In celebration of National Poetry Month, join us for Resonance – A Night of Music and Poetry, a one-of-a-kind performance showcasing the voices of tomorrow. This unforgettable evening features original works by talented young musicians and poets from our community, each selected through a competitive audition and submission process.

Blending the power of spoken word with the beauty of live music, these student artists will take the stage to share their stories, their sounds, and their visions in a program that promises to move and inspire.

Adding a special touch to the evening, The Woodlands Winds, our outstanding local professional ensemble, will also perform—bringing an additional layer of richness and artistry to this dynamic celebration.

Come experience the power of youth, creativity, and collaboration at Resonance—where music and poetry meet in perfect harmony.

Program:

Overture to The Marriage of Figaro                                                                        W. A. Mozart/arr. Dobrinescu

Fly Me to the Moon                                                                                                                 Howard/arr. Abeling

Princess Leia's Theme Star Wars Suite for Orchestra                                    J. Williams/arr. Oriole Publishing

Woodlands Winds

Susan G. Daniell, flute

Kristin Sarvela, oboe

Michael Woods, clarinet

Jacob Fernandez, bassoon

Mark Collado, French horn

Poem - “This Poem Isn’t About Showers"

Wyatt Hicks

Hommage à J.S. Bach                                                                                      Béla Kovács

Gabriel Gonzalez, Clarinet

Poem - “Untitled”

Emma McCarthy

Two Movements for Marimba: Mvt. II                                                                                      Toshimitsu Tanaka

Mia Bisono, Marimba

INTERMISSION

It Had To Be You                                                                                              Jones/arr. Abeling

Dance of the Knights from Romeo and Juliet Suite                                                  Prokofiev/arr. Linckelmann

Ashokan Farewell                                                                                        Ungar/arr. Portus

Trois Pieces Breves                                                                                                J. Ibert

II. Andante

I. Allegro

The Woodlands Winds

Susan G.Daniell, flute

Kristin Sarvela, oboe

Michael Woods, clarinet

Jacob Fernandez, bassoon

Mark Collado, French horn

Poem - “Are You Listening?”

Sharley Kahoro

Air on G String                         J.S. Bach

Poem - “Charmolypi,” by K. Milam

Nickolas Mathews, Cello

Kaden Milam, Violin

Bernardo Lopez, Reader

Poem - “Another Year Lost to the Locusts”

Natasha Puller

Poem - “Music To Look At Fish To” by Carlisle Sinclair

Kayla White

Sonata for Flute, Cello, and Harpsichord in G Minor BWV 1020                                                         J.S. Bach

I. Allegro

Shaylan Gifford, Flute

Matthew Kent Everett, Piano

Program Notes:

Fly Me to the Moon

Composed by Bart Howard in 1954, Fly Me to the Moon is a timeless jazz standard that gained worldwide fame through Frank Sinatra's iconic 1964 recording. Originally titled In Other Words, the song combines romantic lyricism with a smooth, swinging melody. Its dreamy, celestial imagery and elegant phrasing have made it a favorite among vocalists and instrumentalists alike. Often associated with the golden age of American jazz, the tune continues to evoke a sense of charm, nostalgia, and aspiration.

Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, K. 492

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)

Composed in 1786, the overture to The Marriage of Figaro bursts with energy and wit, setting the stage for Mozart’s brilliant comic opera. Though it contains none of the opera’s main themes, its quicksilver tempo, sparkling orchestration, and playful character perfectly capture the spirit of the drama to come—full of romance, mischief, and mistaken identities. A masterclass in musical economy and excitement, the overture remains a concert favorite for its sheer vitality and charm.

Princess Leia’s Theme

John Williams (b. 1932)

Composed for Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), Princess Leia’s Theme showcases John Williams’ gift for lyrical, emotive writing. Scored with delicate woodwinds, harp, and soaring strings, the piece reflects Leia’s grace, strength, and inner nobility. More than just a love theme, it captures the emotional depth of one of the saga’s most iconic characters, adding warmth and poignancy to the epic space adventure.

Hommage à J.S. Bach

Béla Kovács (b. 1937)

Hommage à J.S. Bach is one of a series of solo clarinet pieces by Hungarian composer and clarinetist Béla Kovács, each honoring a different composer. In this tribute to Johann Sebastian Bach, Kovács blends Baroque-style counterpoint with the expressive possibilities of the modern clarinet. The work evokes Bach’s spirit through its flowing lines, ornamentation, and implied polyphony, offering both a technical showcase and a heartfelt nod to one of music history’s greatest figures.

