Elisabeth Jackson, guest conductor

Grainger's Irish Tune from "County Derry"  has stood the test of time for a number of reasons: colorful sonorities, straightforward accessibility, and a memorable climax. It is also a versatile piece, playable by both younger musicians and mature players. The music itself is not that difficult; however, the challenge lies in bringing forth the melody without burying it underneath the beautiful harmonies and countermelodies.The broad appeal of this piece will undoubtedly assure its position atop the repertoire for years to come.

Originally from Tampa, Florida, Matt Johnston graduated from the Florida State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in music and a certificate in bassoon performance. While at Florida State, he also studied the organ, flute, clarinet, and piano.

For many years, Matt self-published his arrangements and transcriptions under Malejo Publications. Many of his transcriptions for clarinet choir have been recorded by the University of Florida Clarinet Ensemble and can be heard on multiple CDs. In 2011, he became the owner of ALRY Publications, a sheet music publishing company established in 1981, originally based in Charlotte, North Carolina. He now enjoys spending his time working with the 200+ composers and arrangers represented in the catalog.

After many years living and working in Seattle, and following a brief stint in Stuttgart, Germany, Matt currently lives in Rotterdam (Netherlands). Among Matt’s many accomplishments, he enjoys notoriety as an origami artist and some of his models are even featured in Meenakshi Mukerji’s "Ornamental Origami: Exploring 3D Geometric Designs."

Program note adapted by that printed in Great Music for Wind Band and biography provided by the arranger