Glory
May 31st, 2026
Eye of the Hawk
Eye of the Hawk was inspired by the beautiful and majestic Hudson Valley. I wanted to base the piece on something that would resonate with the band who would be premiering it: my local, exceptional middle school band. The hawk became our spirit animal, and represented to me many of the qualities that are inherent in a young person of that age — bold, instinctive, elegant — a fierce creature who ‘owns the sky.’ The music conveys power, freedom, and confidence. Just like the students. — Program note by publisher
Old Churches
Old Churches uses Gregorian chant to create a slightly mysterious monastery scene filled with the prayers and chanting of monks in an old church. Gregorian chant is ancient church music and that has been in existence for over 1500 years. The chant unfolds through call and response patterns. One monk intones a musical idea, then the rest of the monks respond by singing back. This musical conversation continues throughout the piece, with the exception of a few brief interruptions. Perhaps they are the quiet comments church visitors make to one another. — Program note by publisher
Slava!
When Mstislav Rostropovich (“Slava” to his friends) invited Leonard Bernstein to help him launch his inaugural concert as Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra, he also asked him to write a rousing new opening piece for the festivities. This overture is the result, and the world premiere took place on October 11, 1977, with Rostropovich conducting his orchestra at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
The first theme of Slava! is a vaudevillian tune filled with side-slipping modulations and sliding trombones. Theme two, which prominently features the electric guitar (covered by soprano saxophone in Grundman’s arrangement), is a canonic tune in 7/8 time. A very brief kind of development section follows, after which the two themes recur in reverse order. Near the end they are combined with a quotation (proclaimed by the ubiquitous trombones) from the “Coronation Scene” of Mussorgsky’s Boris Goudonov, where the chorus sings the Russian word “Slava!”, meaning “glory!” In this way, of course, the composer is paying an extra four-bar homage to his friend Slava Rostropovich, to whom this overture is fondly dedicated.” —Program note credited to Jack Gottlieb
Shine (for Brass Quintet and Drum Set)
Shine (for brass quintet & drum set) was commissioned by Col. Don Schofield for the United States Air Force Band Ceremonial Brass, as part of the “Hope Arises” Commission Project in 2021.
Composer Kevin Day draws inspiration from his musical heritage—a father who was a prominent hip-hop producer in the late 1980’s and a mother who was a sought after gospel singer. While attending TCU (Texas Christian University), Dr. Day was principal Euphonium and principal jazz pianist, leading to some more intricate parts for both instruments. Shine encompasses a bit of the composers heritage while providing an uplifting and hopeful tune to share with others. We hope you enjoy our performance of Shine.
Catharsis for Woodwind Ensemble
Patrick Glenn Harper (b. 1977) is an American composer and music educator. Mr. Harper received both his bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in music education from the University of North Alabama. He has served as a high school band director in the Huntsville, Alabama, area for over 23 years. In addition to being an educator, he composes professionally for multimedia applications, promotional videos, iPhone apps, and video games. His compositions have been performed by schools, college ensembles, military service bands, and community groups all over the world.
The definition of Catharsis is: 1) A purification or purgation of the emotions (such as pity and fear) primarily through the arts, and/or 2) A purification or purgation that brings about spiritual renewal or release from tension. This piece for woodwind ensemble attempts to musically represent the experience of an emotional catharsis. The negative emotions are represented by a sinister fanfare and several reoccurring themes that are manipulated throughout the first half of the piece using elements of Romantic, Jazz, and film score music. In the middle section of the piece, new themes are introduced as the music gradually evolves toward a major key tonality. Even then, fragments of the negative themes are played alongside these new ones, as these sorts of emotions still leave their mark even when purged for a time. Eventually, the struggle is over as the piece reaches a triumphant ending that re-states the beginning fanfare in a major tonality and brings the piece to a close. —Program note by Publisher
March of the Resistance for Brass Ensemble
Not only do we rehearse and perform at a school with the main teacher being a HUGE Star Wars fan, but there is something quite glorious about Brian Sadler’s arrangement.
Resistance comes in many forms and can be as quiet or as powerful as you want. John Williams creates iconic themes that encapsulate the feeling of glory, rebellion, hope, and fear. Star Wars also holds a piece of my heart and I couldn’t have found a better piece to share! I hope you enjoy our performance of Brian Sadler’s arrangement of March of the Resistance from Star Wars. May the Force be with you!
Technology (Percussion Ensemble)
Written for eight percussionists, of intermediate to beginning skill levels, and based on a techno groove, this will be a hit with both students and audiences alike. Some parts, throughout this four-minute piece, are written to feature more advanced players, while other parts are more elementary for less experienced players. — Program Note by publisher
March of the Freedom Fighters
Hold your head high and wave your flag! March of the Freedom Fighters is a fresh, triumphant concert march meant to convey images and feelings of patriotism and national pride! Whether in a concert hall or a parade, students and audiences will love the syncopated rhythms and memorable tunes throughout. The piece actually teaches traditional march form and includes a trio as well as a “mini” break strain. The opening spirited melody features the trumpet section (also cued in the clarinets). For the final strain of the march, the beautiful trio melody returns as a countermelody in the low brass. Let’s celebrate the nation we love and those heroes who fought for our freedom! — Program note by composer
**This piece features students from Peninsula School District middle schools that participated in the COMBMEA Region Honor Band in January
Loch Lomond
Loch Lomond is a beautiful and peaceful lake tucked away between the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. Based on a traditional Scottish melody, the piece weaves through the lush imagery of the lake. —Program Note from publisher
**This piece features students from Peninsula School District middle schools that participated in the COMBMEA Region Honor Band in January
Symphonic Suite from Star Trek
“Boldly go where no band has gone before!” The 2009 blockbuster movie features spectacular new and exciting themes in a dramatic soundtrack by Michael Giacchino. In addition, the original classic TV theme is reworked in a creative fashion. This year (2026) also marks the 60th anniversary of the original show! Happy anniversary Star Trek! Live long and prosper, fans!