Origin (2022)
Cait Nishimura (b.1991)
Cait Nishimura (she/her) is a Japanese Canadian composer based in Waterloo, Ontario. Known for writing nature-inspired, programmatic music, Cait has established herself as a prominent voice in the concert band community. Cait’s music has been presented at The Midwest Clinic, MusicFest Canada, and numerous other international conferences and festivals. Her work has become increasingly popular among educational music programs and within the professional new music scene, with new works being regularly commissioned and performed by ensembles and individuals around the world.
Origin was commissioned by Dr. Jeff Reynolds for the University of Toronto Wind Ensemble. As an alumna of the school and a former student of Dr. Reynolds, it was an honour to compose this short fanfare to open the 2022-23 concert season at UofT. Origin is an uplifting, empowering piece that evokes the feeling of returning home to a significant place in one’s journey, reflecting on all that has changed and all that has remained. I have come to cherish the magical full-circle experiences that occur when my music is performed in spaces that were meaningful or inspiring to me as a young musician. This piece is an ode to all the people and places that leave a lasting impact on the lives of others.
-Program Note by the composer
Prairie Songs (1998)
Pierre LaPlante (1943-2024)
Prairie Songs is based on two songs from the Midwest. These songs were sung and known in Wisconsin and, therefore, seem appropriate for a piece celebrating the state's sesquicentennial (1848-1998).
The Pinery Boy, from the Eau Claire region of Wisconsin, is used in the opening section of Prairie Songs. The song tells the story of a young girl who set out in search of her lover, a raftsman working on the river. Her search ends when she learns from the captain that her lover has perished in the river. The young lady returns home and dies of a broken heart. Despite the tragic, and at times melodramatic nature of the verse, the melody is broad and expansive in scope (an octave plus three notes). The setting of this tune in Prairie Songs is intended to convey a feeling of grandeur and beauty of the (land before time).
The second section of the piece quotes "The Turkey Song" which some authorities believe originated in Kentucky and moved west with the settlers. It is found in various collections of childrens' folksongs, including those of Pete Seeger and Jill Trinka.
Common melodic patterns between the two songs make them sound as though they are related. The two themes are presented concurrently in the maestoso section just prior to the coda (allegro).
The Pinery Boy
“Oh a raftsman's life is a wearisome one,
It causes many fair maids to weep and mourn.
For the loss of a true love that can never return."
The Turkey Song
"As I came over yonder's hill
I spied a mighty turkey.
He flapped his wings, and he spread his tail
and his feet looked awful dirty."
Commissioned by the Central Middle School Band, Waukesha, Wisconsin, Laura Kautz Sindberg, conductor, with assistance from the Wisconsin Sesquicentennial Commission.
-Program Note from the score
Ash (2018)
Jennifer Jolley (b. 1981)
Jennifer Jolley (b. 1981) is a composer, conductor, and professor. Her work is founded on the belief that the pleasures and excesses of music have the unique potential to engage political and provocative subjects.
Jolley says the following about Ash:
“I never saw snowfall as a child growing up in Southern California; it was more a phenomenon that I saw in cartoons or read in children’s books. I did, however, witness my first ash-fall when I was in elementary school. I looked up into the clouded sky and saw specks of ash falling from it. Excited but puzzled, I looked to my elementary school teacher during recess and held out my hand. “Oh, that’s ash from the wildfires,” she said. At that time, I couldn’t comprehend how an enormous forest fire could create a small flurry of ash-flakes. Now I have the ominous understanding that something so magical and beautiful comes from something so powerful and destructive.”
Folksong of Midu (2017)
Li Chan (b. 1981)
Chinese composer Li Chan has written primarily for ensembles in her home country but gained worldwide recognition in 2017 when her Folksong of Midu was honored as a finalist for the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (WASBE) first-ever International Composition Contest.
The titular Midu is a county in southwest China, in a mountainous region near borders with Myanmar, India, and Tibet. Midu itself is a smaller component of the larger Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, in Yunnan Province, the traditional home of the Bai people since roughly the third century CE. Later, by the twelfth century CE, this area was a major exporter of gold bullion and other minerals via the southwestern Silk Road, which traversed the region, though today it remains very rural and underdeveloped compared to other portions of China.
Folksong of Midu is an evocative statement of various stylistic, melodic, and harmonic counterparts of Chinese folk musics. Based on a very old tune from the region, one can imagine the melody weaving its way through lush green forests and steep mountain passes, ending in a vibrant and colorful community celebration.
Sunscapes (2017)
Chandler Wilson (b. 1984)
Chandler L. Wilson is the Director of Bands and Assistant Professor at Stetson University. A native of Miami, FL, Wilson attended Florida A&M University (FAMU) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Music Education. While a student at FAMU, he served as the University Band President and section leader of the saxophones. During his time at FAMU, he was selected as the student arranger and conductor for the marching and symphonic bands and was selected as one of the first student staff members for the "Marching 100". Wilson earned a Master of Arts in Wind Band Conducting from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a PhD in Music Education with an emphasis in Wind Band Conducting from Florida State University. He previously served as Assistant Director of Athletic Bands and Assistant Professor of Music Education at Florida State University from 2020-2024.
Sunscapes was commissioned by the Florida Bandmasters Association for the 2017 Nine Star Honor Band. This work represents the lively nature of the state of Florida. It opens with a brilliant and majestic section highlighting its bright and vibrant culture. This section is followed by a flowing melody that represents the calming winds and consistent breeze of the state. Dance is a large part of Florida’s culture, especially in its southern region. The 7/8 rhythm allows the piece to experience an Afro-Latin style dance movement. The choral/hymn section is based on the “Florida Song,” (lyrics below) which is a traditional school song of Florida A&M University, located in Tallahassee. The work then reverses itself until it arrives at the opening statement with a driving conclusion.
“Florida Song”
Dear old Florida we are yearning
We will fight for you
While our loyal hearts are burning
We’ll be ever true.
Florida, Florida, bless her name
Orange and Green we’ll proudly wave;
We will honor and protect you,
Sons and daughters brave.
-Program Note from the score
Credits:
Created with images by • pxl.store - Big Band saxophone section. A candid view along the saxophone section of a big band in concert.