Savannah Wind Symphony Appoints John Madden as Artistic Director
The Savannah Wind Symphony, deeply entrenched in the local cultural texture, has found a new leader. After almost two years without a permanent artistic director, the Symphony has now entrusted the reins to retired emeritus professor and trumpet player, John Madden.
The appointment comes on the cusp of a new performance season, sparking renewed vigor among symphony members and fans alike.
Madden’s Focus on Community and Quality
Madden aims to foster continued community engagement and deliver performances that are enjoyable to both the orchestra members and the audience. Following a well-received Patriotic Concert in June, he expressed optimism about the Symphony’s future.
“More than 700 hundred people attended our concert, signalling great support and commitment from the community. Our musicians, all doing this for the love of the art and without pay, are deserving of a great experience at every performance as is our audience,” Madden said.
Madden Takes Over After Sudden Loss of Past Director
In the fall of 2022, the Symphony was abruptly left without a director after their esteemed leader of 25 years, Mark Johnson, passed away due to cancer. The Symphony took time to regroup and initiated a fair process to select a leader from within.
Three skilled members auditioned for the role during the 2023/ 2024 season, each curating one entire performance. Based on the feedback from band and board members, Madden emerged as the director to lead the group in the new era.
Accomplishments of John Madden
Madden brings to his role an impressive portfolio of accolades. Before retiring in 2017, he devoted 28 years to teaching at Michigan State University. His commitment was recognized with the Dortha J. and John D. Withrow Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2014, and his induction into the American Bandmasters Association in 2008.
After his retirement, he moved to Savannah and joined the local music scene, which eventually led him to the Wind Symphony.
Plans for Remembering Mark Johnson
In memory of the beloved late director, Mark Johnson, Madden has plans to commission a musical piece, a task that would include raising funds and involving Johnson’s family.
Performances to Look Forward To
The upcoming fall performance has already been planned by Madden. The scheduled music stands as a blend of historic and revered compositions, expressing the Symphony’s uniqueness in capturing the essence of yesteryears’ music in today’s performances.
“Our band represents music traditions from the 19th and 20th centuries, and we plan to interpret the works of the era in our fall concert,” Madden stated.
Moving Forward
With Madden’s appointment, the Symphony now looks forward to an era of growth and achievement. The scent of change, improvement, and promise lingers in the air, boding well for the future of the ensemble and its artistic dedication to the community.
