Program Notes
Declaration Overture (1976)
(Grade 3)
This most playable bravura overture opens with a resounding melodic statement that is featured throughout the piece. After the strong and majestic opening, the percussion introduces the hypnotic rhythm which echoes with authority throughout the balance of the work, culminating in an exultant conclusion. A favorite for concert or contest programing.
Evergreen Escapades (2022)
(Grade 2.5)
Explore the terrain and weather conditions of the Pacific Northwest, beginning with a cold, fog-covered morning, concealing the beauty of the surrounding landscapes. As the sun continues to rise, the fog fades and a gloomy rainstorm takes its place while we traverse through the evergreens. As the music persists onwards, rays of sunshine break through the clouds and bring about a warm, joyous afternoon filled with light, breathtaking mountain views, and the scent of pine needles.
Second Suite in F
II. Song Without Words (1911)
(Grade 2.5)
The impact Frederick Fennell had on the band world is immeasurable. His legacy continues with his edition of this Holst classic that is such an important part of band repertoire and history.
Movement II: Song Without Words, 'I'll Love My Love'. Holst places the fourth folk song, I'll Love My Love, in stark contrast to the first movement. The movement begins with a chord from French horns and moves into a solo of clarinet with oboe over a flowing accompaniment in F Dorian. The solo is then repeated by the trumpet, forming an arc of intensity. The climax of the piece is a fermata in measure 32, followed by a trumpet pickup into the final measures of the piece.
Clutch (2023)
(Grade 1)
Fasten your seatbelts for this aggressive and harmonically colorful work! Clutch is an intense experience, using percussion to establish a strong rhythmic pulse that compliments the powerful melodic lines throughout. While the piece has an amazingly complex sound and vivid imagery, Brian Balmages has once again managed to do so with music that sounds difficult but is surprisingly achievable for young musicians!
(Grade 2)
Three Minutes to Midnight (2023)
It's a race against the clock in this unique musical countdown that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats. Three Minutes to Midnight includes moments of eerie apprehension, which increase in tension as they build into heavy, raucous statements with great intensity. The Dies Irae theme pops in and out of the texture, introducing a sinister motif that indicates something much darker. Unique and colorful, this work exemplifies the creative genius of composer JaRod Hall!
Skyward (2022)
(Grade 2)
When asked to write a work for a local honor band in my hometown in Carrollton, I decided to take a look through younger memories. I remember starting on my saxophone and not being quite good at it and then I remembered going into sixth grade band and getting our first piece of music. It was hard work and a lot of wrong notes but at the end of it, the hard work paid off. It felt like a hard climb up a mountain. Then with time we finally reach the top of this small- but at the time huge- mountain. Young band is about taking those new challenges and finding yourself, finding others, and reaching those goals- it’s a skyward journey. And that’s when the theme of this piece finally came to me. SKYWARD explores the moment in life where you reach towards the top of a new challenge. The work is designed for younger bands to give them a challenge and a goal of working together. With exciting ostinatos and alluring melodies to tell a story filled with bravery, challenges, and heart, this is SKYWARD.
Chicago World's Fair 1933: Centennial Celebration (1928)
(Grade 2.5)
Carl Mader
Harry B. Jay
Chicago World’s Fair Centennial Celebration 1933 March was written by German-American composer Carl Mader for the “Century of Progress” World’s Fair that was held in Chicago in 1933 and 1934. This march features strong low brass melodies in the first and second strain, a flowing melody in the trio, and technical woodwind flourishes throughout.
Creer (2021)
(Grade 2.5)
Time will tell what the historians will say about the Covid-10 Pandemic which began in late 2019. Some will argue about its global ramifications, but for myself, the real tragedy is in the smaller stories. It is in the time that we have lost with family and friends. It is in the graduations, holiday gatherings, and communal celebrations that were foregone. And, of course, in the lives that have been lost.
Creer was commissioned in memoriam of one such soul lost to this pandemic. Sandy Rodriguez was the secretary for Ropes Elementary School in Ropes, Texas. By all accounts, she was a beacon of light for the students and community at large. Her rallying cry “Believe!” serves as the inspiration for this work.
The piece begins with a solemn motive stated in guitar, before blossoming into a series of lush chords. A solo trumpet enters next, offering a small, nostalgic melody in memory of those gone too soon. The work develops as the voices find more strength, before arriving at a powerful climax, reminding all of those listening that, even in the darkest of times, to continue to believe. Ultimately, the work is a contemplation of loss, hope, and memory.
Creer was commissioned by the Ropes High School Band (Ropes, TX) and their director, Mrs. Ashley Blount. I wish to thank them for allowing me to create a small offering in memory of Sandy.
Peace, Love, and Music.
Down on the Delta (2022)
(Grade 2.5)
A salute to the musical culture of the Mississippi Delta region. A soulful opening chorale becomes a high-steppin' hoe-down before transitioning to a slow, bluesy swing, then it closes out with more dancing. Very comfortable ranges and rhythms. A rare opportunity for young concert bands to experience this style.
Tuba Christmas (2020)
(Grade 3)
Featuring your tuba and euphonium sections, Tuba Christmas is a delightful addition to your holiday concert program. Featuring classic melodies in creative settings, the arrangement is musically effective and well crafted for the entire band. Ending with a farewell coda based on “We Wish You A Merry Christmas,” the tubas and euphoniums will be the stars of your holiday performance!