Since the late 1970s, the wind and percussion music of David R. Gillingham has been enthusiastically received and frequently performed. Among the reasons often cited for their popular acceptance into the repertoire is the emotional impact Gillingham's works appear to have on listeners. The purpose of this study was to examine three elegies, Waking Angels , A Light Unto the Darkness, and A Crescent Still Abides, in order to observe common elements among Gillingham's materials. The study additionally undertakes to provide a useful reference for the conducting community.

Appendices include a chronology of works, errata, and transcripts of interviews with the composer.

Separate chapters contain the background and analysis of each work. Analyses and comparisons revealed a purposeful attempt to elicit certain general emotional responses to materials made familiar though motivic and thematic development. The concluding chapter addresses Gillingham's beliefs and practices with respect to referentialist and absolutist perspectives.