Valor Rising honors veterans and everyday heroes, capturing the full emotional landscape of service. Driving, accented passages convey courage and intensity, while lyrical legato lines offer moments of reflection and emotional depth. Contrasting off-the-string staccato adds energy and momentum, giving students clear opportunities to develop articulation control and expressive contrast. Rich in musical storytelling and technical variety, Valor Rising is an engaging and meaningful choice that challenges students to play with strength, sensitivity, and purpose.

Notes To the Conductor:

The accents in the main melody are meant to have just a little extra weight and emphasis, not a full on attack. The staccato 8th notes should be played off the string, while the non-staccato 8th notes vary depending on what else is going on around them – either detatché or slightly brushed. In the long run, it’s mainly important that the players match style with each other. I have included some 4th finger reminders throughout the work for violin and viola - though I highly encourage even more 4th finger for A’s and E’s where possible.

Note from the Composer:

Twenty years ago I moved to Northern Virginia, right outside of Washington D.C. I have had the pleasure of teaching military families, seeing them come and go as they ship out to different locations around the world and hearing about their adventures. On daily drives, I’m reminded of our veterans through the views of memorials outside my window. It’s a really unique place to live, and provides me with a perspective on military families that I didn’t have before. It’s an honor to write this piece as a tribute to those who give their time and talents to serve our country as well to the families that support them! 

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