AWS High School Concerto Competition Winner

The Atlanta Wind Symphony will feature its 2025 high school concerto competition winner, saxophonist Everest Li, and special guest the Hiram High School Wind Symphony. The Atlanta Wind Symphony’s community outreach programs include inviting outstanding high school ensembles to share the stage. This is the first joint concert for the two ensembles.

Selections being performed by the Atlanta Wind Symphony:

• The Cowboys by John Williams – An exciting Western overture – full of the brilliant effects, rhythmic drive, and lyrical themes that are the hallmarks of a John Williams work – depicting the joys and hardships of cowboy life.

• English Dances by Malcolm Arnold – Every theme in these boisterous, good-humored dances is original with Arnold, with a mastery of instrumentation evident throughout the composition.

• Rhapsody for Alto Saxophone by Andre Waignein, featuring soloist Everest Li – A work that spontaneously turns into a natural musical journey and showcases both the technical prowess and the expressive nature of the saxophone.

• One Life Beautiful by Julie Giroux – An impressionistic work musically describing how having only one life is what makes life so sacred, tragic, and precious.

Selections being performed by the Hiram High School Wind Symphony:

• Urban Light by James David – A brilliant display of colors, forward momentum, and intertwining rhythmic layers that is inspired by the iconic Los Angeles landmark of the same name.

• Dum Spiro Spero by Chris Pilsner – The composer’s goal was to write something as deeply emotional and human as the title, which means ‘While I breathe, I hope.’ Simple melodies supported by colorful orchestration and harmonies gives the piece a powerful sense of grace and splendor.

• Kaleidoscope Eyes by Katahj Copley – The composer writes: “Kaleidoscope eyes is a visual effect – creating mirages, splashes of colors, and moments of confusion. When [learning about the term], I knew what I wanted to do: manipulate rhythm and color changes within the wind band.”

Selection by the combined ensembles:

• The March from “1941” by John Williams – One of Mr. Williams’ most requested titles from his distinguished career in film music, this jaunty march is a fun-filled romp from beginning to end, skillfully conceived with tuneful strains, rousingly aggressive brass writing, and superb orchestration.