Program Notes

John Philip Sousa completed Belle of Chicago on July 23, 1892, one week before his discharge from the Marine Corps. After his discharge, Sousa formed his own civilian band, based in Chicago. Sousa intended this piece to be a salute to the women of Chicago. As many are aware, Sousa did not play his marches as written, but rather added his own enhanced musical nuances and alterations in order to give his performances a unique and exciting character. Arranger Frank Byrne conducted research combining early editions as well performance notes from members of Sousa’s band in order to create an authentic, musically accurate arrangement of this renowned march. 

Variations on Scarborough Fair was first published in 1989 by Calvin Custer. Scarborough is a small town on the coast of England. The “Scarborough Fair” was a popular gathering in Medieval times, attracting traders and entertainers from all over the country. The piece “Scarborough Fair” became a traditional English ballad about the town that people would sing as they traveled throughout. Custer’s orchestration starts with a solo flute stating the folk melody, then is followed by many variations including a brass choir accompanied by woodwind flourishes. This is followed by an andante variation featuring the woodwind choir accompanying solos by euphonium and oboe, and then leads to a striking fugue variation and bold finish. 

The term “sunchaser” or “chase the sun” can have various meanings, depending on the context. For example, in aviation, if a pilot heading west flies fast enough so that the sun does not move on the horizon, he is a sunchaser. The term can also mean chasing after something that’s rather unattainable, or it can refer to someone who is quite idealistic or inspirational.

Chambers chose this title because she simply loves the sun and the energy it provides people and all of nature. On a deeper level, Chambers likes to think more in terms of following dreams and trying to reach lofty goals. Even though some of these goals may seem out of reach at times, the journey definitely makes us stronger and is often the best part! The opening few measures are meant to portray the dawn of a new day, which quickly turns into a spirited adventure full of energy and life.

Hi! was written in memory of a Flower Mound McKamy Middle School band student named Hirotu Kobukai who sadly passed away.

The composer wrote the following about this piece:

“As music honoring a departed loved one is generally of an emotional nature, I was thrilled (and taken aback to be honest) at the request that the piece be upbeat and jovial. During the creative process, images of this energetic young man greeting everyone he met with an enthusiastic “Hi!” constantly permeated my thoughts. The title of the work draws inspiration from Hirotu’s signature greeting and quite coincidentally, the first two letters of his name! The piece begins subtly with percussion and gradually blossoms into engaging melodic lines and a rich harmonic concentration. The music ends as subtly as it begins with an alto saxophone solo in honor of Hirotu, as this was his instrument."

This energetic concert piece is based on an early American melody called Jubilee, and is meant to capture the joy and reverence evident in early American sacred harp singing. It begins with an exciting burst of sound that moves to a peaceful and hopeful section of music that has a ceaseless motor in the percussion parts to keep the piece gradually building to another apex. The slower middle section builds a sense of awe that you might feel when standing before something bigger than just yourself, before building to a joyful and exciting ending.  

Imagine that every day holds the possibility of hope. Imagine that every day holds the possibility of goodness and love. Imagine that every day holds the potential for creation. Standridge states these are the ideas that spawned Earthdawn. This work paints the picture of a lush landscape that begins to wake as the first rays of sunlight bring its colors to life. The opening segment is calm, but holds a sense of anticipation as the instruments enter one by one, adding their voices to the growing chorus. Finally, a primal scream signals the beginning of a celebration. The rest of the work is a dance for the Earth and all who inhabit it.