October 18, 2026 [Cornelius, North Carolina] – NCYO’s Ensembles and Orchestra made their Cain Center Debut Sunday afternoon in front of a crowd of delighted supporters.
Junior Brass Ensemble
First to take the stage was Junior Brass Ensemble under the direction of Andrew Fierova. Junior Brass Ensemble presented three works by Canadian composer David Marlatt, whose music is widely played by young ensembles for its blend of musical appeal and educational value. The set opened with the bold, ceremonial Entrance of the Shogun, followed by the energetic drive of Racing the Horizon. The ensemble closed with Shaped by Time, a more reflective piece that gave the players a chance to show their tone, phrasing, and musical maturity. Together, the three pieces highlighted both the group’s growing skills and the range of styles that make Marlatt’s music a favorite with student brass players.
Junior Woodwind Ensemble
From the bright sound of the brass, the program turned to the Junior Woodwind Ensemble, whose performance brought a new range of colors to the stage. Directed by Nick Ritter, Junior Woodwind Ensemble presented three pieces, all arranged by Ritter. They opened with “Be Our Guest” by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, capturing the playful charm of the Disney favorite. They then moved to the stately “Jupiter Chorale” from Gustav Holst’s The Planets, showing off the ensemble’s warm, sustained sound. To close, they played the “Mii Channel Theme,” a lighthearted nod to the Nintendo Wii that delighted the audience. Ritter’s arrangements gave the young musicians a chance to shine across a wide range of styles, fromthe big screen to the concert hall to video games.
Brass Ensemble
The Brass Ensemble, under the direction of Alex Wilborn, performed two pieces, both arranged by Wilborn himself. They began with the “Sanctus” from Franz Schubert’s German Mass, a reverent, hymn-like movement that showcased the group’s rich, blended sound. They followed with the Rondeau by Jean-Joseph Mouret, a regal Baroque piece often performed at weddings. Wilborn’s arrangements highlighted the ensemble’s control and polish, bringing the stately character of both works to life.
Woodwind Ensemble
The Woodwind Ensemble, directed by Sam Sparrow, closed out this portion of the program with three contrasting works. They opened with Dmitri Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2, its sweeping, bittersweet melody giving the ensemble a chance to show off their expressive phrasing. Next came “Pure Imagination” by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, a dreamy favorite from Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. They finished with John Philip Sousa’s “The Thunderer,” a spirited march that brought the set to an energetic close.
Orchestra
After a brief intermission, the Orchestra took their place on the stage under the direction of Eric Boruff who built the day’s program around a common theme: movement in music. They opened with Johann Strauss’s Radetzky March, whose lively rhythm has audiences clapping along around the world. Next came two dances rooted in folk traditions, Antonín Dvořák’s Slavonic Dance No. 4 and Johannes Brahms’s fiery Hungarian Dance No. 5. The program concluded with the Berceuse and Finale from Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird Suite, moving from a hushed lullaby to a triumphant, sweeping finish. From march to folk dance to ballet, each piece showed how music can capture the many ways we move.