Contents

MILLENNIUM (2 movements)
THE FIRST & THE LAST! (3 movements)
"I" of the STORM (3 movements)
AHAB! for Actor & Band
ESCAPE from PLATO'S CAVE (3 movements)

A PERSONAL MESSAGE to LISTENERS from the Libretto of STORMWORKS... Chapter TWO CD

Testimonials

"Steve: Wow ... what a CD!! It's fabulous and I can't tell you how happy I am to be a part of it. The music for the entire disc is wonderful and I am so pleased with the Moby Dick piece ... the way you have worked voice and music together is very exciting ... once I got over criticizing myself and just listened to it I really felt I experienced the entire emotional life of the story ... it's beautiful. Congratulations Steve. I hope we can continue to work together ... and I thank you again for making me a part of your project. Hope to see you soon." Kurtwood Smith, Actor

"What can one say that hasn't already been said about the POWER of your MUSIC!?!?! I was really moved by your personal message in the CD Booklet... as always, you more than any other composer allow us to share your music WITH YOU on a very personal level. The MUSIC is amazing!!! It's hard to hold back the tears! The harp and pad bass sound perfect!!! The organ sound in Meggido is very cool too! The First and the Last / AHAB / "I" / and Plato's Cave are unbelievable - I can't find the words to describe my emotions.... however, YOU seem to find the words as easily as you find the notes! It's as much fun to read the CD jacket and the STORMWatch's as it is to listen to the MUSIC! The cover is extremely cool! - IT, in itself says... "Life, Death and Life AGAIN!" The symbolism and imagery is very powerful!! AND.... David seems bigger than ever to me!" Keith Hodgson, New Jersey

"WOW - the section of AHAB from ... "I blow out the last fear...." for the next 4 minutes of the WORK that is about the BEST music I have ever heard Steve! - The descending horn line just RIPS the heart out - until Kurtwood says... unless God DOES that beating!!, DOES that thinking!!, DOES that living!! NOT I ! - Steve - this IS AMAZING!!!" A PS from Keith Hodgson, New Jersey

"Steve has done it again. His Chapter Two CD is awesome. This is phenomenal music. The power and the drama that have come to be expected from Melillo's art are all here and much, much, more. "Ahab" for actor and band is a masterpiece of the highest order. The interaction between actor and band is superb. It will draw you into the story and hold you spellbound every step of the way. Get to know this groundbreaking addition to the wind band repertoire. The Rundfunk Blasorchester Leipzig gives a stellar performance under Melillo's direction as does actor Kurtwood Smith as Ahab himself!" Aldo Rafael Forte, Composer

"I was working from 3:00am -12:00pm (MST:Melillo Standard Time) as I listened. Well Steve, I'm completely speechless. There are no words to describe STORMWORKS II. Only two words come to mind. "Divine Intervention". It was as though I was hearing God's voice through your music. There were tracks that just moved me to tears. And Ahab....______ AWESOME!!!" Cut DeMott, Composer

"Steve, Received the "packet of stuff" in the mail yesterday. I want to tell you that I absolutely love the CD! I cannot stop listening to it (it's in the computer as I type). I have heard some of the pieces on a cassette that you sent me a few years ago but NOT LIKE THIS!!!!! What a fantastic sounding ensemble!!! My hat is off to you and the ensemble, this is the best CD yet!!!" Andrew Hall, Fruitport, Michigan

"I heartily recommend the new Chapter TWO CD of Stephen Melillo. It contains masterful work with the fresh sounds that Melillo has brought to the wind literature." Dr. Francis McBeth, Composer

"Yesterday I received the package. Thanks! Great STORMRom! Chapter II, YOU DID IT AGAIN, my Friend!!! And again, I cannot find words to describe this Godlike Music! I am deeply Touched! I had to cry while playing 'By Love Inviolate'. I don't know why, but somehow Your Music always remembers me on my Dad, who past away 5 years ago. He would have loved Your music. I played 'Escape from Plato's Cave' a little bit too loud in my office yesterday. Next door was a big Board-meeting, I didn't knew there were people there.... At the end of the Piece there was silence... and when I looked around, they were all standing behind me applauding for Your Music!!! And what a GREAT Musicians!" Sjaak Haasnoot, Buhrmann The Netherlands

