Evan will premiere four works for concert band at The Midwest Clinic in Chicago, Illinois this week, including two world premieres! Learn more about when and where you can hear these performances below!
Inspirare (world premiere)
Grade 4 | 5’15”
Inspirare (Latin for inspire) was commissioned by Robert Herrings and the Vista Ridge High School Band to celebrate the fine arts programs of Leander Independent School District, located just north of Austin, Texas—a community long recognized for its excellence in music, theatre, and visual arts. The title evokes both the academic spirit and creative energy that define the district’s artistic legacy. The Leander ISD Fine Arts motto—Innovate, Ignite, Inspire—serves as the guiding framework for the composition, with the form of the piece unfolding around those three ideals. The final word, Inspire, becomes the emotional centerpiece and the source of the work’s title.
The piece unfolds in four sections—a Maestoso fanfare, a mixed-meter allegro, a lyrical middle section, and a final recap that weaves the opening ideas together. Each section represents one of the district’s guiding principles, creating a musical journey through innovation, creativity, and inspiration. Throughout the work, brief motifs inspired by each Leander ISD high school fight song and alma mater appear, symbolizing the unity and shared purpose of the district’s vibrant fine arts community. Most notably, themes from the Vista Ridge Fight Song honor the school and director who commissioned the piece, while the Cedar Park School Song serves as a personal tribute to my nearly ten years as band director there.
The opening fanfare, Inspire, introduces the central four-note motif (Sol–Do–Mi–Re) in the trumpet section. This idea spreads throughout the ensemble as each section “inspires” the next, capturing the sense of momentum and collaboration that defines Leander ISD’s musical culture. The following section, Innovate, transforms the main motif into a playful, mixed-meter dance that celebrates creativity and forward thinking. The lyrical third section, Ignite, reflects the spark that teachers ignite in their students—the moment when music becomes a lifelong passion. Here, fragments of the Vista Ridge Fight Song intertwine with the Inspire motif, shaped with warmth and breath, echoing the Latin root of Inspirare: “to breathe life into.”
The final section provides a powerful recap of earlier ideas, as the call-and-response texture returns, and each section propels the music forward toward a triumphant conclusion. In the end, Inspirare stands as both a musical and symbolic tribute to Leander ISD’s legacy of excellence—a celebration of the teachers and students who continue to innovate, ignite, and inspire through the arts.
To be performed by the Vista Ridge HS Band, from Cedar Park, Texas, under the direction of Robert Herrings. Join us on Friday, December 19th, at 2:15 pm in W375AB!
About the Vista Ridge HS Wind Ensemble
The Vista Ridge High School Wind Ensemble is the premier concert ensemble within the Vista Ridge High School Band program, made up of students in grades 9–12 selected through a rigorous audition process each spring and fall. A strong focus on recruitment, retention, and high-quality teaching at every level has allowed each of the program’s four performing ensembles to thrive. The vertical team includes Henry and Stiles Middle Schools—both with a legacy of excellence and multiple Midwest Clinic performances. This year’s ensemble features 27 Region Band members and 10 All-State musicians from one of Texas’s most competitive TMEA regions. Vista Ridge students consistently excel academically, often ranking in the top 10% of their class. The program emphasizes developing the individual musician through weekly master classes, chamber ensembles, and solo performance opportunities such as the Vista Ridge Young Artist Contest.
Under the direction of Robert Tyrome Herrings III, the ensemble continues a tradition of musical and academic excellence built on the values of integrity, respect, and accountability. Mr. Herrings, a Baylor University graduate and longtime Leander ISD educator, has earned national recognition for his work with the Artie Henry Middle School Band, including multiple TMEA Honor Band titles and performances at the Midwest Clinic. His passion for inspiring young musicians to achieve at the highest level drives the Vista Ridge program’s mission: to nurture musicianship, leadership, and lifelong artistry within a supportive, student-centered environment.
Light It Up! A Hard Rock Hanukkah
Grade 2 | 2’30”
Light It Up! A Hard Rock Hanukkah brings a fresh, electrifying twist to the holiday season. This piece takes two of the most beloved traditional Hanukkah melodies—Hanukkah, Oh Hanukkah, and Dreidel, Dreidel, Dreidel—and transforms them into a high-octane rock spectacle. Drawing inspiration from legendary bands such as Queen and Led Zeppelin, along with the symphonic rock style of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, the work fuses classic holiday tunes with the raw power of hard rock.
With optional parts for electric guitar, bass, and a flexible drum set, this chart delivers all the punch of a holiday rock concert while staying accessible for school and community ensembles. Bold, festive, and guaranteed to bring down the house, Light It Up! is a holiday head-banger like no other.
As a young Jewish musician growing up in the United States, I performed countless Christmas selections during the holiday season. And, honestly, I enjoyed every one of them! The concert band repertoire features a wealth of expertly crafted pieces based on melodies and themes connected to Christmas. However, there are noticeably fewer chances for Jewish musicians to perform music rooted in their own cultural heritage. I hope that by creating this work, Jewish musicians will have the chance to perform music from their background, while all musicians unite in a musical celebration of the joy and wonder of the holiday season!
To be performed by the Leander MS Band, from Leander, Texas, under the direction of Liz Love. Join us on Wednesday, December 17th, at 1:30 pm in W375E!
About the Leander MS Concert Band
The Leander Middle School Honors Band represents a vibrant and diverse community of young musicians dedicated to musical excellence and personal growth. With only 860 students on campus and a single elective option, the 280-member band program truly serves as a home away from home. The student population is diverse—35% Hispanic, 7% Black, 7% Asian, 7% multiracial, and 44% white—and the program reflects the same inclusivity and spirit. Over 35% of students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, yet every child is supported through provided supplies, private lesson scholarships, and financial assistance. The program includes three ability-based advanced bands and homogeneous beginner classes, and many students are also active in National Junior Honor Society, athletics, cheer, and other campus organizations. The curriculum emphasizes musicianship, character, and community—helping students leave the program as stronger musicians and better human beings.
