Concert Program

Concert Band
Abington Ridge by Huckeby
Abington Ridge (1989) is a light, energetic piece written for a developing band. Care should be taken that the exuberance of the melody not get out of control and that students perform with a light, clear, crisp style of articulation. The middle section should be flowing and played freely.

Above the World by Rob Grice
“Above the World was written as a celebration of special moments experienced by musicians and their music teachers. Above the World is dedicated to Cindy Lansford, director of North Ridge Middle School Band in Texas, for 30 years of dedication to teaching and touching many young lives with music!” -Rob Grice

Symphonic Band
St. Petersburg March by Johnnie Vinson
St. Petersburg, Russia, was founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703. Despite its relatively short life, St. Petersburg has a rich and exciting history. From the early days of Peter the Great’s “Venice of the North” to the modern event of the 1991 coup d’etat, the city has always bustled with life and intrigue, revolution and mystery. St. Petersburg March attempts to capture the spirit of this great city and its storied history.

A Childhood Hymn by David Holsinger
A Childhood Hymn by David R. Holsinger is based on the popular Christian hymn Jesus Loves Me. The song Jesus Loves Me is a combination of words written by Anna Bartlett Warner, and music by William Batchelder Bradbury. The words first appeared in the 1860 book “Say and Seal” which was written by Warner’s sister Susan.

Achilles’ Wrath by Sean O’Loughlin
Achille’s Wrath was written to accompany an annual school production based on Homer’s classic epic The Iliad. This piece of music is a unique retelling of an age-old tale of Achille’s wrath, vengeance and heroic deeds. The strong, forceful pace is maintained throughout as the story of Achilles is depicted.

Wind Ensemble
March of the Belgian Paratroopers by Leemans arr. Swearingen
Having served in the Belgian Army during World War I, Pieter Leemans was encouraged by his regimental commander to write a march. Although initiated, the work was never completed. However, in 1945, Leemans was inspired to write a new march following dinner with a group of Belgian paratroopers. As their commanding officer, Major Timmerman, drove Leemans home that evening, the former march melody came to mind. Shortly thereafter, Leemans was able to complete the work in a minimum of time, for as he explained, “Like all successful music, this tune came from my pen as water out of a fountain.”

On a Hymnsong of Philip Bliss by David Holsinger
“On A Hymnsong Of Philip Bliss”, by David Holsinger, is based on the 1876 Philip Bliss/Horatio Spafford hymn, “It is Well with my Soul”. The lyrics were written after several traumatic events in Spafford’s life. The first was the death of his only son, shortly followed by the great Chicago Fire which ruined him financially. Then he had planned to travel to Europe with his family on ship, but sent them ahead while he was delayed on business. While crossing the Atlantic, the ship sank after a collision with a sailing ship, and all four of Spafford’s daughters died. His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, “Saved alone.” Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write this hymn as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.

Incantations by Robert W. Smith
Robert W. Smith is one of the most popular and prolific composers of concert band and orchestral literature in America today. Mr. Smith’s credits include many compositions and productions in all areas of the music field. His original works for winds and percussion have been programmed by countless military, university, high school, and middle school bands throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, South America and Asia. Incantations is filled with sharp intense images and exciting rhythms indicative of contemporary writing for concert band. The inner drive topped with great splashes of color will identify the bold strokes of the composer.