New Wind Ensemble Conductor Leads First Concert of Year

GOLDEN GATE XPRESS -- The smooth, rhythmic sounds of trumpets, flutes, saxophones and other wind instruments were guided by SF State’s new part-time music conductor Troy Davis last Thursday. The SF State Wind Ensemble played four classical music pieces in their “Honeymoon in Paris” concert seasonal opener. Pieces such as “Paris Sketches” by Martin Ellerby and “April in Paris” by Vernon Duke and E.Y. Harburg filled Knuth Hall in the Creatives Arts Building. The Wind Ensemble is composed of numerous students, faculty and community members who join together to perform six to eight concerts on campus during each academic semester. Membership is open to all and admittance is determined through auditions, according to its website. Davis is an oboe player and has been playing, freelancing and conducting for the Oakland Municipal Band, as well as directing Aragon High School’s band in events.