Mixed Emotions

A short 3 minute piece for pipe organ or organ and trumpet to be used at funerals and memorial services. It incorporates themes from "Taps", "Pomp and Circumstance," and "Blesst Be the Tie That Binds." The themes suggest that this is a final "graduation." The music may be especially appropriate for services for people who had academic careers. This piece was premiered by organist Craig Hanson on May 14, 2011 at a memorial service in Corvallis, Oregon for James Simpson.

I also have a version suitable for performance by a brass quintet (two trumpets, French horn, two trombones and or baritones) which I will send out by request.

Selected verses which could be printed in the service program:

Taps: Thanks and praise, for our days

'neath the sun, 'neath the stars, 'neath the sky,

As we go, this we know, God is nigh.

Blesst Be The Tie That Binds:

When we asunder part

it gives us inward pain;

but we shall still be joined in heart,

and hope to meet again.