Music. The Golden Gate Park Band presented a patriotic and spirited program celebrating the American musical tradition, from Broadway classics to marches and jazz-inspired favorites.

Program:

  1. Strike Up the Band – George Gershwin / arr. Peter Kleine Schaars

  2. American Patrol – F.W. Meacham

  3. Highlights from Gypsy – Jule Styne / arr. Paul Yoder

  4. Down a Country Lane – Aaron Copland

  5. Jitterbug – R. Buckley

  6. Give My Regards to Broadway – George M. Cohan

  7. Chester – William Schuman

  8. Salute to American Jazz – Sammy Nestico

  9. Battle Hymn of the Republic – Traditional, setting by Peter J. Wilhousky / arr. John Nelson

  10. Put On a Happy Face – Charles Strouse & Lee Adams / arr. Warren Barker

  11. April in Paris – Vernon Duke / arr. R. Malby

  12. The Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

July 6, 2025
Treasures of the Band World

A program of classic audience favorites conducted by Dr. German Gonzalez, showcasing the breadth and color of the concert band repertoire.

Program:

  1. Original Suite – Gordon Jacob

  2. Bugler’s Holiday – Leroy Anderson

  3. Irish Tune from County Derry – Percy Grainger

  4. Variations on “America” – Charles Ives

  5. Malagueña – Ernesto Lecuona / arr. Sammy Nestico

  6. Shenandoah – Frank Ticheli

  7. Suite of Old American Dances – Robert Russell Bennett

  8. Fascinating Rhythm – George Gershwin / arr. Tailor

  9. Bombasto March – G.R. Farrar

July 13, 2025
Disney Magic

Our program of music from the world of Disney has become an annual family favorite, led this year by Guest Conductor David Adams.

Program:

  1. Whistle While You Work – Frank Churchill / arr. R.D. Becker

  2. Music from Mary Poppins – Richard M. Sherman / arr. Irwin Kostal

  3. The Bare Necessities – Terry Gilkyson / arr. J. Vinson

  4. The Little Mermaid (Under the Sea) – Alan Menken / arr. J. Bocook

  5. Selections from Aladdin – Randy Newman / arr. J. Bocook

  6. The Star Wars Saga – John Williams / arr. Stephen Bulla

  7. Music from Toy Story 2 – Randy Newman / arr. J. Bocook

  8. Music from The Incredibles – Michael Giacchino / arr. J. Bocook

  9. Symphonic Highlights from Frozen – John Bulla, arr. (confirm full composer/arranger if needed)

  10. Selections from Encanto – Lin-Manuel Miranda / arr. P. Murtha

  11. Selections from The Lion King – arr. Lavender (composer: Elton John / Tim Rice, if known edition)

  12. When You Wish Upon a Star – Leigh Harline / arr. Sammy Nestico

July 20, 2025
Bonnie Scottish Cultural Celebration with the Dunsmuir Scottish Dancers

Dr. German Gonzalez led the Golden Gate Park Band in a lively program highlighting Scottish folk tunes, heroes, and traditions. Attendees were encouraged to wear tartans and kilts to join in the celebration!

Program:

  1. Scotland the Brave – N. Richardson

  2. Loch Lomond – Traditional / arr. Frank Ticheli

  3. Four Scottish Dances – Malcolm Arnold

  4. Ye Banks and Braes – Percy Grainger

  5. A Scottish Rhapsody – Clare Grundman

  6. Bond … James Bond – arr. John Bulla

July 27, 2025
Our Annual Music for Kids Concert!

Our Music for Kids concert has become an annual favorite! Special Guest Conductor Craig Bryant led the Golden Gate Park Band in a fun-filled program of beloved film, game, and cartoon music.