"I can't stand it. I've gotta have a CD!" Lt. Colonel Dell Holt

"I'm glad to be a part of promoting some of the best music written for bands today. The music of Stephen Melillo is so incredibly emotional. It draws the students and the audience into the music to such a degree that when the performance is completed everyone is disappointed that it ended so quickly. My band has performed several selections by this fine composer and they are always thrilled when we are going to rehearse one of his works because of the interest and excitement in each piece. Every composition by this composer is truly an expression of love of music and its importance in today's world. Audiences, students and directors will always be pleased by the music of this composer." Marshall C. Kimball, Marietta Senior High School, Ohio

"I was introduced to Stormworks Music via Stephen Melillo's Without Warning - An Overture for the Uncommon Band and was thoroughly impressed with the excitement the music generated. This is music for the musicians and the audience. John F. Maltester, Los Medanos College, Pittsburg, California

"Steve, We have been playing GIVING for almost two months now, just on and off, and if the kids had their way, we'd keep playing for the next two years! They absolutely love it! (However, I've assured them that there are plenty more STORMWORKS for us to tackle in the future) Since our performance of GIVING my phone is consistently ringing with questions about you. No one in this area has played STORMMUSIC before. And so, when I started working on GIVING, I wanted so much for the kids to like it. I wanted them to get the same goose bumps that STORMWORKS gives me! Not knowing how to make them like it, I just let the music speak for itself. We read it straight through one time, no stops. It was rusty. I spent the next several minutes talking about how to perform STORMWORKS effectively. I also read the dedication to them, and explained what it meant to me (being a student of Dr. Joe's and all!) We read it again. WOW! It was amazing! I had never felt so moved on the podium before! And as the last chord resolved and the sound died away, something "magical" happened, and every one of their faces just lit up with joy and excitement. I knew then that they felt the way I do about your music! Godspeed!" Chris Day, Assistant Graduate Conductor, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

"I have been a teacher since 1976, and our ensembles have played with the best. No one has made an impression on our students, parents and community like this piece, THE FOUNTAINHEAD, and this man. I still feel like I know a lot less about music than I need to - but I know this: If in fact music REALLY IS what cannot be expressed with words... this man writes real music. Our premiere of The Fountainhead was the most powerful moment in time I have ever experienced. A performance that was "sold out" a full week in advance, a wonderful week of preparation with the composer that created an aura about the piece,interaction with a man - as a composer, a conductor and more importantly, a teacher - who believes intensely in his message, and as a result, captured the hearts and minds of the young people who were involved in the premiere. This was, and remains, the most powerful musical experience of my time as a teacher of music. When you want to do something your students will: learn from, love, practice, give their total hearts and souls to : play Steve's music. We all thank Steve for the special experience that, even three years later, remains intensely special to our students, our parents and our community." William Palange, Oswego High School, New York

"Dear Mr Melillo, Thanks for your great, lyric, powerful musical eloquence ... it's quite elysian! You've owned with your works a new musical dimension ... a light never seen before! Thanks and best regards from Germany, Osnarück!" Jens Schröer

" Your music is like a breath of fresh air! I got home last night and listened to all of your CD - WOW - It is most impressive! I surely do like your work. I think you are the brightest young talent on the scene. Those are just knockout works! Hope you got home in good shape and try to take a nap." W. Francis McBeth

"Without a doubt, Stephen Melillo MUST go out into our 'bandworld' and ignite a new fire of musical expression for our young musicians!! Your creativity, energy and imagination enters into areas of human expression where others hesitate to explore." -Edward S. Lisk, Author, Clinician, Conductor, Past President, NBA

"Stephen Melillo's music has thrust open the doors to a whole new world of expression for the modern wind ensemble. He challenges us both as performer and listener, to reach deep within our self to experience the amazing emotional journey that is "STORMWORKS." Stephen truly composes with the heart of a child, sharing his soul with all who would listen. To know the music is to know the man. Stephen Melillo's music is not to be performed or heard... it is to be experienced!" M. Edward Nagel, Former Principal Horn, US Air Force Band of Flight and STORMPlayer. Premiers - AWIJP (1993) and Trilogy for Horn (1994)

"Melillo is to wind music what Beethoven was to the symphony orchestra, and he follows a Beethovenesque design of increasing the musical tension almost to the breaking point, receding, and then reaching again. It is superlative musical craftsmanship and inspiring to hear." Marvin Sosna, Special to The Tribune.

