Category: Concert Band

“Into the Wild Blue Yonder” is a captivating musical composition that pays tribute to the remarkable service and bravery of George “Tink” Kastner during World War II in the US Air Army Corps. This piece is a heartfelt homage to Kastner’s exceptional aerial achievements, specifically his record-breaking missions in his P-51B Mustang aircraft, which earned him the distinction of being one of the most successful pilots of the war. Through evocative melodies and dynamic orchestration, the composition transports listeners into the exhilarating and perilous skies of the era, capturing the daring spirit and indomitable courage of those who fought in the war. Trombone glissandi coupled with authentic sound effects of a North American P51 Mustang aircraft flying overhead are an added layer of realism in the contrasting middle section.  The composition morphs into an adaptation of Robert Crawford’s famous work for the United States Air Force.  “Into the Wild Blue Yonder” serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by individuals like Kastner and honors their invaluable contributions to history.

PROGRAM NOTES
The East of Eden screen adaptation of John Steinbeck’s novel begins in the years after the American Civil War.  Lee Elwood Holdridge’s rich and emotional music to the finale brings to light a struggle and conflict inherent in the human condition.  Although pitched a half-step below the orchestral version, Key Poulan, III’s concert band orchestration is reverent to the London Symphony Orchestra’s performance under the baton of Charles Gerhardt. The concert band key centers are Ab Major and Bb Major.

This transcription was created for the 2023 Texas Christian University Wind Symphony – Bobby Francis, Director.

Available for Concert through your favorite sheet music sites such as Sheet Music Plus, Sheet Music Direct, etc…

The Rise of Honor March is a spirited concert march that pays homage to the valor, sacrifice, and service of our veterans. The work is inspired by the noble and timeless values of duty, courage, and honor, which have guided the men and women in uniform throughout history.  The Rise of Honor March is an uplifting tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country with honor, courage, and selflessness. It is a call to action for all of us to remember, respect, and support our veterans, and to uphold the values of duty, loyalty, and patriotism they embody.

Composed in 2008, Triumphant Fanfare was commissioned by the Texas A&M University – Commerce (previously East Texas State University) Wind Ensemble under the baton of Dr. Jeff Gershman.  The fanfare was in honor of Dr. Keith McFarland for his years of service as the President of TAMUC from 1999-2008.  As an alumnus of East Texas State University in 1985, Key Poulan, III was honored to be called upon to create a concert opener that would ultimately be premiered at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, Texas.

With hints of the ETSU/TAMUC alma mater sprinkled throughout the work, the fanfare pays homage to Poulan’s trombone professor – Dr. Neill Humfeld, his brass choir instructor and trumpet professor – Conrad Baushka, his student teacher supervisor and professor of horn, euphonium, and tuba – Michael Morrow.  The work also respects the teachings of Poulan’s composition professors Dr. Ronald Yates, Dr. Margaret Wheat, and his jazz band instructor and professor of percussion- Dr. Robert Houston.

While filled with medium-level technical passages, the real challenge is to master “just intonation” as each of the 12 major chords are represented in the work with several coming in quick succession of one other.  Eight percussionists (including piano) are utilized with a range from the delicate nuance of the triangle and crash cymbals at piano to the full section roar of the entire ensemble at the end.

Songs of the Western Mono Tribe is based on a rare 1960 recording of tribal songs archived by the Californian Indian Library Collection of Fresno County.  “Song for One Becoming a Medicine Man” and “Handgame Song” were the source for the composition orchestrated for young band.  The recordings of tribal songs were were made in the home of Western Mono Yokut Native Americans Sam Sample, May Sample, Emma Cheepo, and Maggie Marvin.  Songs of the Western Mono Tribe was commissioned by the Foothill Middle School Band, Auberry, California – D’arcy Weinberger, Director. Several members of the band are from the Western Mono Tribe, located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Central California.

PROGRAM NOTES
El Desfile Pixley Marzo (The Pixley Parade March) was written for the Pixley Middle School Band, Calvin Carr – Director, this relatively easy march reflects the wonderful hispanic culture that thrives in this lovely Central California community.  The marimba feature in the middle of the work is designed to challenge two players as they shift from duple to triple in this uniquely contrasting trio section.

PROGRAM NOTES
“Emergence” is a captivating concert band composition that takes inspiration from the mesmerizing sight of a kingfisher emerging from the water. The piece serves as a metaphor for the birth of new life and the revitalization it brings to the world. Through its dynamic and evocative musical language, “Emergence” captures the essence of this transformative moment, immersing the audience in a sonic journey that celebrates the beauty and vitality of new beginnings.

PROGRAM NOTES
“Go Forth and Do Good Things” is a heartfelt concert band composition that pays tribute to the exceptional leadership of Gilbert Adams, the band director at Glenn Wilson High School. Inspired by Mr. Adams’ unwavering dedication to his students, the piece encapsulates the essence of his parting words at the end of every rehearsal: a call to action, urging the young musicians to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in the world. With its uplifting melodies, dynamic rhythms, and vibrant harmonies, “Go Forth and Do Good Things” serves as a musical embodiment of Mr. Adams’ belief in the transformative power of music and the potential for each individual to make a difference.

“Go Forth and Do Good Things” was commissioned by Adams’ former student, Brian Gallagher who is currently the band director at Ramona High School in Riverside, California.  The work is also dedicated to the senior classes of 2020 and 2021.

“Rise Up!” is an exhilarating young concert band composition that draws inspiration from the metaphor of steel and glass skyscrapers emerging from the ground of a bustling city. This dynamic piece captures the essence of strength and resilience, symbolizing the towering structures that dominate modern urban landscapes. The music evokes a sense of awe and wonder as the audience is transported into a world where architecture reaches towards the sky, reflecting the ambition and innovation of human achievement. Through its uplifting melodies and powerful rhythms, “Rise Up!” invites listeners to embrace their own inner strength and rise above challenges, just as these architectural marvels do. This composition serves as a reminder that with determination and perseverance, we can overcome any obstacle and reach new heights.

“Space Race for the 21st Century” is a captivating concert band composition that takes inspiration from the historic 2012 Dragon cargo spacecraft mission. This programmatic work vividly portrays the significant achievement of Dragon becoming the first private spacecraft to successfully berth with the International Space Station (ISS). Through its musical narrative, the piece captures the excitement and wonder of this groundbreaking event. The performance of “Space Race for the 21st Century” can be enhanced with the option of an accompanying sci-fi synthetic backing track, adding an extra layer of futuristic ambiance to the overall experience.