HECTOR BERLIOZ (1803-1869) was a pioneering Romantic composer known for his dramatic orchestration and bold, visionary works. As the recipient of the prestigious Prix de Rome and a major influence on the course of 19th-century music, his compositions demand expressive intensity and imaginative engagement from performers.

KATAHJ COPLEY (1998-) is a rising star whose music has been commissioned and performed by the prestigious U.S. Marine Band and featured internationally across multiple continents. His cinematic, heartfelt compositions invite you to tell stories that resonate deeply, connecting performer and audience alike.

JOHN MACKEY (1973-), a two-time Sousa/ABA Ostwald Award winner and American Bandmasters Association inductee, composes music filled with energy, emotion, and undeniable presence. When you perform his works, you engage with some of the most respected and thrilling repertoire in the wind band world today.

RANDY NEWMAN (1943-) is an iconic composer and songwriter whose distinctive style has earned him multiple Academy Awards and Grammy wins. His witty, heartfelt music challenges performers to bring nuance and storytelling to every note, blending American musical traditions with timeless emotional depth..

Winner of the Canadian Band Association’s 2017 Composition Prize and Associate Composer of the Canadian Music Centre, CAIT NISHIMURA (1991-) crafts music that is both expressive and deeply connected to nature. Playing her work invites you to become part of a powerful, sincere musical journey recognized by some of Canada’s leading musical institutions.

ALEX SHAPIRO (1962-), a MacDowell Colony fellow and recipient of grants from ASCAP and the American Composers Forum, is renowned for blending live instruments with electronics to create bold, immersive sound worlds. Performing her music means stepping into a cutting-edge creative experience that challenges and inspires every musician.

ERIC WHITACRE (1970-), a Grammy-winning composer and conductor, has revolutionized choral and wind ensemble music with his lush harmonies and innovative use of technology. His music invites performers into deeply emotional and transformative experiences, making every rehearsal and performance a journey of connection and beauty.

JOHN WILLIAMS (1932-), one of the most celebrated film composers in history, boasts five Academy Awards and countless iconic scores that have become part of global culture. Performing his music means stepping into epic soundscapes that have defined generations, calling for passion and precision from every musician.