"I find Stephen Melillo's music to be a fresh new voice in the wind repertoire. The music is exciting, colorful, and energetic; all in a 'classical' framework." Dr. Jack Stamp, Indiana University, Pennsylvania

"Without Warning is one of the most aptly titled works in our repertoire. Its exciting music leaps off the page and smacks the performers and audience squarely between the ears. And by the time the audience has recovered from experiencing this whirlwind of music, they're glad they chose to attend the concert rather than do anything else. Melillo is a potent composer full of engaging ideas and he possesses a wonderful craft...he knows what he's doing and he does it very well." Dr. Timothy Mahr

"Stephen Melillo is an extremely gifted and talented composer who writes music directly from the heart! He touches our musical souls in a special way." Anthony J. Maiello

"The music of STORMWORKS is truly an instrument of inspiration for today's performers. Stephen Melillo allows us to share in wonderful, creative compositions, and at the same time explore our soul. I always marvel at the emotion that lies untouched in my bands until we play one of Stephen's pieces. Bill Pritchett, Muncie High School, Indiana

"This came from a band member writing to me. 'Another co-worker said that during America the Brave, the sound that filled the room was so incredible, she wondered if that is what heaven sounds like.' (She really said that)." Dale Skornia, Western Nebraska University, Scottsbluff, Nebraska

"I am amazed at how accessible the music of Stormworks can be. We performed Stormworks with a little over 2 weeks worth of rehearsal. The setup chart and rehearsal plan really work. Stephen, you have done music education a real service with your approach to composition.! I plan on making use of your music whenever I can!" Ron Davis, Marble Falls High School, Texas

"I'm glad to be a part of promoting some of the best music written for bands today. The music of Stephen Melillo is so incredibly emotional. It draws the students and the audience into the music to such a degree that when the performance is completed everyone is disappointed that it ended so quickly. My band has performed several selections by this fine composer and they are always thrilled when we are going to rehearse one of his works because of the interest and excitement in each piece. Every composition by this composer is truly an expression of love of music and its importance in today's world. Audiences, students and directors will always be pleased by the music of this composer." Marshall C. Kimball, Marietta Senior High School, Ohio

"You will not be able to simply teach, play, or conduct Steve's music. Upon experiencing it you will be pulled into a musical world that is unlike any other. His music has driven my students AND myself to perform at emotional levels we did not even know existed! My sincere thanks for what YOU have done for us!" Mickey Stisher, LaPorte High School, Indiana

"I was introduced to Stormworks Music via Stephen Melillo's Without Warning - An Overture for the Uncommon Band and was thoroughly impressed with the excitement the music generated. This is music for the musicians and the audience. John F. Maltester, Los Medanos College, Pittsburg, California

"Steve, We have been playing GIVING for almost two months now, just on and off, and if the kids had their way, we'd keep playing for the next two years! They absolutely love it! (However, I've assured them that there are plenty more STORMWORKS for us to tackle in the future) Since our performance of GIVING my phone is consistently ringing with questions about you. No one in this area has played STORMMUSIC before. And so, when I started working on GIVING, I wanted so much for the kids to like it. I wanted them to get the same goose bumps that STORMWORKS gives me! Not knowing how to make them like it, I just let the music speak for itself. We read it straight through one time, no stops. It was rusty. I spent the next several minutes talking about how to perform STORMWORKS effectively. I also read the dedication to them, and explained what it meant to me (being a student of Dr. Joe's and all!) We read it again. WOW! It was amazing! I had never felt so moved on the podium before! And as the last chord resolved and the sound died away, something "magical" happened, and every one of their faces just lit up with joy and excitement. I knew then that they felt the way I do about your music! Godspeed!" Chris Day, Assistant Graduate Conductor, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale

