Program Notes

Galop Festivo
By Randall Standridge

Galop Festivo is a gallop that draws inspiration from both Shostakovich and Saint-Sans while channeling Mr. Standridge’s personal touch.  It is loud at times, light at others, boisterous, and graceful.  The work is intended to evoke a spirit of celebration and frivolity. 

Galop Festivo was commissioned by the Central Florida Sounds of Freedom Band & Color Guard to commemorate 10 years of promoting acceptance and equality through quality entertainment and fellowship.

Through the Storm

By JaRod Hall

Through the Storm encapsulates the anticipation, serenity, calamity, chaos and majesty of a harsh winter storm.  Inspired by the Texas “deep freeze” in February 2021, the work begins as all winter storms do – with the foreboding first fallen flake.  At times, the majesty of the storm can be quite breathtaking, but as more instruments add in, we are quickly drawn to the volatile nature of the storm, both strong and violent.  Things calm down a bit as we reach the eye of the storm, before an urgent groove leads us charging towards the eyewall – the most dangerous part of the storm.  The storm swells to its most aggressive episodes, rising to the biggest impact of the night.  Then, almost as quickly as it came, the storm begins to recede.  The winds slow down, snow falls slowly through the night air.  We have finally made it through the storm.

Mr. Hall is an alumni of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and has been a great clinician, composer and friend to the Blalack Band the last 6 years.

The Count’s Lament and Tarantella

By Marty Nelson

The Count's Lament and Tarantella band arrangement was originally written as one of twelve solos in Scenes from the Cape, which is dedicated to the composer’s brother, Jerry Nelson, who was a musician and puppeteer with The Muppets. Each solo in the collection introduces young musicians to different musical styles representing various locales in Cape Cod.

The Count's Lament and Tarantella was inspired by Jerry’s Sesame Street character, Count Von Count. The solo begins with a somewhat mournful but jazzy lament, depicting a scene in the Count’s castle where he is pining for his love, the Countess. As he counts all the wonderful times he has shared with his lady friend, his melancholy mood soon gives way to a lively dance ... and lots of bats! A reprise of the lament is followed by a cadenza. The piece ends with a return to the tarantella, which fades away as the Count continues to reminisce and count all of his blessings. Ah! Ah! Ah!

Mr. Nelson is a resident of Carrollton, TX and has been a great friend and mentor to Mr. Marshall.

Dance of the Garden Gnomes

By Patrick Roszell

Imagine when no one is home, or no one is looking, the garden gnomes come to life! They dance, they tumble, they protect the flower and vegetable gardens from unwelcome intruders. When their work is done and the sun has faded into the distance, they slumber in their beautiful gardens. However, not everyone is slumbering away; one or two gnomes may be afoot with mischievous intent. Eventually, the sun begins to rise on a new day, and the gnomes celebrate and protect their gardens once again.

Song of Gratitude

By Thomas Doss

Song of Gratitude was written for an old friend.  Many friendships that start off at a young age last for life and thus form a sort of connecting thread throughout one’s existence.  In this particular work, this notion is mirrored in a short motif that expands more and more and becomes more passionate until it finally settles down in a thankful closing passage.

The Trombone King

By Karl L. King

The Trombone King was published in 1945 and was dedicated to Charlie Toops, a trombonist and bandmaster in Wilmington, Ohio. As might be expected, the trombone part rarely calms down during this march – or any King march, for that matter.  King lived the boyhood dream that most only dream of as a kid.  He literally ran away to join the circus!  There he became a virtuous baritone player and had his first compositions published at the age of 17.  He went on to become a famous circus bandmaster and band conductor.