WASHINGTON D.C. 2026
College of the Sequioas
The College of the Sequoias Symphonic Winds from Visalia, California is a premier Wind Ensemble drawing its membership from the College’s Symphonic Band as well as the Sequoia Winds Community Band. The ensemble brings together talented student musicians and dedicated community performers to create a dynamic and collaborative musical experience.
The Symphonic Winds presents four to five concerts each year, highlighting a diverse repertoire that spans traditional wind band literature, contemporary works, and featured solo performances. Under the direction of Michael D. Tackett, Professor of Music at College of the Sequoias, the ensemble is committed to musical excellence, artistic growth, and community engagement.
As part of a vibrant music program, College of the Sequoias offers students the opportunity to pursue an associate’s degree in music, providing a solid foundation for continued study and performance. The Symphonic Winds plays an integral role in this program, offering students meaningful ensemble experience alongside seasoned musicians.
The ensemble is especially excited to feature Yamaha Performing Artist and flute instructor at College of the Sequoias, Tracy Harris, as a guest soloist in their performance of the beloved Concertino for Flute by Cécile Chaminade, highlighting both the ensemble’s commitment to artistic collaboration and its celebration of outstanding musicianship. The Symphonic Winds extend their sincere gratitude to Brent Calvin, President of College of the Sequoias, for his unwavering support and genuine passion for the arts.
America 250
The Warner Theater – Washington D.C.
July 3rd, 6:30 PM. Doors open at 5:30 PM.
Repertoire
Selections from the following:
- Call For Celebration! Brant Karrick
- Song for Lyndsay, Andrew Boysen
- Symphonic Dance No. 1, Carol Brittin Chambers
- Concertino for Flute in D major, Op. 107, Cécile Chaminade arr. Clayton Wilson
- Tracy Harris, Flute
- American Hymnsong Suite, Dwayne S. Milburn
- Prelude on Wonderous Love
- Ballad on Balm in Gilead
- Scherzo on Nettleton (Come, Though Fount of Every Blessing)
- March on Wilson (When We All Get to Heaven)
- El Camino Real, Alfred Reed
The Conductor
Michael Tackett is a Professor of Music and Director of Bands/Orchestras at College of the Sequoias, Visalia, CA. Michael earned a Bachelor of Music in Music Education from Bowling Green State University (Ohio) and a Master of Music in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music.
At College of the Sequoias Michael conducts the Symphonic Band, Symphony Orchestra, Jazz Band, Musical Theatre Orchestra, and teaches a variety of appreciation courses. His ensembles regularly perform throughout California and Nevada. Prior to his tenure at College of the Sequoias, he served as Director of Bands and Orchestras at El Diamante High School (2004-2014) where he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame (2023). During his tenure at El Diamante his ensembles performed throughout the country including Carnegie Hall in New York and Fisher Music Center in Detroit.
Michael is the conductor for the Tulare County Office of Education Musical Theatre Program and the Sequoia Winds in Visalia, CA. He has been a guest conductor with The Tulare County Symphony Orchestra, The Citrus Wind Ensemble, The TKMEA Honor Orchestra and Band, The VUSD High School Honor Band, The Fresno-Madera Counties Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra and Band, The Stanislaus County Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra, and the Dr. Lawrence R. Sutherland Wind Festival Honor Bands. The past six years, Michael served as the California Music Educators Association Central Section President/Past-President and Exhibit Host for the California All-State Music Education Conference.
Michael has been awarded CMEA Central Section Music Educator of the Year (2024), a Certificate of Merit from the National Band Association (2007), was named Tulare/Kings County Band Educator of the year (2008, 2024), Orchestra Educator (2011), The Crystal Apple Award (2009), and Visalia Unified School District Teacher of the Year (2013). Michael is a member of The California Music Education Association, California Band Directors Association, National Association for Music Education, and The College Band Directors National Association. Michael loves his job and feels blessed to work with such wonderful students.
The Soloist
Tracy Harris is an internationally recognized Yamaha Performing Artist and Clinician whose career spans more than three decades as a soloist, chamber musician, recording artist, and educator. Performing on flute, piccolo, alto flute, and bass flute, she is known for her expressive versatility and commanding presence across both traditional and contemporary repertoire.
Ms. Harris appeared as a soloist with orchestras including the Santa Barbara Symphony, UCSB Symphony, Pacific Coast Symphony, Tulare Symphony, and Sequoia Symphony, where she also serves as Alto Flutist, substitute Principal, and featured soloist. She has collaborated with distinguished artists such as Nicola Mazzanti, Jim Walker, Tadeu Coelho, and Jill Felber, and performed the West Coast premiere of Jazz Suite No. 1 for flute and orchestra. Her work also includes recording credits for Disney Studios, PBS, and NPR.
A dedicated educator, Ms. Harris is Professor of Flute and Artist-in-Residence at the College of the Sequoias and Founder of the Central Valley Flute Academy. Her students have earned national and international distinction, including top prizes at the National Flute Association competitions and admission to leading conservatories and universities. She is also the Founder and Artistic Director of the Tracy Harris Flute Boot Camps and Clinics, which serve over 1,000 flutists annually, and Director of the award-winning Wyndfall Flute Orchestra.
A bestselling author, Ms. Harris has published several influential pedagogical works, including The Flute Boot Camp Manual (recipient of the Editor’s Choice and Paul Revere Awards), The Lyric Flutist, and Picc Perfect. Her recordings on the Elite Source label—Iroquois Suite, Eklectick, and The Lyric Flutist—have received critical acclaim for their artistry and innovation.
An in-demand clinician and presenter, she has been featured at major conferences including NAfME, the National Flute Association, and the Midwest Clinic, and has served extensively as an adjudicator for regional, national, and international competitions.
Ms. Harris studied at the Music Academy of the West, where she was the youngest flutist ever admitted. She Studied at New England Conservatory and the University of California at Santa Barbara. Her principal teachers include Julius Baker, Claude Monteux, Jim Walker, and Jill Felber.
She performs exclusively on Yamaha instruments.
Her website is:
www.TracyHarrisFlute.com.