Dan Brown's Wild Symphony

Mother Goose March (1983)- John Philip Sousa
Betsy McCann, conductor

Seal Lullaby (2011)-Eric Whitacre
Emmanuel Rodriguez, conductor

Children’s March (1916)-Percy Grainger
Nahal Afshar Javan, graduate conductor

Wild Symphony (2021)-Dan Brown/arr. Karl Blench
Jerry Luckhardt, conductor
Featuring Dean Holt
 

Artist Bios

Jerry Luckhardt

Jerry Luckhardt is associate director of bands at the University of Minnesota School of Music, where he conducts the Symphonic Band and teaches undergraduate conducting. Luckhardt has appeared as a guest conductor and clinician with ensembles throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. He has earned acclaim from composers such as Michael Colgrass, Shelley Hanson, Libby Larsen, Alex Shapiro, and Frank Ticheli for performances of their works. Luckhardt is also a strong advocate for music education, with memberships in groups such as the College Band Directors National Association, Minnesota Music Educators Association, National Association for Music Education, and Minnesota Band Directors Association.

Betsy McCann

Betsy McCann is the assistant director of bands and director of athletic bands at the University of Minnesota, where she directs the Marching Band and University Band, teaches conducting, and administers the Athletic Band program. McCann earned degrees from the University of Minnesota and Northwestern University and is an active guest conductor and clinician.

Emmanuel Rodriguez

Emmanuel Rodriguez is the interim assistant director of marching and athletic bands at the University of Minnesota, where he works primarily with the “Pride of Minnesota” Marching Band, the “Gopher Groove” Pep Band, and University Band. Rodriguez previously served on the music faculties at Indiana State University and the University of Louisiana at Monroe. Rodriguez earned degrees from Louisiana State University, the University of Central Florida, and Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University.

Nahal Javan

Nahal Javan is a masters candidate at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, pursuing a degree in conducting with a wind band emphasis. Prior to her graduate studies, Javan served as the band director at Northfield High School, in Northfield, Minnesota from 2021-2025, leading their Symphonic Band, Concert Band, and the Jazz I ensembles. During her time at Northfield HS, the Concert Band was invited to perform at the 2024 Minnesota Music Educator’s Association Mid-Winter Clinic. Javan received her bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from St. Olaf College in 2020. 

Dean Holt

Dean Holt is a member of CTC’s Acting Company (1994-present), appearing in  countless CTC shows over the past 30 years. Favorite performances  include Reeling, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, Romeo and Juliet, Huck  Finn, Pinocchio, and Cinderella. He is the recipient of two Ivey Awards  (Reeling and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie) and St. John’s University Alumni  Achievement Award.