The Uncle I Never Knew
James Anderson
James Anderson is a composer of acoustic and electroacoustic mediums, as well as a guitarist. He holds a Master of Music from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Music from Western Washington University. His music recently has been featured in the 2016 NJSO Edward T. Cone Composition Institute.
The Uncle I Never Knew is dedicated to the memory of my father's brother, Jim Graham, who served in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He later developed skin cancer and died before I was born. I am named after him, and I wrote this piece to honor his memory.
First to Serve!
David Avshalomov
Composer/conductor/singer David Avshalomov writes in a neo-Romantic, modern-tonal style, with a lyric gift and rhythmic vitality. His works for choirs, voice, chamber ensembles, band, and orchestra are performed across the US and Europe, recorded on Albany and Naxos, earn multiple regional commissions and national awards. Honored Artist: American Prize 2014.
This high-energy fanfare-march is a salute to those who jump up and rush to help when disaster or misfortune strikes. This is a special kind of service–that of the first responder. This music is heroic; the middle section hints at danger. The ending is an exuberant burst of pride.
Rescue
Sy Brandon
Dr. Sy Brandon is a professor emeritus of music from Millersville University. His awards include WITF-FM's 25th Anniversary Composition Contest and Franklin and Marshall College’s Wind Ensemble Composition Contest. He is the recipient of the 2018 Thor Johnson Memorial Commission sponsored by the Delta Omicron Foundation.
Rescue is written in honor of all military personnel and first responders involved in rescue operations. Intense sections of horror alternate with sections reflecting rescue workers scurrying to assist. The piece ends triumphantly indicating the success of the rescue operation.
Duty Calls!
Steve Cohen
Steve Cohen received his training at the Manhattan, Eastman and Juilliard Schools of Music, and has composed a large catalog of symphonic, chamber, liturgical and musical-theater pieces. His choral music is published by Transcontinental Music, and his chamber works have been recorded on the Centaur and Eclectra record labels.
“Duty Calls!” was inspired by the courage and dedication of first responders. These brave people embody the highest ideals of our society, regularly putting their lives on the line in service of humanity. They don’t wear capes or costumes, but they are real-life superheroes. This fanfare is in their honor.
Urgency!
Harrison J. Collins
I am a 16 year old sophomore at Little Elm High School. I live in Little Elm, Tx (DFW Metroplex). I have been composing for about two years. I published my first piece through Grand Mesa Music in the summer of 2015.
Urgency! is a quick piece that portrays the action of the jobs of servicemen and women. It opens with the emulated sound of sirens approaching from the distance as servicemen rush in to do their jobs. They do their job and the piece ends as quickly as it began.
Salute
Cindi Hsu
“Cindi Hsu’s powerful music has incredible depth and perception into the human soul. It is poetry without words.” Her music has been performed in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Ms. Hsu resides in NYC where she is on the composition and piano faculty of Music Conservatory of Westchester.
Having been living in America for more than two decades, “Salute” reflects my deep appreciation for this country, and for the men and women who serve to protect freedom and prosperity with their bravery, dedication, and sacrifice.
The Torch
Nicholas Ryan Kelly
Nicholas Ryan Kelly (M.M., University of British Columbia) is an American-Canadian composer who draws inspiration from science, nature, and speculative fiction. Commended by the Vancouver Sun for his “sophisticated work of such immediate, glittery appeal,” he writes lush, melodic music for bands, orchestras, and choirs throughout North America.
The Torch commemorates the service performed by scientists, reflecting on science's role as both a “torch” that illuminates our place in the universe and a “torch” passed through time, as each generation builds upon previous discoveries. The music embodies both of these roles, progressively building in both complexity and confidence.
Responders
George David Kieffer
George David Kieffer is an author, composer, attorney and civic leader living in Los Angeles, Ca. Mr. Kieffer's Memorial Day composition, "Arlington," debuted with the Gulf Coast Symphony Orchestra in 2014. His "Fanfare for the Special Olympics" was selected as the fanfare for the Los Angeles Special Olympics,2015.
Responders is an inspirational salute to those who answer the call for public service, whether it is service to neighbors or to our communities or to our nation, whether in war or peace. Where there is a need, they respond.
Servants in Action - The Angels of 9/11
Alan Kinningham
Alan Kinningham serves as Assistant Professor of Music at Freed-Hardeman University where he teaches music theory, composition, songwriting, digital music, and orchestration. In his second career, he is a retired middle/high school band director with over thirty years experience in Tennessee public schools.
“Servants in Action” captures the intensity of the hours the first responders experienced in the aftermath of the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon. The heroism and sacrifice of life attempting to save victims is portrayed through dramatic imagery of the rhythm and mood of the music.
Uncommon Valor
Anthony O'Toole
Anthony O’Toole holds a B.A. in Music Theory and Composition from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and a M.M. of Composition from George Mason University. He has composed more than 100 works and has written for virtually every major idiom and instrument.
The men and women who serve their country are the protectors, caretakers, and humanitarians - the people who put others before themselves and possess a certain innate sense of duty and sacrifice. 'Uncommon Valor' portrays musically the strength in adversity and bravery under pressure that these special individuals exhibit.
Salute
David R. Peoples
David Peoples enjoys writing commissions for groups ranging from orchestras to soloists. His voice combines diverse styles with a dash of the unexpected. He studied composition with Kamran Ince and Jack Cooper at the University of Memphis and currently teaches composition at the University of North Georgia.
This piece is a metaphorical salute. It is a gesture of respect and honor for those that respond to the call to serve others. The piece begins with a dignified and bold salute, reflects on kind services rendered, and a final intense gesture of recognition.
Valor
James Peterson
James Peterson was educated at the UCLA School of Music and is an adjunct faculty member at Santa Monica/Emeritus College. His concert work Moving Images Suite was featured at the 82nd Annual Academy Awards. In 2016 he received a premiere by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra of his work “Americana.”
Service, to first responders,the police, and the military requires bravery. “Valor” endeavors to embody the heroism these fine men and women exhibit daily.
Fanfare: In the Service
Bradley Sampson
Bradley Sampson, 24, is an emerging composer from Provo, Utah. He is also a music educator and is involved in the marching arts. His music style combines 20th century elements with traditional harmony.
Fanfare: In the Service is a brief tribute to the greater good that we can achieve through everyday acts of kindness. It utilizes a 12-tone row which is dissonant at first, but becomes a beautiful melody when properly supported. Dedicated to the West Point Band, May 2016.
Call to Service
Richard G Smith
Richard Smith is a composer and saxophonist with degrees in composition from Berklee and the Manhattan School of Music. He studied privately with Hugo Norden, Joel Thome and Bob Brookmeyer. He has written numerous works for a variety of ensembles including: Orchestra, Wind Ensemble, Big Band, String Quartet and electronics.
The first idea that I wrote was the fanfare melody in the opening few measure. After working for a couple weeks, I realized that the first four notes were that same as notes 2-5 of Reveille. It seemed appropriate to add one more note and make it the opening call.
Invisible to The Rest
R. Andrew Yates
R. Andrew Yates holds a B.A. in Music from Mid-America Nazarene University. At age 19 he was appointed Assistant Conductor of The U.M.K.C. Wind Ensemble. Written arrangements for Marilyn Maye, The Kansas City Symphony, and famed trumpeter "Doc" Severinsen. His march, West Point’s 162nd is published by TRN Music.
Invisible to The Rest is a line taken from Walt Whitman’s “Drum-Taps”. The composer felt our brave servicemen and women are usually invisible to the citizens (the rest), but “rest” was also a noun seeking out those who serve our country. However, they are invisible to “The Rest”.
