Central York – The Return
Eight years ago Jim Martini and Rick Worley invited me to the Central York School District to work with their band program and conduct in their March concert. Never did I realize that my path would turn, and I would end up teaching in higher education at a school nearby and work with one of their colleagues – Jon Moyer. The anticipation of traveling there and working with their students, and reflecting upon the time there have not diminished. Jim, Rick and Jon do a fantastic job at Central York, and their district and community are fortunate to have such great music educators taking care of their band program.
I am eager to conduct “Lonely Travelers” with Jon’s elementary band. It was to debut with Dennis Emert’s elementary group in April of 2020 with the PMEA Conference…but we all know how that went. I am especially proud of the piece despite the limited exposure first. Rick’s group is doing “Festival of Flight” and a commission debut written for Ken Matthews. Ken Matthews was a music teacher and band director at Central York School District in York, PA, from 1968 until his retirement in 2003. Ken started the Central York Junior High Colonial Fife and Drum Corps., and he was still involved in the planning of the corps’ 50th anniversary at the time of his sudden death in July of 2020. Entitled “Handcar Fantasisa” the piece makes use of the fife tune “Paddy on a Handcar”. It is a sonic tribute to a man who possessed a limitless zest for life.
The CYHS Concert Band will perform “Festival and Ballade for Winds“, my first piece published with Wingert-Jones, and “Yankee Fanfare“, published with Grand Mesa. I was honored when Jim asked me to write for the 10th Anniversary of the York County HS Honor Band and Guest Conduct the Festival. Just weeks before the world shut down in 2020, it was a great experience. The piece went so well, and I am thankful for the care the directors put into making sure the students were ready. I am excited to revisit the work for the first time since that festival, and eager to hear what the CYHS Symphonic Band can do with “A Festival Celebration“.
My words then (2014), ring as true now:
“It is a short window of time that I can share part of my journey with these young musicians. I hope that through our interaction, communication, and shared creation of aural art that they can build upon the musical training they have already received.” – Their directors are great leaders, musicians, educators and people. The directors and the students have done the heavy lifting.
“I am reminded to meet these students where they are, focus on how they can become more aware and intuitive musicians through our rehearsals, and be positive and encouraging to them in their decision to perform in band.” – Never has this statement been more true for all directors and bands. Schools need bands. Bands give students purpose, insight, and joy. I would only add I hope we find joy together!
“I hope they learn from me. I hope I learn from them. I hope our shared experience creates another positive ripple on the this part of the pond for instrumental music education. Let’s get to it Central York!” – I am so thankful for this opportunity to once again share and learn from the great teachers and students at Central York. Life, Love, Music!
