Evan will have four new works for concert band premiered at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois this month, including one world premiere! Learn more about when and where you can hear these performances below!
Luminosities (world premiere)
To be performed by the Coppell HS Band, from Coppell, Texas, under the direction of Kim Shuttlesworth. Join us on Friday, December 22nd, at 4:15 pm in W375AB!
“Luminosities” is a flourish for wind ensemble evoking the immense energy, warmth, and vibrance of light itself. The title, derived from the word “luminescence”, signifies a spontaneous emission of light without a heat source.
This work is written in dedication to Laura Springer, a long-time leader within the Coppell community and current principal of Coppell High School.
The composer writes: “In learning more about Laura’s impact throughout her career, it became clear to me that she was a guiding light for a myriad of students who might otherwise be lost. Just as a bright light illuminates a darkened room, so does Laura Springer share her light without countless others, bringing them into her light, and helping them shine all on their own.”
Grade 5 | 2:30
Horizons Untold (fanfare for wind band)
To be performed the Marcus HS Band, from Flower Mound, Texas, under the direction of Jeffrey Jones. Join us on Wednesday, December 20th, at 4:15 pm in W375E!
Horizons Untold perfectly captures the excitement of possibilities unknown! In crafting this brief concert opener, the goal was to create an inspirational piece that resonates with performers and listeners in various ways. Some may envision a journey, gazing optimistically toward the horizon, while others may feel a sense of celebration. Additionally, the composition may evoke a patriotic sentiment in some. Regardless of personal interpretation, the soaring melodies, bold fanfares, and shimmering flourishes of the piece will captivate and energize the audience, setting the stage for an unforgettable concert experience!
Grade 5 | 1:54 | JWPepper Editors’ Choice Award 2023
Not So Silent Night
To be performed by the Keller MS Band, from Fort Worth, Texas, under the direction of David Puckett. Join us on Thursday, December 21st, at 4:30 pm in W375AB!
Every child imagines witnessing Santa Claus coming down the chimney, delivering presents under the tree, and enjoying milk and cookies. This programmatic work envisions a movie-like soundtrack to these events… until things take an unexpected turn.
Our scene begins with Santa descending down the chimney, cautiously taking in his new surroundings to avoid waking the home’s sleeping residents. He tiptoes around the house, humming Christmas tunes like “Silent Night,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Up on the Housetop” under his breath. Carefully placing the presents under the tree, he briefly pauses to ensure no one is awakened. As time passes, Santa becomes more comfortable with his surroundings, becoming less conscious of the noise he makes. Eventually, he breaks into full-throated merry singing as he continues his work.
Suddenly, Santa becomes very aware he’s not the only one in the room! Around the corner peers a newly awakened pet dog and not a friendly one! Panic sets in as Santa collects himself, and a full-blown chase breaks out as Santa makes for his exit! After a prolonged chase around the house, Santa makes his way up the chimney and out of the house! With a sense of relief, Santa and his reindeer fly off to the next house, where further antics no doubt await in what has become a Not So Silent Night.
Starting with a clever tango and ending with a cartoon-esque chase scene, this winter concert music will engage the imagination of your students and audience alike!
Grade 3 | 4:30 | JWPepper Editor’s Choice 2023
She Loves the Light
To be performed by the Canyon Vista MS Band, from Austin, Texas, under the direction of Jay Hagy. Join us on Friday, December 22nd, at 8:45 am in W375E!
Feature the sound and sonority of your young band with this emotional, lyrical work. Colorful harmonies, flowing lines, unique percussive textures, and clever scoring make She Loves the Light an ideal musical tribute for someone special to your program or community.
The composer writes: “She Loves the Light is conceived for and dedicated to my daughter Anna. As many new parents come to understand, the love felt for your first child at birth is altogether overwhelming, awe-inspiring, terrifying, and more… and something I didn’t even begin to understand until I experienced it for myself. In the many hours spent holding her in the first weeks of her life, Anna was drawn consistently to light. It’s true; many infants are attracted to shiny, bright things as they adjust to the new world around them. But for me, there was something magical about seeing Anna light up when she experienced light catching her eye. This lullaby seeks to capture the wonderment of that moment of light, both what Anna must have felt when experiencing the light, but perhaps more vividly, my sense of awe, love, and hope for the future I continue to feel when I see her light up.”
Note: The title She Loves the Light uses the pronoun “she” to directly refer to the composer’s daughter to whom this piece is dedicated. However, please feel welcome to adjust this pronoun to whichever may best suit your specific purpose when programming this work. Additionally, you may find that this concert band piece may be useful in a variety of programmatic circumstances. The composer welcomes its use for these purposes and more to observe, memorialize, and/or celebrate as you see fit.
Grade 3 | 5:30
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