The East Stroudsburg Area School District Instrumental Music Department upholds that students working with contemporary composers of band literature is an important learning experience in their music education.
The Instrumental Department Commission Series has provided that opportunity to all levels of East Stroudsburg band members for decades, garnering national recognition for commissioning quality works for band, elementary through high school levels, many of which go into publication.
2025 Gotham Nights by Scott Watson (North 5th Grade)
Kittatinny Ridge by Laura Estes (South High School)
2024 Starlight Adventures by Adrian B. Sims (Lehman 7/8th Grade)
Beach Story by Michael Story (South 5th Grade)
2023 Orpheus in the Underworld by Jeremy Bell (JTL 6th Grade)
Celtic Air and Celebration by Brian Balmages (North High School)
2022 Lionheart by Michael Story (North 5th Grade)
2021 Stand Tall, Stand Strong by Scott Watson (Lehman 6th Grade)
Resurgence by William Owens (South High School)
2020 Shadowlands by Ayatey Shabazz (Lehman 7/8th Grade)
Reflections on Mama Sea Turtle by Heather Hoefle (South 5th Grade)
2019 Thrash by Randall D. Standridge (North High School)
Wind on the Mountain by Elena Roussanova (JTL 6th Grade)
2018 The Great Pennsylvania Special by Robert W. Smith (North 5th Grade)
Andromeda by David Gillingham (JTL 7/8th Grade)
2017 Ablaze by Jack Wilds (Lehman 6th Grade)
Our Reply by Carl Holmquist (South High School)
2016 Fuego de la Pasion by Quincy Hilliard (Lehman 7/8th Grade)
Variations on a Civil War Tune by Michael Story (South 5th Grade)
2015 Red Rock Mountain by Rossano Galante (North High School)
Selkie (A Scottish Legend) by Johnnie Vinson (JTL 6th Grade)
2014 Escape in Time by Rob Grice (North 5th Grade)
Appalachian Folk Dream by Timothy Mahr (JTL 7/8th Grade)
2013 Dansbury Run by Michael Sweeney (Lehman 6th Grade)
Junket by Jack Stamp (South High School)
2012 Flash Flood by Chris Bernotas (Lehman 7/8th Grade)
When Men and Mountains Meet by Scott Watson (South 5th Grade)
2011 The Bells by Andrew Boysen (North High School)
On Cliff’s Edge by Christopher Tucker (JTL 6th Grade)
2010 Siege of the Dark Castle by Travis Weller (North 5th Grade)
Bright Sunny Days by Andrew Boysen (JTL 7/8 th Grade)
2009 Jubilations! by William Owens (Lehman 6th Grade)
Fantasy on American Folk Songs by Dwayne Milburn (South High School)
2008 Monroe County Crossing by Stephen Bulla (South 5th Grade)
Electricity by Brian Balmages (Lehman 7/8th Grade)
2007 Simple Gifts – A Shaker Hymn by Elliot Del Borgo (JTL 6th Grade)
Emergence by Kimberly K. Archer (North High School)
2006 Scenes from Terezin by Jack Stamp (JTL 7/8th Grade)
Pocono Playground by Steve Reisteter (North 5th Grade)
2005 Ancient Blessings by Charles R. Young (South High School)
Aztec by Erik Morales (Lehman 6th Grade)
2004 Incantation and Ritual by Brian Balmages (South 5th Grade)
Last Rose of Summer by Quincy Hilliard (Lehman 7/8th Grade)
2003 Dance of the Thunderbolts by Larry Clark (JTL 6th Grade)
2002 Charlotte Doyle’s Voyage by Timothy Broege (JTL 7/8th Grade)
2000 Voyager by Robert Maggio (High School)
1999 Suite: Land Beyond the River by Les Taylor (5th Grade)
1998 Echoes from the Past by Douglas Court (JTL 6th Grade)
1997 Fantasia from an Irish Hymn by John O’Reilly (JTL 7/8th Grade)
1996 Reverence for Life by Frank Erickson (High School)
1995 Japanese Festival by Quincy Hilliard (Elementary)
1994 Ovations by Andrew Boysen (High School)
1987 Dramatic Legend by Elliot Del Borgo (Junior High)
1985 Hymn & Contrapunctus by Elliot Del Borgo (Elementary)
Triptich II by Elliot Del Borgo (Junior High)
Sinfonia Marziale by Elliot Del Borgo (High School)
1981 Peanuts Suite by Sy Brandon (Junior High)
1975 Transformations by John Eaton (High School)
1973 Super Salute by Richard Matlby (High School)
1970 Concerto for Eb Alto Saxophone & Band by Wayne Barlow (High School)
This site is incomplete, and a constant work in progress. We are hoping to add listening links and other information about the commissions. Updates coming as time allows.
High School Commissions
Middle School Commissions
Elementary Commissions