FULL BLAST! follows the exciting journey of a rocket launching into space. This concert opener is sure to excite performers and listeners alike!

Grade: 2

Upon New Horizons: The Music of Andrew E. Lawson

FULL BLAST!

Wonderful Grace March is based on a Nazarene hymn by Haldor Lillenas called "Wonderful Grace of Jesus". I had the idea to write a march based on this hymn one Sunday morning as we sang it in service. A few days later I sat down at my piano and  began sketching out the piece. 

-Program Note by Andrew E. Lawson

Wonderful Grace - March

"The Wildcat" was written for the Tullahoma High School Band and it's directors Justin Scott and Lisa Burden. Holding a dear place in my heart, being my alma mater, this march includes light playful melodies, bombastic brass, and hints of the THS fight song.  The piece is named for the school's mascot, the ever fierce wildcat. 

- Program Note by Andrew E. Lawson

The Wildcat - March

"As Long As Stars Shall Shine" was premiered on April 21, 2022 by Jaclyn Hartenberger and the UGA Wind Ensemble.

Program Notes:

On December 2, 2021, one of my best friends, Sarah Delbene, suddenly passed away. We were all in complete shock. Sarah was a friend to everyone she met. She was a bright, shining star in every room she entered. In an instant, I was reminded of how delicate life is and how things can change at a moment’s notice. How do we deal with this - the loss of a friend or family member, especially when it is so unexpected? How does a composer tackle something like this? And why would a composer tackle something like this? In the following days, I was on social media reading some of the fond memories being shared about Sarah, and a comment stood out to me—this comment became the title of this piece, As Long As Stars Shall Shine. I soon went online and searched the phrase, finding that it was a line from the alma mater hymn at Baylor University, where Sarah had received her Masters Degree. At that point in time, I reached out to Sarah’s parents to ask if they would grant me their blessing in writing a piece to honor Sarah, and to try and capture some of the joy she brought into so many people’s lives. As I began writing, I realized that this music was meant to address, and had to address, a wider audience and tackle three different thoughts, presented in three movements:

1. Acknowledgement of Loss
The first movement acknowledges loss of friends and loved ones. This begins with clarinets, soon followed by Flute, Euphonium, and Tuba solos with piano. This peaceful, still, calmness is then suddenly interrupted. The music wildly transitions into madness, a heart shattered by loss, a world unraveled by a sudden, devastating change. A more aggressive form of the original theme presented is heard from the brass. This is concluded by a setting of Nearer, My God, to Thee.

2. The Recollection of Memories
The second movement represents all fond memories of those who have left us - the love and laughter remembered by all. A sense of adventure is in the air, soaring through our hearts and minds. The movement closes with an abbreviated statement of the original theme.

3. The Joy of Heaven Awaiting
The third and final movement brings with it new joy of a saint gone home. This final movement is comprised of two hymns, Amazing Grace and Old Hundredth (Doxology), with hints of the original flute theme spread throughout. The final response of an earthly tragedy and a heavenly victory - a shout of praise and thanksgiving. 

As so many of us have experienced in our lives, the loss of loved ones, whether friends or family, is never easy and is often painful. We find ourselves saddened, angered, confused, depressed, in denial, and often reminiscent. We look back to remember our favorite memories - the happy, joyous moments. We recall stories of fun, adventure, thrill, and laughter. As Long As Stars Shall Shine is meant to convey the sense of hope, healing, and joy found in these memories. I hope that this music inspires every listener to take pause and reflect on those whom they have loved and lost. 

Soli Deo Gloria.

- Program Note by Andrew E. Lawson

Upon New Horizons - The Music of Andrew E. Lawson - Vol. 1

As Long As Stars Shall Shine

Program Notes

Commissioned by Rachael Lawson, "Irish Folk Suite" is a three movement work comprised of both original melodic material and 6 traditional Irish folk songs borrowed from George Petrie's "The Petrie Collection of the Ancient Music of Ireland", which was first published in 1855. While many of these folk songs do not have a recorded name and are simply numbered in the collection, the listener may hear references to two songs made famous by composer Percy Grainger, "Molly on the Shore" and "Temple Hill". 

- Program Note by Andrew E. Lawson

Copyright © 2022, Andrew E. Lawson, All Rights Reserved

Irish Folk Suite (for woodwind quintet)

In May of 2019, I made a trip with my family to the wonderful state of Hawaii. During this trip, we hiked the Diamond-head Crater, visited the world-renowned beaches of Waikiki, the North Shore, and enjoyed the vastly diverse culinary scene on the Island of Oahu. One of the greatest portions of this trip, however, was our visit to Pearl Harbor - which inspired this fanfare.

In honor of the 1,177 crewmen killed on the battleship USS Arizona, For Uncommon Valor is inspired by the story of the brave men, women, and children who witnessed, fought, and endured the tragic events of December 7, 1941, at Pearl Harbor, and across the Hawaiian Island of Oahu. The story of Pearl Harbor, however, does not end with a sunken battleship or a defeated nation. A mighty nation, “the sleeping giant”, awoke to face the challenge at hand and claim victory for those who could not claim it for themselves. The bravery displayed by the men and women of the U.S. Pacific Fleet brought forth the greatest fighting force ever seen and put on display for all to see, the strength and resilience of the American people.

"For Uncommon Valor" is a winning composition in the 2019-2020 Dallas Winds' Fanfare Competition. This arrangement for British Brass Band was done by Andrew Wainwright for the Dallas Brass Band in Dallas, TX.

