Four Vermont Prints

During the 2009-2010 school year, the RHS Symphonic Band commissioned the composition of a new piece of band music.  This piece was specifically written for the RHS Band by Dr. Gene Milford, senior lecturer in music at The University of Akron (OH).  Dr. Milford is one of Mr. Barnett's former professors.

The resulting piece, entitled "Four Vermont Prints," is a four movement suite inspired by some of the things that Vermont is known for, with each movement portraying a different aspect of the state:  covered bridges, meeting houses, an evening snowfall, and the Green Mountain Boys.  Dr. Milford took great care to include some melodies native to the state, such as "The Rifles of Bennington" and hymn tunes used at a Vermont singing school, in addition to his own original material.  "Four Vermont Prints" is slated to be published in early 2011 for worldwide distribution.

UPDATE:

Two years after the premiere of Four Vermont Prints, Daehn Publications began to publish the music for worldwide distribution under the title "Suite for Band:  New England Sketches."  The title was altered to have a "broader appeal," feeling the original Vermont Prints title was too regional for mass marketing.  The name may have changed, but the music, including the titles of each movement, remain the same.  

Dr. Milford rehearses the band in preparation for the March 11, 2010 concert.

The composition was premiered by the Rutland High School Symphonic Band on March 11, 2010 at the "Music In Our Schools Month" Band Concert in Keefe Gymnasium.  Click on the links below to listen to each movement.

FOUR VERMONT PRINTS

I.   Covered Bridge

II.  Meeting House

III. Evening Snow

IV. Green Mountain Boys