University Band Halloween Extravaganza

Michael Cortes
Europa Fanfare

Andrew Boysen
Alchemy

Erika Svanoe
Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein

Marion Bassett 
Our Minnesota

Andrew David Perkins 
The Raptor Rides the Whale

Eric Whitacre
Godzilla Eats Las Vegas

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 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. 

Malcolm Burke is a doctoral candidate at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, pursuing a degree in conducting with a wind band emphasis. In addition to his studies, Burke serves as a teaching assistant for the University's School of Music and Band program. Prior to Minnesota, Burke completed a Master of Arts in Instrumental Conducting in 2023 at the University of Central Florida. Before his graduate studies, Burke served as Director of High School Orchestras for five years at Mason City High School in Mason City, Iowa. In that position, the orchestra participated in the consortium commission of Shelley Hanson’s The Beauty That Remains and received an invitation in 2019 to the University of Northern Iowa’s Orchestra Invitational. Burke was selected as a 2024 Reynolds Conducting Fellow and has served as the guest conductor for the Neoteric Chamber Winds and the UMBAS Summer Band. 

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 performed at the 2024 Minnesota Music Educator’s Association Mid-Winter Clinic, featuring mostly new works for wind band including the premiere of Eleanor Harpstead’s piece Desperate Measures. Javan received her bachelor’s degree in instrumental music education from St. Olaf College in 2020. 

Thank you, Elvis.

Thank you to the Ted Mann Concert Hall staff for the partnership in making this performance possible. University Bands wishes to thank Kappa Kappa Psi, Tau Beta Sigma, CNAfME, and the University of Minnesota Band Alumni Society for their ongoing support. We’d also like to thank all the UBand students, music majors, the UMN Department of Public Safety, and others who helped with our pre-concert activities in the Ted Mann Concert Hall lobby.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 7;30pm - University Wind Ensemble "American Imagery" (Ted Mann Concert Hall)
Wednesday, Nov. 12, 7:30pm - Campus Bands (Ted Mann Concert Hall)
Saturday, Nov. 22, 7:00pm - 64th Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert (Northrop Auditorium)*
Sunday, Nov. 23, 2:00pm - 64th Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert (Northrop Auditorium)*
Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7:30pm - Symphonic Band & University Band (Ted Mann Concert Hall)
Monday, Dec. 8, 7:30pm - UWE Chamber Ensembles & USO  (Ted Mann Concert Hall)

Free and open to the public unless otherwise noted. 
*=Tickets Required.