Seconds Out
Samuel R. Hazo
Grade: 2+
2013
Program Notes:
The term "seconds out" is often misunderstood. As a historical reference, it is used in the sport of boxing just before the boxers are about to begin to fight. It is an order, by the referee, that all coaches, trainers, etc. leave the ring. In other words, helpers (or seconds) must be out. At this point, it is all up to the fighters to rise to the challenge alone.
When I was asked to write a piece for Canonsburg Middle School, the oldest of my own children was in middle school. That really helped to shape the meaning behind this piece. Middle school is the last true opportunity for parents to be parents. By the time students are in high school, much of the "parenting" has been done and the basic life-lessons taught up to that point need to be understood. The emphasis parents have placed on work habits, helping others, decisions of conscience, etc. are either present, or they are not. Once high school hits, it is time for the youth to show what they can do alone, relying on how they have been prepared. It is literally "seconds out." This piece provides a musical description of the challenges and victories of adolescent life.
Seconds Out was commissioned by the Canonsburg Middle School band of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; Mr. Paul Rush, Conductor.
About the Composer:
(b. 1966) Samuel R. Hazo resides in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with his wife and children. Mr. Hazo remains the only winner of both composition contests sponsored by the National Band Association. He has composed for the professional, university and public school levels in addition to writing original scores for television, radio and the stage. Mr. Hazo was asked by the Newtown School District to compose the memorial for the children and women who were lost in the tragedy at their Sandy Hook Elementary School. The result was a major work for Choir, Orchestra and Wind Band combined titled "Glorificare.” Mr. Hazo also composed "Bridges," which he was requested to write by Virginia Tech University following their tragic shootings. In 2012, two of Mr. Hazo's compositions were performed at the London Summer Olympic Games. His compositions have been performed and recorded world-wide. Additionally, numerous titles of Mr. Hazo's works are included in the series "Teaching Music Through Performance in Band." He has served as composer-inresidence at Craig Kirchhoff’s University of Minnesota Conducting Symposium and has also lectured on music and music education at universities and high schools internationally. Mr. Hazo was twice named “Teacher of Distinction” by the southwestern Pennsylvania Teachers’ Excellence Foundation.