Gavorkna Fanfare 

Composed in 1991, the work exploits the idea of a fanfare for full wind band, rather than the traditional brass and percussion instrumentation. The opening pyramids lead to the melodic minor third cluster heard in original and inversion simultaneously. A polychordal transition based on the upcoming "fugato" subject leads to a minimalist accompaniment to the four-part counterpoint. The opening idea returns with a coda based on the melodic minor third. 

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Symphonic Dances

Movement 1, Renaissance

Symphonic Dances for Wind Ensemble was commissioned by the Central Band of the Japan Air Self Defense Force. The suite’s five movements present “dances of the world." While the energetic quality and spirituality of each dance should be captured, the collection is still intended to entertain. Each movement is complete and can be performed accordingly. 

The Wind Ensemble will be performing the first movement entitled Renaissance Dances. This movement is an homage to European flavor and style from the time of Gervaise, Susato and Praetorius. After the introduction, the steps of courante, pavane, galliard, and branle appear. This piece paints a satisfying picture of the wind band’s ability to execute music from all styles and time periods with elegance, fervor, and finesse.​

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In This Beautiful Place

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“Composing music to honor the memory of a loved one is never an easy task. To the members of the Crowley High School Band and the family of Hailey Cartwright, this work comes with sincere condolences and a heavy heart. From the beginning, In This Beautiful Place was conceived as a musical dialogue; a "conversation" of sorts with the beautiful soul departed all too soon. While not at all speculating as to what a friend or family member would say, the music endeavors to convey the loving sentiments that words simply cannot. The gentle final statement could perhaps be regarded as Hailey's "reply", giving us assurance that she is truly at peace and all is well.” - William Owens

Children’s March

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Scored for band by Grainger in 1919 from a piano solo which he had composed between 1916 and 1918. The band arrangement was begun in 1918 while the composer was a member of the U.S. Coast Artillery Band and was written to take advantage of that band's instrumentation. Generally accepted as the first band composition utilizing the piano, the march features the woodwinds -- especially the low reeds -- during most of its seven-minute duration. From the introduction to the end, the folk-like melodies make it difficult for the listener to realize that the work was original with Grainger. 

Like many of Grainger's works, the march demonstrates both the fierceness and the tenderness of the composer's personality. It was dedicated to "my playmate beyond the hills," believed to be Karen Holton, a Scandinavian beauty with whom the composer corresponded for eight years but did not marry because of his mother's jealousy. In 1953, 48 years after they first met, they saw each other for the last time in Denmark where Grainger had gone for a cancer operation to be performed by Dr. Fai Holton, Karen's brother.

Danzas Cubanas

Danzas Cubanas is a set of three original and connected dance-like movements celebrating the joy and energy of Afro-Cuban music and people of this island nation. The opening conga sets the mood, followed by a gentle and alluring son-salsa. The closing dance is a fast-paced mambo. The three contrasting sections feature individual sections as well as soloists in the trombone, trumpet, and flute. Percussion plays a key role in establishing overall groove for this one-of-a-kind musical dance party. ​​​

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