fanfares for friends

Program Note

In thinking about the nature of both Kappa Kappa Psi and Tau Beta Sigma, it occurred to me that honoring the service of those who mentored and inspired each subsequent generation is at the very core of their missions. In that spirit, I have written fanfares to celebrate two people who have profoundly influenced my life.

The first fanfare is entitled, “A Fanfare for Gary.” Gary Green has devoted his entire life to the belief that a group of people chasing a beautiful musical moment is one of the things that make life worth living. He radiates goodness and possesses a perpetually curious spirit. I am so grateful that he is my friend.

The second fanfare is entitled, “A Fanfare for Joe.” I know that Shoeless Joe Jackson—who has been dead since 1951—seems an unlikely friend for a 21st-century composer from Atlanta. But Joe, who was banned from major league baseball as part of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal and served as the protagonist of my opera, The Fix, has long inspired me with his sheer greatness and his tragic downfall. While his life may serve as a kind of requiem for the American dream, this fanfare imagines him at the height of his greatness and the dream that might have been.

Fanfares for Friends was commissioned by Kappa Kappa Psi, National Band Fraternity, and Tau Beta Sigma, National Band Sorority for the 2019 National Intercollegiate Band, Jerry Junkin conducting.

Piccolo
3 Flutes
2 Oboes
3 Clarinets (at least 6 players)
Bass Clarinet
2 Bassoons
Contrabassoon
2 Alto Saxophones
1 Tenor Saxophone
1 Baritone Saxophone
4 Trumpets
4 Horns
2 Trombones
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba

Double Bass
Piano

Percussion (5 with an optional 6th player)

https://www.billholabmusic.com/rent-music/

Recording from UNCG with Kevin Geraldi conducting