SPRING 2026

The Four Seasons (in 5 Minutes) by Antonio Vivaldi, arr. Judy Nishimura
Arranger Judy Nishimura has taken Antonio Vivaldi’s beloved The Four Seasons and mashed them into a year’s worth of snow, heat, storms and harvest jollity all into five minutes. Judy Nishimura received her degree in flute from Northwestern University, and her compositions for flute have been played all over the world.

La Primavera by Christopher Caliendo
Christopher Caliendo is an award-winning film composer who writes in a wide range of styles, from classical to world and pop influences. His music ranges from epic dramas to independent films. Recognized by Henry Mancini for his expressive melodies and emotional precision, Caliendo’s compositions reflect a rich musicality that connects tradition with modern cinematic storytelling.

Summertime from Porgy and Bess by Music by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and Ira Gershwin, arr. Phyllis Avidan Louke, ASCAP
“Summertime” is an aria composed in 1934 for the opera Porgy and Bess. The lyrics are by DuBose Heyward, the author of the novel Porgy on which the opera is based. The song, a popular jazz standard, is considered one of the finest songs ever written by Gershwin. His highly evocative writing mixes elements of jazz with the song styles of black people in southeast United States in the early 20th century. Arranger Louke is a flutist and award winning composer and arranger, with more than 50 published pieces to her credit.

When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall by Gary Schocker
Views from Falls House was inspired by the drawing of Falls House, Douglas Worthen's 1750 home in Durham, New Hampshire. Schocker had recently seen a production of the play Our Town by Thornton Wilder, and the drawing of the Worthen home led to the composition of this piece. When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall is a long look back, with mixed feelings, at an earlier time in our country. Gary Schocker is recognized as one of the finest flutists of his generation and is also an accomplished pianist, harpist, prolific composer, and dedicated teacher. In addition to his performing career, he has composed more than 300 published works and is widely respected for his insightful teaching, helping musicians around the world develop healthier technique and deeper musical expression.

Winter's Journey by Lewis A Kocher
Winter’s Journey is a reflection of winter’s beauty not its harshness. This is a sparkling look at winter’s joy, as opposed to an attempt to conjure up freezing, harsh winds. It is both introspective and joyful. Lewis A. Kocher is Music Director for the First Presbyterian Church of Westfield, in western New York, as well as the annual summer season Music Director/Composer for Jesse Hurlbut Memorial Church. Kocher tours England every year under the performer name “Michael Crowtower” and shares his talents in medieval churches playing the organ. He is an active composer and has written a number of chamber works for woodwinds.

Four Seasons in Maine by Harrison Roper
Each movement is based on seasonal scenes in Maine: Walking Tune, Icy Wind, Comet Song, Rushing Stream and Swallows, and A Small Snail. The piece premiered at the 1998 NFA convention in Phoenix. Harrison Roper, a professional hornist, now resides in Houlton, Maine, where he was formerly Professor of Music at the School of Music at West Chester University in Pennsylvania. Since his retirement, he has been an active composer.