About the inspiration for the work Music can serve many purposes. It can inspire, it can illustrate, it can cause waves of emotion…and it can comfort. I’m sure many of us have had moments in our lives when our greatest comfort was a favorite song, melody, or great work. 2020 has been a stressful year.…
Strap into your seats and hang on for a wild musical ride as only Mr. Standridge could create! This astonishingly exciting work spins a musical tale of a Viking Expedition into the frigid North Atlantic seas, first depicting the high spirits of the sailors as they set out to sea. The slower middle portion of…
This work was commissioned by my alma mater, Sheridan High School, in honor of Ron McHone’s 25 years of service. The title, Argentum (latin for “Silver”) refers to the 25th anniversary. A celebratory piece that fluctuates between a 7/8 feel, a 6/8 dance, and a 4/4 ballad. It was an honor to write this piece for…
This macabre work for concert band musically illustrates the time of night when dark forces gather to celebrate and do their mischief. Four connected quarters of the piece are all announced by “Big Ben” chime statements, and include “The Gathering”, “Spells and Incantations”, “The Witches’ Dance”, and “The Witches’ Flight”. The composer’s talent for creating…
Jazz, Rock, and Symphonic sensibilities clash in this unique work for concert band, featuring 5/4 meters and creative use of orchestrations. Commissioned by the 2013 Central Cass High School Band from Casselton, North Dakota. * JW Pepper Editor’s Choice 2014 * Performed at the 2014 Midwest Clinic in Chicago, IL. Email Randall for…