Under the direction of Liz Love, the Leander Middle School Honors Band continues to set a high bar for artistry and education. A Nebraska native and accomplished saxophonist, Ms. Love has led the LMS program to national recognition, including its 2025 invitation to perform at The Midwest Clinic. Previously, her Grisham Middle School Honors Band performed there in 2019. A passionate educator, Ms. Love is also the founder of the Austin Saxophone Ensemble and ASEYouth, fostering collaboration and excellence among young musicians across the region. She has presented clinics at TMEA and TBA on topics ranging from mental health to the UIL Sight-Reading process and credits her parents—both music educators—for inspiring her lifelong love of teaching. Ms. Love lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with her husband, Walter, and continues to inspire students to make great music and live with purpose.
Jingle Jam
Grade 2 | 2’30”
If you want to get your audience clapping along, look no further! Jingle Jam is a feel-good holiday celebration that features many of your favorite classics, including “Up on the Housetop”, “Deck the Halls”, “The 12 Days of Christmas”, “O Tannenbaum”, “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen”, and of course, “Jingle Bells!” A host of percussion instruments ensures everyone feels the groove and prepares them to embrace the spirit of the season! Jingle Jam is the perfect way to conclude your holiday concert!
To be performed by the Canyon Ridge MS Band, from Austin, Texas, under the direction of Amy Allison Rivera. Join us on Thursday, December 18th, at 2:00 pm in W375E!
About the Canyon Ridge MS Concert Band
The Canyon Ridge Middle School Honor Band is the flagship ensemble of a thriving program that serves more than 300 students and is built on a mission to cultivate a lifelong love of music and support the future of the arts. Under the direction of Amy Allison-Rivera, the band program has achieved national recognition for excellence and artistry. The program includes four performing bands for seventh and eighth graders and nine beginning-band classes for sixth graders, all taught in homogeneous settings to provide focused instruction. Since its founding in 2004, the Canyon Ridge Band has been named the Texas Bandmasters Association Exemplary Middle School Band Program (2021), received the Sudler Silver Cup (2017), and performed at The Midwest Clinic (2014) and TMEA (2021). The Honor Band has also been named a National Winner in the National Wind Band Honors and consistently earns UIL sweepstakes ratings, with students excelling at Solo & Ensemble, All-Region Band, and All-Region Orchestra.
Amy Allison-Rivera, now in her 27th year of teaching and 25th in Leander ISD, has led the Canyon Ridge Middle School Band since the school’s opening. A graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, she has presented clinics for TMEA, TBA, and SFA, and serves as a respected clinician and adjudicator across Texas. Her dedication to musical growth and education has guided Canyon Ridge to become one of the state’s most accomplished middle school programs. Beyond teaching, Mrs. Allison-Rivera performs piccolo with the Cedar Park Winds, has served on UIL’s PML and sight-reading committees, and was inducted into Phi Beta Mu in 2011. She lives in Cedar Park, Texas, with her husband, Bert, and their dogs, Winston and Winnie, continuing to inspire young musicians to perform with skill, passion, and purpose.
A Simple Song at Sunrise, from “Florida Suite”
Grade 3 | 2’30”
A Simple Song at Sunrise, composed for DCI’s first-ever show featuring all original music, is now available for your concert band. This ballad from “A Florida Suite”, Robert W. Smith’s masterwork, has captivated audiences for decades and will do the same for yours. Envisioned as a sunrise over a Florida beach, Evan VanDoren’s beautifully orchestrated concert band setting truly honors the legacy of the original composer.
To be performed by the Canyon Ridge MS Band, from Austin, Texas, under the direction of Amy Allison Rivera. Join us on Thursday, December 18th, at 2:00 pm in W375E!
About Robert W. Smith
Robert William Smith (October 24, 1958 – September 21, 2023) was a towering figure in the world of concert band, marching band, and wind-ensemble composition. Born in Daleville, Alabama, he began playing trumpet and studied music at Troy State University (now Troy University), where he played lead trumpet with the “Sound of the South” marching band and studied composition under Paul Yoder.
Over his career, Smith authored over 600 published works (some sources say 700+), making him one of the most prolific composers of American wind-band literature. (RWS Music) His catalog spans beginner ensembles to advanced university bands, and his pieces are performed by school, college, military and professional ensembles worldwide. (edrmartin.com)
Smith’s compositional voice ranged from large-scale symphonic works for wind band (such as Symphony No. 1 “The Divine Comedy”, Symphony No. 2 “The Odyssey”, and Symphony No. 3 “Don Quixote”) to educational pieces designed to develop technique and musicality at the middle-school level (titles like The Tempest, Encanto, The Great Locomotive Chase). (RWS Music)
In addition to composing, Smith had substantial roles in music education and publishing: he served as Coordinator of the Music Industry Program at Troy University, Vice-President of Product Development for C.L. Barnhouse, and CEO/President of RWS Music. (Troy Today) His teaching, mentoring, and global clinics extended his influence, helping younger composers, directors, and performers carry forward his passion for excellence and creativity. (bandworld.org)
Smith passed away from complications after heart surgery on September 21, 2023, in Montgomery, Alabama. While his output was vast, it is his combination of melodic accessibility, dramatic form, educational sensitivity, and leadership in the wind-band world that secure his legacy. His music continues to inspire band directors, students, and performers, offering both challenge and reward.
For band directors, Smith’s work offers a rich template: compositions that connect emotionally, teach musically, and serve performance—all characteristics that align with the best marching band shows and concert performances alike.
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