SNW

The Sierra Nevada Winds Orchestra, composed of 45 brass, woodwind and percussion musicians, joined together in 1990 for the pleasure of performing as an ensemble. Many of the members have played with the Sacramento, Camellia and other symphonies, as well as with notable military bands. Talented musicians are given the opportunity to audition should vacancies occur. The group has performed in concert halls, parks and other venues throughout the Sierras and Sacramento Valley. The Winds are well-known for their varied musical repertoire, and they particularly delight in performing works by contemporary composers.

The Winds is registered as a non-profit corporation and is managed by a board of directors. It is funded through dues paid by the members, as well as donations and concert revenue.

Dr. Robert Halseth, Conductor


Sierra Nevada Winds Conductor Dr. Halseth is in his 19th year as Director of Bands at California State University, Sacramento. He has worked as a guest conductor/clinician with hundreds of bands in the United States and abroad since beginning his full time teaching career in 1966. Born in Minnesota, he took up the trombone after seeing “The Glenn Miller Story” at the movies, the summer before 8th grade. Two years later, he and his family moved from Minneapolis to Fresno, California. He went on to earn two music degrees at California State University, Fresno, and a doctorate in conducting at the University of Northern Colorado, where his major professor was Eugene Corporon. He taught elementary, junior high and high school bands in Oceanside, California, before moving on to the college level in 1981. He taught at Carroll College (Wisconsin) and University of the Pacific (Stockton, California) prior to coming to California State University, Sacramento in 1993.

An accomplished bass trombonist, Halseth has played professionally for more than 40 years, including membership in the National Repertory Orchestra, San Diego Symphony and San Francisco Bay Bones. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Kappa Kappa Psi, Pi Kappa Lambda, CBDA and WASBE, and is past president of the Western Division of the College Band Directors National Association. In February, 2011, to honor his 45 years on the podium, he received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Band Directors Association.

He is the father of four children, has two step-children and three grandchildren, and is happily married to SNW hornist Helen Kilpatrick-Halseth. They reside in Gold River.

 

William “Bill” Hill, Conductor Laureate


In acknowledgement of his many years of outstanding leadership, commitment, contribution, guidance, and friendship to the Sierra Nevada Winds, the board has appointed William “Bill” Hill as Conductor Laureate.

Bill Hill received his Master of Arts degree in Music Education at California State University, Sacramento, and has taught music in Idaho and California to students of all ages. Hill served as president of the California Band Directors’ Association and the Capitol Section of the California Music Education Association. He was honored as the first recipient of the Outstanding Music Educators’ Award from the California Music Educators, Capitol Section. He also received the California Band Directors’ Distinguished Service Award and the Sierra College President’s Award.

After 12 years as Director of Bands at Sierra College, Hill retired in 1992. He remains active as a music educator, serving as co-director of the Donner Mine Music Camp. He is in demand as a guest conductor, clinician and adjudicator. Hill and his wife Colleen reside in Newcastle. They are very proud of their five children, eleven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Mission Statement

The Sierra Nevada Winds Orchestra provides its audiences with high quality performances featuring the finest traditional and contemporary wind ensemble music. Programs are chosen to educate, stir the spirit and provide emotional and intellectual gratification for both musicians and listeners.

Musicians

April 2011 Concert

November 20, 2010 Concert


April 17, 2010 Concert

Acknowledgements

The Sierra Nevada Winds Orchestra appreciates the support of the following individuals, businesses and organizations:

Roseville High School and Mark Toffelmier

DeDisk (a division of UniSette) for providing
outstanding service in recording our performances.
916.646.3468

Buttes Insurance Agency
505 D Street, Wheatland, CA 95692
530.633.2811

Merridee Smith for web design
merrideejoanfiberarts.com

EasyBusinessFinder.com
for printing the programs