Symphony No. 1 for Band

Abstract

The impetus for this piece was twofold; to serve as a pedagogical tool for the student wind ensemble, as well as expanding the repertoire of large-scale band pieces. Each movement has a programmatic relationship to a town in Arizona’s Cochise County. They are described below: I. Overture from the O.K. Corral embraces the kitschy western atmosphere of Tombstone’s tourist industry. While the opening movement of this symphony is upbeat and joyous, historically the O.K. Corral was considerably less pleasant than this musical portrayal. II. Salute to the Buffalo Soldier draws inspiration from Fort Huachuca’s black cavalry units stationed in Arizona during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This program is represented by bugle call motives juxtaposed against a few spirituals, most notably “Amazing Grace” and “Will the Circle be Unbroken?” III. Dance at the Copper Queen alludes to the once-booming mining town of Bisbee. Accentuated by several more ‘industrial’ percussion instruments, this piece brings its own flavor to the conventions of the third movement of a symphony. Bisbee also hosts an annual blues festival, which has informed the harmonic and melodic language of this movement as well. IV. Fanfare for a Mountain Town is dedicated to Sierra Vista’s Buena High School band program and the educators who have contributed to its legacy. The primary pitch materials draw from the initials of the band directors during my student days: Duane Chun, Geoff DeSpain, and Brad Gallant.