Travis J. Weller

Two new works are now up on my compositions page. Yankee Overture, recorded by the GCC Wind Ensemble, and Romance for Winds, recorded by the Westminster College Wind Ensemble are both under publication review. Yankee Overture is a rousing concert opener based upon the folk song “Yankee Doodle”. “Romance for Winds” is a bit of a departure from some of my other songs stylistically, but pretty true to my orchestration tendencies. It is dedicated to my wife Beth, who without her love, support, and care, I could never have arrived at this point in my life. My thanks also to Dr. Arnold at GCC and Dr. Greig at Westminster – I appreciate their willingness to read and record this music with their students and making the recordings available. Enjoy!

            What does it mean to say a school is making “adequate yearly progress”? What is the value of a standardized test that produces an aggregate score for a group of students in one school and has it compared in the local newspaper against scores from another? How does student performance on a standardized exam relate to future vocational aspirations? Are teachers really able to teach skills necessary for success in future student endeavors or are they simply trying to teach concepts that will enable students to pass a standardized examination? Read more…

I don’t even know where to begin after the last 30 days, but it has been exciting, thought-provoking, reflective, and emotional. Read more…

What an exhilirating feeling today at approximately 2:10 p.m! It was a wonderful moment that I can only compare to feelings I had as my own children were brought into this world.  The students of the PMEA District 5 Band under the direction of Jack Anderson finished a run-through on “Moravian Dance” and I could only tell them “Play well, love music, and support each other”.  Their performance – and they still have another day of rehearsal! – was precisely what I had hoped for in this song.  Jack’s interpretation, the musicians care and attention to the subtle nuances of articulations and dynamic changes, the passion, energy, and emotion that permeated the lines - I am so proud of the kids, I am indebted to Jack and all my colleagues of PMEA District 5 for their support, and am eagerly looking forward to the concert on Friday evening.  It is a rush to hear musicians breathe life into music like they did with conviction, courage, and clarity.  To be short – I couldn’t have said it better myself. Bravo students and thank you Jack!

It has been a unique spring to say the least – I cannot remember a time that I have been busier with writing, guest conducting, concerts, teaching, and traveling.  I am constantly humbled by colleagues both near and far who have selected “American Visions” for performance with their group.  While there are program notes in the score, I feel led to provide the full story that sparked this piece into being.  Some of it was written over my life-time, but I did not know how to say it.  It is a piece about America, a piece about my father, and the composer I am trying to become. Read more…