Program:

  1. The Wizard of Oz – Harold Arlen / arr. James Barnes

  2. Music from How to Train Your Dragon – John Powell / arr. Sean O’Laughlin

  3. Tubby the Tuba – George Kleisinger / arr. G.F. Roach – Bin Love, tuba soloist; Eric Wayne, narrator

  4. On the Mall – Edwin Franko Goldman

  5. Super Mario Brothers – Koji Kondo / arr. Takashi Hoshide

  6. Country Gardens – Percy Grainger / arr. Karrick

  7. Symphonic Highlights from Frozen – Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez / arr. Stephen Bulla

  8. Sesame Street Celebration – arr. Stephen Bulla

  9. Don’t Stop Me Now (from Sonic the Hedgehog) – Freddie Mercury / arr. P. Murtha

  10. Cartoon Symphony – arr. Larry Clarke

August 3, 2025
Honoring San Francisco History and San Francisco First Responders

Dr. German Gonzalez leads a special program honoring Neighborhood Emergency Response Teams, first responders, and the rich history of San Francisco. The program features music first performed at the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exposition.

Program:

  1. Panama Pacific Expo March – Pinard

  2. A Day at the Panama-Pacific Exposition – Mayhew Lake / adapted by Kevin Tam

  3. San Fran Pan Pacific March – Joel P. Corin / arr. Philip Orem

  4. San Francisco Suite (3 Movements) – Ferde Grofé / arr. Kevin Tam

  5. Hail California! (Finale) – Camille Saint-Saëns / ed. & arr. Peter Stanley Martin

  6. Among My Souvenirs – John Philip Sousa / arr. Kevin R. Tam

  7. Pathfinder of Panama March – John Philip Sousa / arr. Keith Brion

  8. I Left My Heart in San Francisco – George Cory & Douglass Cross / arr. Alfred Reed

August 10, 2025
Around the World in 90 Minutes

Dr. German Gonzalez leads the band in selections from near and far. Special guest Maggie Clennon Reburg narrates Prokofiev’s Peter and the Wolf.

Program:

  1. An American in Paris – George Gershwin / arr. Krance

  2. Perpetuum Mobile – Johann Strauss II / arr. Alfred Reed

  3. Oye Negra – Camacho

  4. Persuasion – Sammy Nestico

  5. Aurora March – Josef Kaartinen

  6. Peter and the Wolf – Sergei Prokofiev – Narrator: Maggie Clennon Reburg

  7. Seis Manuel – Shelley Hanson

  8. Foshay Tower Washington Memorial March – John Philip Sousa

  9. Around the World in 80 Days – Victor Young

August 17, 2025
St. Stephen’s Day Celebration of Hungarian Culture

In collaboration with the Hungarian Heritage Foundation

The Golden Gate Park Band performed a festive program celebrating Hungarian culture, featuring guest soprano Diana Pray.

Program:

  1. Rákóczi March (Marche Hongroise) – Hector Berlioz / arr. Smith

  2. Poet and Peasant Overture – Franz von Suppé / arr. Meyrelles

  3. Magyar Land – Traditional – Featuring Diana Pray, soprano

  4. Selection from The Merry Widow – Franz Lehár / arr. Panella – Featuring Diana Pray, soprano

  5. Light Cavalry Overture – Franz von Suppé / arr. Fillmore

  6. Hazam Hazam – E. Ferenc – Featuring Diana Pray, soprano

  7. Hungarian Dances No. 5 and 6 – Johannes Brahms / arr. Price

August 24, 2025
Honoring Ukraine's Independence !

Come to the Bandshell and show your support for Ukraine!

September 1, 2025
9 to 5: A Labor Day Celebration

Music Director Dr. German Gonzalez leads the Golden Gate Park Band in a program honoring workers everywhere, from patriotic marches to folk classics and popular favorites.

Program:

  1. Horse and Buggy – Leroy Anderson

  2. Black Horse Troop – John Philip Sousa

  3. This Land is Your Land – Woody Guthrie

  4. Bayou Breakdown – Brant Karrick

  5. On the Mall – Edwin Franko Goldman

  6. Music of the Beatles – John Lennon & Paul McCartney / arr. (confirm edition)

  7. Colonel Bogey March – Kenneth J. Alford

  8. God Bless America – Irving Berlin

  9. Second Suite in F for Band – Gustav Holst

September 7, 2025
¡Viva Mexico!

¡Viva Mexico! featured the Golden Gate Park Band and guest performers Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno in an exciting program of song and dance celebrating Mexican music and culture.