"I have been a teacher since 1976, and our ensembles have played with the best. No one has made an impression on our students, parents and community like this piece, THE FOUNTAINHEAD, and this man. I still feel like I know a lot less about music than I need to - but I know this: If in fact music REALLY IS what cannot be expressed with words... this man writes real music. Our premiere of The Fountainhead was the most powerful moment in time I have ever experienced. A performance that was "sold out" a full week in advance, a wonderful week of preparation with the composer that created an aura about the piece,interaction with a man - as a composer, a conductor and more importantly, a teacher - who believes intensely in his message, and as a result, captured the hearts and minds of the young people who were involved in the premiere. This was, and remains, the most powerful musical experience of my time as a teacher of music. When you want to do something your students will: learn from, love, practice, give their total hearts and souls to : play Steve's music. We all thank Steve for the special experience that, even three years later, remains intensely special to our students, our parents and our community." William Palange, Oswego High School, New York

"The most emotionally INTENSE Music I have ever played is YOURS." Jon Pearce, Austin Road Elementary School

"Fine bands everywhere will relish these musical journeys into emotion, power, and excitement. My students are captivated by your creativity." Stephen L. Hand, Barbe High School, Lake Charles, LA

"... he's a passionate composer. You can hear that in his work." Lt. Col. Richard A. Shelton, Past Commander, USAF Band of Flight

"These works are truly unique... they don't sound like most 'band music'. I recommend them to you very highly." Dr. Johnnie Vinson, Auburn University, Alabama

"Passionate, brilliant and visionary describe Stephen Melillo and his music. His music is intensely exciting, unique and beautiful. It's music that will inspire and educate. Commission him, play his music now... He's HOT!" Captain Larry H. Lang, Commander, The Heritage of America Band

"Seldom do you find a composer capable of communicating with such drive, passion and excitement. I look forward to each new venture with unabashed anticipation. In his music you will find elements to challenge your performers and bring your audience to emotional heights rarely attained." Robert A. Pouliot, "Stormworks" Premier Conductor

"I recently judged the Alabama Bandmasters Association State concert band festival and heard two bands perform Stormworks. I was absolutely enthralled. I believe it to be one of the truly refreshing new pieces for the band idiom." Dr. Bentley Shellahamer, Assistant Dean & Professor of M.Ed, Florida State University

"Steve, I have been a band director for 26 years. Your music has motivated my students to work harder on their parts than anything I have passed out for several years. We have an outstanding percussion section and those students also are challenged and motivated by your music." Martin Becker, Warsaw Bands, Indiana

"Relentless Energy! Sensitive Passion. Unyielding, Spine-Chilling Excitement! Stephen Melillo's music has affected my students and audiences like no other... no other." Keith Hodgson, Music Educator, Percussionist

"I have been a band director for 17 years and I have seldom experienced the excitement, energy and anticipation in my young musicians that your work inspires. It was a thrill to hear cars leaving the lot blasting your music instead of the latest MTV hit of the week. I can say with full confidence that in 25 years your music will top the list of music which has had the most impact on them. I feel that the most important impact is in building their confidence to take on a work that SOUNDS beyond their perceived ability level. I told the kids about A WALK IN JURASSIC PARK and they said, BRING IT ON! Maybe we've gotten too confident, BUT ISN'T THAT GREAT!" Randall Lamb, Newark HS Bands, Ohio

"We performed Stormworks at the Virginia Music Educator's conference this weekend and I've spent the entire morning writing letters to band directors who want to know how to purchase it!" Dr. Terry Austin, Professor of Music, Virginia Commonwealth University

"There once was a time when desiring to have my music students experience the pure passion of music, I would play examples of Brahms, Tchaikowski, and of course, Mahler. Now, when I wish my students to perform or listen to great lush romantic colors and textures, from an individual with a true relentless passion for music, I have them experience the Music of Stephen Melillo. From the simple and childlike, to the unbelievably sophisticated, Steve's music expresses the true dichotomy of music - true feelings & emotions with technical and aural challenges for any age of performer. I am honored to have premiered some of his music and even more grateful that I can call Steve a true friend. Bravo - and I can't wait until the next composition." G. James Miller III, Frank Scott Bunnell HS, Stratford CT.

"It has been some time since I picked up a trumpet. In fact, it has been years since I was in high school band. Since then, I've joined the military and have done a lot of things and seen a lot of places. Mostly, I've heard a lot of music, ranging from opera to punk to country to ska. However, nothing I have listened to can come close to the intensity and the passion of your music. Thank you, Mr. Melillo, for making my high school years be memorable and rewarding. Sincerely," Kevin S. Miller, ET2/SS, USN, USS Miami (SSN 755)