March Band Concert Program

Inaugural Dances invokes the election celebrations of early America. A proud fanfare leads into the folk-like dancing of the common man, then changes to depict the newly elected leaders dancing in a more sophisticated manner. A final return to the music of the folk dance celebrates the founding of our nation for “We, the People.” 

A three-movement suite written in the early English folksong style, this piece came into being as a result of the composer's fascination with an old 10th century couplet:

There's no one quite so comely

As the Jolly Earl of Cholmondeley.

The resulting three compositions, The Jolly Earl of Cholmondeley [pronounced "Chumley"], Ayre for Eventide, and The Fiefs of Wembley, are in early English folk song style and are designed to capture the mood of the peasants and their life on the fiefs of Wembley castle.

- Program Note from score

Embers of the Ancient Realms is a brief journey back in time to the 700-plus-year conflict for control of the Iberian Peninsula involving factions from the Middle East, North Africa, Portugal, and the native inhabitants of what we now call Spain. The extensive interaction between the Moors of Al-Andalus and the Spaniards over the span of centuries resulted in an integrated blend of cultural elements that permeated many forms of artistic expression i.e. music, architecture, visual art, and more. As a direct descendant of Spaniards, I am particularly drawn to this subject of cultural intermingling, which has long inspired fascination from both historical and artistic perspectives.

The opening ominous fanfare serves as a dramatic, fiery flashback to the various realms as each arrived to announce itself as a conqueror of this prized territory. The ensuing mysteriously eerie passage conjures the image of someone holding a candle while walking through an ancient, secret tunnel hidden deep beneath a castle. Later, a more upbeat variation of a recurring theme suggests a shift from mysticism to bustling village life. This material appears in different textures and colors to represent the many cultures coexisting in a tumultuous mix.

The intensity of the work gradually builds, evoking scenes of prolonged conflict, fleeting advances, retreats, and renewed engagements that spanned centuries. The final and most dramatic section depicts the last stand that led to the fall of Granada, when Spanish forces ultimately established rule.

—Program note by composer

Minscapes offers a musical journey that is unique to each listener. A wide variety of emotional states and levels of energy are presented while developing a few central musical ideas. All of this is done with the sole intent of inviting the musicians and audiences to turn inward when encountering the score, with perhaps each member engaging his or her mind's eye while hearing this music.

-Program note by composer

Since the beginning of time, man has pondered what happens when our physical body dies. Some believe we go to Heaven. Others doubt its existence entirely. Then there are those who have had near-death experiences and live to tell their stories. For me, I have always hoped that when we pass, it will be a very peaceful experience. It is this belief that has inspired me to compose Afterlife. This composition starts delicately as peacefulness returns to the soul. It intensifies as we approach our new consciousness, constantly modulating between the two as we gain knowledge of our new surroundings. Could this be the paradise known as Heaven? Perhaps. I will let the listeners decide for themselves.

-Program note by composer

We grow great by dreams. All big men are dreamers. They see things in the soft haze of a spring day or in the red fire of a long winter's evening. Some of us let these great dreams die, but others nourish and protect them; nurse them through bad days till they bring them to the sunshine and light which comes always to those who sincerely hope that their dreams will come true. -Woodrow Wilson

Based on an English folk song melody, Dreams and Proclamations salutes all great dreamers by examining that connection between thought and deed, contemplation and action. Divided into six main sections, each "dream" passage leads to an ensuing "proclamation." 

Dreams and Proclamations was commissioned by the Las Vegas High School Band and its directors Anthony C. Polzien and Joe G. Williams II, to celebrate the 100th Birthday of the city of Las Vegas, Nevada.

- Program Note from publisher

In 2020, the world had to pause as the global pandemic of COVID-19 entered all of our lives. So many events and so much of life's simple joys were taken from us including for many the opportunity to perform music. Music is one of the greatest means of communication and when taken away, the language of music becomes foreign and for some the passion for music is lost. Now as the world slowly begins to turn again, the passion of music and the passion to hear live music has grown. Through separation, we have grown stronger.

This is why I wrote this piece. In Living Color is an ode to live music and he return to the wind band stage. This piece was inspired by the different colors of modern jazz like Snarky Puppy and the likes of George Gershwin to hits like Estelle's American Boy in order to create a kaleidoscope of colors and energy. This is a celebration of life and all the small things that lead to the big things. This is In Living Color.

- Program Note by composer

Fantasia in G is a joyful celebration for winds and percussion. The piece was inspired by the opening line of Johann Schiller's poem Ode to Joy: "Freude, Schoener Goetterfunken" (Joy, Bright Spark of Divinity). The same text was used by Ludwig van Beethoven in his famed Symphony No. 9.

Fantasia in G was written for the St. Olaf College Band and was first performed by that ensemble in January 1983.

See Rock City is a fun rock jam session for concert band. Fusing elements of rock, jazz and funk styles, all sections of the band contribute familiar riffs, grooves and melodies weaved throughout the three-part form: fast-funk-fun! Partly inspired by driving through the southeastern part of the United States, it is hard to miss the words painted on barns, birdhouses and billboards -- "See Rock City!" The attraction atop Lookout Mountain near Chattanooga displays the region's quirky sense of humor as well as its breathtaking beauty. Whether looking at seven states, standing under a waterfall, or walking through a cavern full of glowing gnomes, Rock City, like this namesake piece, is just pure, simple, fun.