Two Movements for Marimba, Movement II

Toshimitsu Tanaka (1930–2020)

The second movement of Two Movements for Marimba showcases Toshimitsu Tanaka’s lyrical and expressive writing for the instrument. In contrast to the energetic first movement, this section unfolds with a meditative, song-like character, highlighting the marimba’s rich tonal colors and resonance. Through subtle dynamics and flowing phrasing, Tanaka creates a deeply introspective atmosphere that reflects both Japanese musical sensibilities and Western contemporary techniques.

It Had to Be You

Music by Isham Jones, lyrics by Gus Kahn

Written in 1924, It Had to Be You is a beloved standard from the Great American Songbook. With its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody, the song has been recorded by countless artists, from Billie Holiday to Harry Connick Jr. Its timeless message of inevitable love—tender, a little playful, and full of charm—continues to resonate with audiences nearly a century after its debut.

Dance of the Knights (Montagues and Capulets)

Sergei Prokofiev (1891–1953)

From Prokofiev’s ballet Romeo and Juliet (1935), Dance of the Knights is one of the composer’s most powerful and recognizable works. With its menacing, stately rhythm and bold orchestration, the piece portrays the tension and gravitas of the feuding Montague and Capulet families. Contrasting a brooding main theme with a more delicate middle section, Prokofiev captures both the drama and elegance of Shakespeare’s tragedy in this striking musical portrait.

Ashokan Farewell

Jay Ungar (b. 1946)

Composed in 1982, Ashokan Farewell is a heartfelt waltz by American fiddler Jay Ungar. Originally written as a farewell tune for music and dance camps at Ashokan in upstate New York, the piece gained national recognition when it was featured in Ken Burns’ documentary The Civil War. With its simple, haunting melody and nostalgic tone, Ashokan Farewell evokes a deep sense of longing, remembrance, and quiet beauty.

Trois Pièces Brèves, Movements I & II

Jacques Ibert (1890–1962)

Composed in 1930 for wind quintet, Jacques Ibert’s Trois Pièces Brèves is a delightful example of French wit and charm. The first movement bursts with playful energy and crisp articulation, showcasing Ibert’s flair for rhythmic sparkle and bright tonal colors. The second movement offers contrast with a more lyrical, graceful character, featuring smooth melodic lines and subtle harmonies. Together, these movements reflect Ibert’s light touch and his gift for creating vivid musical sketches in miniature form.

Air on a G String

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

Air on a G String is the second movement from Bach's Orchestral Suite No. 3 in D major, originally composed for orchestra. The piece became widely known by its arrangement for solo violin and piano, created by August Wilhelmj in the late 19th century, which allows the melody to be played entirely on the violin’s G string. The gentle, flowing lines and tranquil harmonies of this movement convey a sense of calm and reflection, showcasing Bach's mastery in creating deeply expressive and timeless music.

Flute Sonata in G minor, BWV 1020, Movement I

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)

The first movement of Bach’s Sonata for Flute, Cello, and Harpsichord in G minor (BWV 1020) opens with an expressive, lyrical melody in the flute, accompanied by the cello and harpsichord. This movement showcases Bach’s mastery of counterpoint, with the instruments weaving together in intricate, yet seamless dialogue. The somber, yet elegant character of the movement allows for emotional depth, while the subtle harmonic progressions provide a rich, grounding support for the melodic lines. It’s a beautiful example of Bach’s ability to blend technical complexity with lyrical beauty.

BIOGRAPHIES:

Susan G. Daniell, Flute

Susan Daniell is principal flutist of The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra and a founding member of the Woodland Winds Quintet. She has performed with various ensembles in Texas and internationally in Europe and China. Susan holds degrees in music education and flute performance from LSU and the University of Michigan and teaches full-time in public schools. Her teachers include Katherine Kemler, Fenwick Smith, and Lorna McGhee.

Kristin Sarvela, Oboe 

Kristin Sarvela is Assistant Professor of Oboe and Music Theory at Sam Houston State University. She holds degrees in oboe performance from the University of Illinois and Indiana University, and has taught at Eastern Illinois University and the University of Illinois at Springfield. An active performer, she has held principal and section positions in orchestras throughout the Midwest.

