President’s Day (as it became known in after the 1971 Uniform Monday Holiday Act) was first established in 1885 to recognize the birthday of the first President of the United States, George Washington (History.com editors, 2010). While the bill was being considered by Congress, it was proposed that Washington’s Birthday be renamed President’s Day as a way to pay tribute […]
Dear Friends and Colleagues in the Band World, I hope this message finds you safe, healthy, rested, and resilient. It is hard to completely fathom what all of us in education have come through over the past five months. However, tracking music educators on various social media platforms confirmed what I know to be true: you are creative, responsive, and […]
I am eagerly awaiting the debut of “Fanfare for Years to Come” tonight by good friend Dr. Joseph M. Pisano and the Grove City College Wind Ensemble. I wrote the work for Joe and the students in the Grove City College Band as part of my appearance there this weekend on their annual Parents Weekend Concert. The fanfare uses the […]
Pleased to announce that “Let Them Soar!” is now available from Bandworks Publications! This new dynamic work for young band celebrates the amazing performances that young musicians are able to produce. It reminds director, student, and audience alike how important opportunities in the performing arts are for young musicians. Bold and energetic themes are contrasted against subtle textures in this triumphant anthem […]
I am pleased to announce that my new work for young band “Dancing Under the Stars” will be released this summer by Bandworks Publications. This works is intended for a Junior High or Middle School Concert Band. I have always admired people with the courage to “dance like no one is watching”, and this piece is somewhat analogous to that idea both […]
