Innovation. History. Science. Modern Romanticism... and something spine-chilling:

Ralph Ford conducting Troy U on Youtube.

Testimonials

"I attended a reception in the president's suite our concert. Nearly everyone referred to OUR TIME as a SONG in the UNIVERSE in some manner. Even the people that did not get it... the piece STILL had some profound effect on them. They just couldn't express it. And so, once again, I can prove that there is SOMETHING in your Music, your Orchestrations, God only knows because even I still cannot explain it. We can play and play, sound really good... then jump into a Stormworks, and the same group sounds completely and profoundly different. When I was on Sabbatical last semester, I went to the Veterans Concert, this time conducted by Mark. They played and played and sounded great. I was not only very happy, but really impressed at the quality of the group under Mark's leadership. Then, the premiere of the piece for the Chancellor started (DESPITE ALL ELSE) and....the entire sound changed. It surrounded the audience. Suddenly, we were all awash in this amazing sound... more than just the sound, though. This is what I am still trying to understand about your Music. People who don't know immediately write it off to the use of electronics, but that simply is not the case. They don't get it. The electronics certainly add to it, but that is not the only reason. I have played and heard other pieces using electronics, including my own, and it does not achieve the same effect. So, my study continues. Your friendship and guidance and willingness to share continues to help me understand Music and myself a bit better each day." Ralph Ford , Troy University. (Ralph. Thank you for so much. The kids sounded great, and in fact brought tears to my eyes. I thank them and I thank you for allowing me to share these thoughts with other Conductors.)

"Dear Steve, I never had the chance to talk to you about Last world Standing. I have played your “Last World Standing” three times in the last week. What Brilliance… what work… a true masterpiece and the work of a musical genius!" Tom Walsh, Executive Producer, EnterAktion Studios

"Dear Stephen! Great, wunderbar!! It´s a special sample of very emotional music. It´s very extraordinary!! I guess thats a new step in instrumentation and arrangement of your great works, but each composition is typical for "Stephen Melillo"!!  Very deaply sound, the track with Martin Kiener sounds like an Symphony Orchestra. Sorry, I´m not able to describe it in english, but this CD takes the Concert Band Music in a new dimension. In my opinion, the great bands and band directors like this music and the people in the concert halls would be touched by such wunderfull music all over the world!!!!! Godspeed" P.S. The Beginning of our last concert with SBO Ried an 26.10. was with your opus 1... and now, it is on Chapter 13. That`s great of you, to give your first, wunderfull work to your new CD!! Gerhard Reischel, Conductor Landesmusikschule Leonding, Austria

"Composer Melillo is gifted and blessed with a God-given talent he gives and shares with the world. When one listens to his music, an intense spiritual statement immerses one into his beautiful world of musical expression. Melillo’s compositions are different from all other composers! Immediately one is captivated by the depth and soul of his craft. I encourage you to listen and view his “Last World Standing.” This is a monumental piece of music that delivers a most profound musical experience about our life and the wars that we have lived through. Thank you Steve for the massive contributions you are making to our musical world." Edward S. Lisk, Clinician, Conductor, Author

"In Einem Anderen Licht is going very well with the members of Concert Ensemble. They are going past the printed page which music is all about. I asked each student to describe your work in one word.

Responses were:

Fierce
Amazing
Powerful
Heroic
Intense
Whirlwind
Exciting
Emotional
Poetic
Awesome

Thanks," Joe Filio, Liverpool HS

“The stars are forth, the moon above the tops of the snow-shining mountains-Beautiful!
I linger yet with nature for the night hath been to me a more familiar face than that of man; and in her starry shade of dim and solitary loveliness I learned the language of another world”

Lord Byron