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J.R.

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Kevin Day

Kevin Day


Subtitle: For Expanded Wind Ensemble


General Info

Year: 2017
Duration: c. 9:25
Difficulty: V (see Ratings for explanation)
Publisher: Kevin Day Music
Cost: Score and Parts (print) - $175.00


Instrumentation

Full Score
Flute I-II
Oboe I-II
Bassoon I-II
Contrabassoon
B-flat Soprano Clarinet I-II-III
B-flat Bass Clarinet
B-flat Soprano Saxophone
E-flat Alto Saxophone
B-flat Tenor Saxophone
E-flat Baritone Saxophone
B-flat Trumpet I-II-III
Horn in F I-II-III-IV
Trombone I-II-III
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
String Bass
Piano
Harp
Organ
Timpani
Percussion I-II-III, including:

  • Bass Drum
  • Chimes
  • Glockenspiel
  • Hi-Hat
  • Marimba
  • Snare Drum
  • Splash Cymbal
  • Suspended Cymbal
  • Vibraphone


Errata

None discovered thus far.


Program Notes

It has been a many decades dream for me to commission a work for concert band in memory of my father. I have thought about it for many years and was always waiting to find the right composer. There have been many times I thought about utilizing an established composer, but the thought of assembling a consortium and doing the fundraising required made it something that I did not really ever want to pursue. I was concerned that there might be too many voices and demands attached to the money coming from so many sources. As chance would have it, I would meet Kevin Day and record a set of his variations a few years back with the TCU Symphonic Band. I immediately noticed that his works contained a musical drama that appealed to me. After performing more of his works, I began to think about commissioning Mr. Day to write a concert band work in memory of my father.

The idea for the commission combines two events in my life that have altered its course in dramatic ways. First, the passing of my father caused family upheaval and much moving during my childhood. It would cause me to end up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area eventually and participate in the high level public school bands of Hurst-Euless-Bedford I.S.D. Secondly, participating in public school band would alter the course of my life. It would cause a lifelong involvement with music and cause me to meet my wife and many of the people I am close with today.

As I considered my family’s history, it just seemed natural to combine these two events into one moment and commission a piece of music that would commemorate the legacy and the memory of my father. I am so pleased with the work Mr. Day has done to realize in music the images that were in my mind. He graciously met with me and had discussions regarding how the work should proceed. We both arrived at the idea of creating it in three main sections. First section would be about the beginning of life with his presence. The second section would be involved with learning about him through stories from family members as I grew up, because he was not there. And the third section would finally be an acceptance of the reality of how life turns and a celebration of his life and the legacy of all the J.R.s that have led to this point.

My father was a song leader in the Church of Christ. I have two of his old hymnals and the hymnals have notations and stars by his favorite hymns. His notations make it clear that When I Survey the Wondrous Cross was one of his favorite hymns. Mr. Day has expertly woven this hymn throughout the entirety of the work. Once again, I cannot express my gratitude to Mr. Day for his work on this project! It is a wonderful feeling to have a project like this completed and my dream realized.

I must also thank my family, many of whom were at the premiere concert, for their support through the years for the many endeavors they supported me in. Their love and support have always been inspiring. I also want to thank the TCU Symphonic Band for their participation in the creation of the premiere and the recording sessions that led to my premiere recording. They have been a joy to rehearse this music with. I hope that everyone enjoys this music as much as I have enjoyed participating in the creative process with Mr. Day.

- Program Note by Brian Youngblood


J.R. (2017) is a work for concert band that was commissioned by Associate Director of Bands at TCU, Mr. Brian Youngblood. I was astonished to receive this commission back in May and ultimately, I did not know how to approach writing a piece that was so emotional and personal to Mr. Youngblood. After meeting with him and taking notes, I really took the summer to plan the piece and ended up finishing it in late August. I wanted to capture the essence of who J.R. was and who Mr. Youngblood is and how he has dealt with the sadness and later acceptance of his father’s passing.

The piece starts somber and sad but later becomes epic, triumphant and filled with hope and life. I hope this piece is as inspirational to the audience as it is for me to have gotten the opportunity to write this and to see Mr. Youngblood’s dream finally realized.

- Program Note by composer


Media


State Ratings

None discovered thus far.


Performances

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Works for Winds by This Composer

Adaptable Music


All Wind Works


Resources

None discovered thus far.

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