Michael Woods, Clarinet  

Michael Woods plays regularly with The Woodlands Symphony Orchestra and the Texas Medical Center Orchestra. Before moving to Texas in 2021, he was second clarinet with the Loudoun Symphony Orchestra in Virginia. He studied with Patti Ferrell Calson, Samuel Boutris, and Melinda Hall. Outside of music, he is a senior leader at VMware by Broadcom.

Jacob Fernandez, Bassoon

Jacob Fernandez is a versatile bassoonist with over 15 years of experience. He has performed with orchestras across the U.S. and premiered contemporary works, including at the International Double Reed Society. He holds degrees from Lawrence University, University of Arizona, and Ball State University, and teaches a thriving studio of over 60 students in the Houston area.

Mark Collado, French Horn

Mark Collado is a freelance French horn player and founding member of the Woodland Winds. A veteran of “The Commandant’s Own” Marine Drum and Bugle Corps, he’s received multiple military honors. Mark performs widely in Houston and is principal horn of the Symphony of Southeast Texas. He studied at the University of Houston with Roger Kaza and others, and loves exploring new cuisines—especially sushi.

Wyatt Hicks, Poet

Wyatt, 18, the Academy of Science and Technology, is an award-winning poet and STEM enthusiast from The Woodlands, Texas. His poem, *“This Poem Isn’t About Showers,”* earned first place in the Montgomery County Women’s Center’s Teen Writing & Art Challenge. He is also a key member of Texas Torque, a competitive high school robotics team that advanced to the Einstein field at the 2024 FIRST Robotics World Championship. Wyatt studies at the Academy of Science and Technology and works as a private tutor, demonstrating leadership across both the arts and sciences.

Gabriel Gonzalez, Clarinet

Gabriel, 16, College Park High School, has been playing the clarinet for 6 years. This year, he made TMEA All-State and placed as the 25th best clarinet in the state. He also recently auditioned and was accepted in YOLA, a youth summer program in LA under the direction of Gustavo Dudamel. Gabriel plans to become a radiologist.

Emma McCarthy, Poet

Emma, Oak Ridge High School, age 15, is a sophomore at Oak Ridge High School. She developed a love for music and reading from an early age. Recently, she has been drawn to doing her own creative writing. The inspiration for her poem is her friend who has always been someone admired and looked up to. Emma wanted to honor her with a poem. 

Mia Bisono, Percussionist

College Park High School, age 18. Mia said this about his piece: “Ranging from calming and hazy, to wicked and vicious, Two Movements for Marimba is a piece that leaves much of the emotional content up to the listener's interpretation. I find this malleability to be deeply intriguing to convey as a performer. I hope you enjoy my interpretation!”

Sharley Kahoro, Poet

Sharley, 17 years old, Oak Ridge High School

Kaden Milam, Poet/Violin

Nickolas Mathews, Cello

Bernardo Lopez, Reader

Natasha Puller, Poet

Natasha, 16, College Park High School. Natasha has been writing poetry for about three years. Her favorite poet is Emily Dickenson and her favorite poem is “Milkweed” by John Wright. The inspiration for her poem came from Joel 2:25.

Zayla White, Poet

Zayla, writing under the pen name Carlisle Sinclair, is a senior at The Woodlands College Park High School and the author of Apoptosis, an anthology of short stories and poems. Sinclair’s work has also appeared in various literary outlets, including Teen Ink and the anthology Fright Club – Spooky Saga. Their poem, Music to Look At Fish To, is a meditation on loneliness, told from the second-person perspective of a personified version of intimacy. While the poem can be read in any order, its structure and meaning are fluid, reflecting the ever-shifting nature of intimacy across individuals, time periods, and stages of life. The footnotes—heavily inspired by David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest—enhance the poem’s exploration of intimacy’s elusive form, echoing the unpredictability of human thought and speech.

Shaylan Gifford, Flute

Shaylan, 18, College Park High School. Shay has been playing the flute for 8 years. She plans to go to Sam Houston State University, and was recently accepted into the SHSU School of Music. She plans to become a high school band director.

Matthew Kent Everett, Piano

Matthew is a classical pianist, composer, conductor, and arts educator based in The Woodlands, TX. A graduate of Sam Houston State University and the University of Houston, he studied under Abbey Simon and Carlisle Floyd. He made his Carnegie Hall debut in 2022 after winning the American Protegé Competition. Matthew serves as the Artistic Director of The Woodlands Diversion, a nonprofit collaborative arts organization based in The Woodlands, Texas. In this role, he oversees the organization's artistic vision and programming, fostering interdisciplinary arts experiences that engage and uplift the local community. ​