Description

You would be saddened at how many times I am asked to compose a work for someone who has passed on. I often say no to these requests. But when three band directors called at the same time to compose such a work, I decided to create a young band statement which would positively address this situation. Again, the colours explored are new to our idiom, the themes and moods easy to connect with. Options within the work allow for a range from Grade 2 to perhaps Grade 4.

Please visit the score for more information.

This piece is from the STORMJOURNEYS CD.

Testimonials

"We played our concert last evening & ended with A Sending. I've never before been in a concert where there was such total silence before a piece, nor such a wave of sobs afterwards. The audience was dumbfounded by such music.

As one gentlemen remarked...he had never heard "life" portrayed in such a magnificent way!

"We made a "suitable-for-framing" print of your personalized score cover and presented it to the family at the close of the concert. They were so very appreciative and asked me to convey that sentiment to you. On a personal note: I have never before stood before a group and had that kind of musical and emotional experience myself. I've been in front of bands since...OK...you got me...1968/69. Sure, there have been a lot of "musical moments" but never one in which I was so engulfed in the music... until last evening. Thank you is so inadequate...but it IS heartfelt. Godspeed to you my friend." -Tom Tapscott, Rossview High School, Clarksville, TN

Notes from Parents on the piece, A SENDING

"To find music with that emotional and spiritual content, yet technically accessible to young (even ordinary) musicians, came as a surprise. This, if I understand it, is your mission. BRAVO! Thank you for a powerful evening. Middle school kids don't often have the opportunity to feel the power of music as prayer, as emotions poured through an instrument. They don't often get to feel the emotions of suddenly discovering that THEY are the instrument, through which occasionally something incredibly powerful can be brought to life. I would have never thought it possible to be moved to tears at an 8th grade concert. I feel blessed to have been present." -David Herman, Parent from Davis Middle School

"That piece grabbed me at the beginning and didn't let me go."

"Where did you find the person that can write music like THIS?!"

"I was totally unprepared for what I was about to hear... then, WOW!"

"I was taken in by it all, and was totally absorbed in what I was listening to."

"That song couldn't have been written more beautifully."

"I hope you play more music by this man, because he has something to say, and I can tell the kids in the band are communicating it; it got to me."

"This is one small part of a big world that is beginning to really embrace your music! All my best." -Todd Stalter, Eureka, Illinois