University Band & St. Paul Central High School Symphonic Band
2128 Fourth Street South
Minneapolis,
MN
55455
Emmanuel Rodriguez, conductor
Betsy McCann, conductor
Matthew Oyen, St. Paul Central High School Symphonic Band Conductor
This School of Music event is free & open to the public. A livestream will be available (click on the Ted Mann Concert Hall link in the right callout box).
St. Paul Central High School Symphonic Band
Force of Nature (2025) Clare Howard (b. 2001)
V.O.C.: Helmsman of the Sea (2024) Shruthi Rajasekar (b. 1996)
Eyes Turned Skyward (2017) Matt Dehnel (b. 1975)
University Band
Ascension (2023) Chandler Wilson (b. 1984)
An American Elegy (1999) Frank Ticheli (b. 1958)
From Breath to Breath (2026) Elena Specht (b. 1993), consortium premiere
Tiger Tail March (2000) Julie Giroux (b. 1961)
~~~~~
Ready.Set.Go (2024) Katahj Copley (b. 1998), U Band combined with St. Paul Central HS Symphonic Band
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.
Matthew Oyen has been a music educator in the Saint Paul Public Schools for 30 years and the Director of Instrumental Music at Central High School for the past 27 years. A native of Saint Paul and graduate of Central High School, Mr. Oyen received his Bachelor of Arts from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and a Master of Arts in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas. His leadership roles include the Minnesota Music Educators Association Orchestra Vice President, MMEA Region Representative, the Board of Directors of the Minnesota High School Music Listening Contest, and Band and Orchestra Chair of the Saint Paul Schools Ordway Honors Concert. Awards and recognitions include the Minnesota String and Orchestra Teacher Association’s Master Teacher: School Orchestra Program award, the Rotary Club of St. Paul Teacher of the year, and most recently, the 2025 MMEA High School Music Teacher of the Year. Mr. Oyen’s professional affiliations include: NafME, MMEA, MBDA, and MNSOTA and he plays French Horn with the Grand Symphonic Winds. Mr. Oyen lives in Little Canada with his wife Jennifer. Their children Carter and Mara are in college at Luther and St. Olaf where they continue to participate in music ensembles.
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, and the University of Minnesota Band Alumni Society (UMBAS) for their ongoing support. Please enjoy the light reception after the performance provided by UMBAS.
Campus Bands | Thursday, April 30 @ 7:30pm, Ted Mann Concert Hall
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The School of Music, a unit of the College of Liberal Arts, is a leading institution for the education of successful performers, composers, teachers, administrators, and scholars. The School interacts with the larger university and Twin Cities communities through classes, participatory performing opportunities, community engagement activities, and more than 300 public performances each year. The students and faculty of the School are grateful for the continuing interest and support of parents and friends. The University of Minnesota is an equal opportunity educator and employer. For further information or to apply to the School of Music, visit music.umn.edu or email [email protected]. A complete calendar of events and a digital, mobile-friendly copy of this program is available at z.umn.edu/music-events.
GerShun Avilez, Dean, College of Liberal Art
Patrick Warfield, Director, School of Music
We want to acknowledge that the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is built within the traditional homelands of the Dakota people. It is important to acknowledge the peoples on whose land we live, learn, and work as we seek to improve and strengthen our relations with our tribal nations. We also acknowledge that words are not enough. We must ensure that our institution provides support, resources, and programs that increase access to all aspects of higher education for our American Indian students, staff, faculty, and community members.