Program:

  • Zacatecas March – Genaro Codina / arr. L.P. Laurendeau

  • Mexican Hat Dance – Partichela – Performed by Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

  • Dances of Sureste – Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

    • Pinotepa Nacional

    • La Tortuga

    • Las Mujeres Que Se Pintan

    • El Marinero / Flor de Maíz

  • Dances of Sinaloa – Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

    • Vuela Paloma

    • Sinaloense

    • Toro Mambo

    • El Gallito

  • Huapango – José Pablo Moncayo / arr. Osmon – Golden Gate Park Band

  • La Bamba de Veracruz – T. Tucci / arr. Hunsberger – Golden Gate Park Band

  • Dances Revolución – Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

    • Jesusita en Chihuahua

    • Las Adelitas

    • La Rielera

  • Dances of Jalisco – Ballet Folklórico Mexicano de Carlos Moreno

    • La Negra

    • El Gavilan

    • Jarabe Tapatío

  • Juarez – arr. Rafael Mendez – Golden Gate Park Band

  • Cielito Lindo – Trini Lopez / arr. Iwai – Golden Gate Park Band

September 14, 2025
An Irish Celebration

An Irish Celebration, in partnership with The United Irish Societies of San Francisco, honors the memory of Irish patriot Robert Emmett and celebrates Irish song and dance. Performers from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, including Dave Cory, Richard Mandell, and Erin Shrader, presented traditional jigs and reels accompanied by dancers led by Michael Murphy.

Program:

  1. Irish Tune from County Derry – Percy Grainger

  2. Shepherd’s Hey – Percy Grainger

  3. The Girl I Left Behind Me – Traditional / arr. Leroy Anderson

  4. Victor Herbert Favorites – arr. M./L. Lake

  5. The Irish Washerwoman – Traditional / arr. Leroy Anderson

September 21, 2025
“Ole!” Music and Dance of Spain

“Ole!” was a Spanish cultural celebration featuring the Golden Gate Park Band and guest performers from Flamenco Libre, led by Damien Alvarez. Soloists and dancers highlighted the rich musical and dance traditions of Spain.

Program:

  1. Bolero Español – Ernesto Lecuona – Golden Gate Park Band

  2. Amparito Roca – Jaime Texidor – Golden Gate Park Band

  3. Guajiras – Flamenco Libre, San Anselmo – Solo de Guitarra: Roberto Aguilar; Solo de Cante: La Yuli

  4. Andalucia – Ernesto Lecuona / arr. Yoder – Golden Gate Park Band

  5. Malagueña – Ernesto Lecuona / arr. Sammy Nestico – Golden Gate Park Band

  6. El Relicario – José Padilla / arr. R. Cray – Golden Gate Park Band

  7. Tientos – Flamenco Libre, San Francisco

  8. Sevillanas – Flamenco Libre, San Francisco – Solo de Baile: Damien Alvarez

  9. Aragonaise – Jules Massenet / arr. Laurendeau – Golden Gate Park Band

  10. Españi Cañi – Pascual Marquina / arr. R. Cray – Golden Gate Park Band

  11. Man of La Mancha – Mitch Leigh / arr. F. Erickson – Golden Gate Park Band

September 28, 2025
Season Finale: A Final Concert of Gratitude

Dr. German Gonzalez, Music Director and Conductor, led the Golden Gate Park Band in a celebratory program honoring a season of music, community, and gratitude.

Program:

  1. A Festival Prelude – Alfred Reed

  2. Valdres – Johan Hanssen / arr. G. Bainum

  3. Sweet Georgia Brown – Ben Bernie / arr. J. Bocook

  4. Circus Bee – Henry Fillmore

  5. Olympic Fanfare & Theme – John Williams / arr. J. Curnow

  6. Looney Tunes Overture – arr. Bill Holcombe

  7. L’Arlésienne No. II, Farandole – Georges Bizet / arr. W.J. Duthoit

  8. Stars and Stripes Forever – John Philip Sousa

  9. Jazzy Trombones – Charles Michiels

  10. America the Beautiful – Samuel A. Ward / arr. C. Dragon

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

  12. I Left My Heart in San Francisco – George Cory & Douglass Cross / arr. M. Rogers