Symphonic Winds & Percussion Ensemble Concert

Adventures Await

Embark on a musical journey with the CWRU Symphonic Winds and Percussion Ensemble in a program that explores bold soundscapes, vibrant colors, and dynamic rhythmic energy through contemporary repertoire.

The Symphonic Winds portion of the program features Neon Lights and In Living Color by Katahj Copley, alongside Rise Up! by Brooke Pierson and Parhelion by Roshanne Etezady—each offering a distinct and compelling musical voice. Donald Grantham’s Farewell to Gray provides a moment of reflection and lyricism, while Julie Giroux’s Paprikash brings the program to a spirited and colorful close.

The Percussion Ensemble adds an exciting layer to the evening with Ephemera by Francisco Perez, Sharpened Stick by Brett William Dietz, and Spiraling Light by Nathan Daughtrey—works that highlight precision, texture, and the expressive possibilities of percussion.

A special highlight of the concert is a virtual alumni band performance of In Living Color, offering a multimedia dimension to this engaging program.

Performed by:

• Symphonic Winds – Dr. Ryan Scherber, Conductor & Director of Bands
  Ms. Brianna Bell and Mr. Bobby Bellairs, Graduate Conducting Assistants
• Percussion Ensemble – Mr. Matthew Larson, Director

Dr. Ryan V. Scherber (he/him/his) is Associate Professor of Music Education, Director of Bands, and Coordinator of Undergraduate Studies in Music Education at Case Western Reserve University. Dr. Scherber’s duties include teaching music education coursework at the undergraduate and graduate level, field observations of student teachers, coordinating the music education teaching licensure program and administrative oversight of the CWRU Bands program. In addition to his duties with CWRU, Dr. Scherber serves as Instructor of Tuba and Euphonium within the Joint Music Program between Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Institute of Music. Scherber holds the Bachelor of Music in Music Education from the University of Cincinnati, College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) as well as the Master of Music and Ph.D. in Music Education from Florida State University (FSU). Prior to CWRU, Dr. Scherber served as music teacher for the Southeastern Local School District in South Charleston, OH where he taught music at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. Dr. Scherber’s ensembles have been invited to perform at the Ohio Music Education Association Professional Development Conference and Severance Hall, the home of The Cleveland Orchestra, and his research interests include pitch perception, nonverbal communication, trauma-informed pedagogy, and classroom interactions.

Mr. Matthew Larson was appointed the director of the Case Western Reserve University Percussion Ensemble in 2014 and has been the Cleveland Institute of Music percussion teacher at CWRU since 2010. In 2022, Matt joined the Kent State School of Music as adjunct professor of percussion. As a performer, Matt is the principal percussionist of the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and associate principal percussionist with the Erie Philharmonic. Matt has also performed with the Cleveland Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra, Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Akron Symphony Orchestra, Canton Symphony Orchestra, Blossom Festival Band, and Blossom Festival Orchestra. As an extra with the Cleveland Orchestra, Matt has performed several concerts at Carnegie Hall in New York City. 

Matt has a Master’s Degree from the Cleveland Institute of Music where his primary teacher was Cleveland Orchestra Principal Percussionist Richard Weiner. He also holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Minnesota where he studied with Fernando Meza. Matt has also studied with Earl Yowell of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and Elliot Fine of the Minnesota Orchestra. 

Ms. Brianna Bell (b. 2001) is a second-year music education with licensure (MAL) masters student at Case Western Reserve University and is proud to be a graduate conducting assistant for the Symphonic Winds. Bell holds a Bachelor’s of Music in Music Composition from Baldwin Wallace University, where she served as head drum major of the Marching Yellow Jackets and conducting apprentice for the Treble Choir. In January 2023, Bell released her debut album Invisible Past on all streaming platforms and has composed for BW’s Treble Choir and Symphonic Wind Ensemble as well. Bell was also commissioned in 2023 by Dr. Ken Heinlein to write a tuba solo titled Secrets of the Ocean, which was selected for and performed at the 2024 International Women’s Brass Conference held in Japan in August 2024. When she is not busy writing songs or playing piano, Brianna enjoys working at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, spending time with friends and family, and cheering on the Pittsburgh Steelers with her cats Oreo and Karma. Bell hopes to one day become a director of athletic bands while also pursuing her composition career. 

Mr. Bobby Bellairs is a first-year masters student in the Music Education with Licensure program at Case Western Reserve University. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from St. Olaf College where he studied saxophone performance with an emphasis in jazz studies. As a musician, he has performed with multiple world-renowned jazz musicians, been a member of classical and jazz chamber groups, performed with the St. Olaf Orchestra, composed and recorded alongside various student lead R&B and pop groups, and worked in professional pit orchestra settings. In 2025, he was a winner of the St. Olaf senior soloist concerto competition and performed John Klener's Just Friends, as arranged on Charlie Parker's Bird with Strings Album. As an educator, Bellairs strives to inspire student creativity with music by emphasizing the exploration of personal interests and diverse performance settings. In his own time, Bellairs enjoys spending time outside, exploring Cleveland, and gathering with friends to enjoy great food.