Upon New Horizons - The Music of Andrew Lawson - Vol. 1

For Uncommon Valor

Commissioned in 2023 by Dr. Jeffrey Phillips, Groove No. 5 represents the joy we find in moments of everyday life, such as (in the words of Dr. Phillips) dogs and cheap dollar-store flip-flops. This lively piece contains a joyous and uplifting melody in 7/8, a warm, peaceful chorale, and closes with another iteration of the dancing, slightly off-balance melody from the beginning.

Groove No. 5

"Exsultate" is a jubilant fanfare based on the text of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "Exsultate, jubilate", the first line of which translates to "Rejoice, resound with joy!". This invigorating fanfare combines bold, stately themes in the brass, with woodwinds bursting forth in a flurry of energy.

Reflections: The Music of Andrew E. Lawson - Vol. 1

Exsultate: Fanfare for Winds & Percussion

Program Notes:
On December 2, 2021, one of my best friends, Sarah Delbene, suddenly passed away. We were all in complete shock. Sarah was a friend to everyone she met. She was a bright, shining star in every room she entered. In an instant, I was reminded of how delicate life is and how things can change at a moment’s notice. How do we deal with this - the loss of a friend or family member, especially when it is so unexpected? How does a composer tackle something like this? And why would a composer tackle something like this? In the following days, I was on social media reading some of the fond memories being shared about Sarah, and a comment stood out to me—this comment became the title of this piece, As Long As Stars Shall Shine. I soon went online and searched the phrase, finding that it was a line from the alma mater hymn at Baylor University, where Sarah had received her Masters Degree. At that point in time, I reached out to Sarah’s parents to ask if they would grant me their blessing in writing a piece to honor Sarah, and to try and capture some of the joy she brought into so many people’s lives. As I began writing, I realized that this music was meant to address, and had to address, a wider audience and tackle three different thoughts, presented in three movements:

1.Acknowledgement of Loss
The first movement acknowledges loss of friends and loved ones. This begins with clarinets, soon followed by Flute, Euphonium, and Tuba solos with piano. This peaceful, still, calmness is then suddenly interrupted. The music wildly transitions into madness, a heart shattered by loss, a world unraveled by a sudden, devastating change. A more aggressive form of the original theme presented is heard from the brass. This is concluded by a setting of Nearer, My God, to Thee.

As Long As Stars Shall Shine - I. Acknowledgement of Loss

Program Notes:
On December 2, 2021, one of my best friends, Sarah Delbene, suddenly passed away. We were all in complete shock. Sarah was a friend to everyone she met. She was a bright, shining star in every room she entered. In an instant, I was reminded of how delicate life is and how things can change at a moment’s notice. How do we deal with this - the loss of a friend or family member, especially when it is so unexpected? How does a composer tackle something like this? And why would a composer tackle something like this? In the following days, I was on social media reading some of the fond memories being shared about Sarah, and a comment stood out to me—this comment became the title of this piece, As Long As Stars Shall Shine. I soon went online and searched the phrase, finding that it was a line from the alma mater hymn at Baylor University, where Sarah had received her Masters Degree. At that point in time, I reached out to Sarah’s parents to ask if they would grant me their blessing in writing a piece to honor Sarah, and to try and capture some of the joy she brought into so many people’s lives. As I began writing, I realized that this music was meant to address, and had to address, a wider audience and tackle three different thoughts, presented in three movements:

2.The Recollection of Memories
The second movement represents all fond memories of those who have left us - the love and laughter remembered by all. A sense of adventure is in the air, soaring through our hearts and minds. The movement closes with an abbreviated statement of the original theme.

As Long As Stars Shall Shine - II. Recollection of Memories

Program Notes:
On December 2, 2021, one of my best friends, Sarah Delbene, suddenly passed away. We were all in complete shock. Sarah was a friend to everyone she met. She was a bright, shining star in every room she entered. In an instant, I was reminded of how delicate life is and how things can change at a moment’s notice. How do we deal with this - the loss of a friend or family member, especially when it is so unexpected? How does a composer tackle something like this? And why would a composer tackle something like this? In the following days, I was on social media reading some of the fond memories being shared about Sarah, and a comment stood out to me—this comment became the title of this piece, As Long As Stars Shall Shine. I soon went online and searched the phrase, finding that it was a line from the alma mater hymn at Baylor University, where Sarah had received her Masters Degree. At that point in time, I reached out to Sarah’s parents to ask if they would grant me their blessing in writing a piece to honor Sarah, and to try and capture some of the joy she brought into so many people’s lives. As I began writing, I realized that this music was meant to address, and had to address, a wider audience and tackle three different thoughts, presented in three movements:

3.The Joy of Heaven Awaiting
The third and final movement brings with it new joy of a saint gone home. This final movement is comprised of two hymns, Amazing Grace and Old Hundredth (Doxology), with hints of the original flute theme spread throughout. The final response of an earthly tragedy and a heavenly victory - a shout of praise and thanksgiving.

As so many of us have experienced in our lives, the loss of loved ones, whether friends or family, is never easy and is often painful. We find ourselves saddened, angered, confused, depressed, in denial, and often reminiscent. We look back to remember our favorite memories - the happy, joyous moments. We recall stories of fun, adventure, thrill, and laughter. As Long As Stars Shall Shine is meant to convey the sense of hope, healing, and joy found in these memories. I hope that this music inspires every listener to take pause and reflect on those whom they have loved and lost.

As Long As Stars Shall Shine - III. The Joy of Heaven Awaiting

Scored for large brass ensemble and percussion, Mach 10 is one of eight winning fanfares in the 2016-2017 Dallas Wind Symphony Fanfare Composition Contest. Conducted by Dr. Nicholas Williams from the University of North Texas, Mach 10 was premiered by the brass and percussion sections of the Dallas Winds and the Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra Wind Symphony (GDYOWS) on January 24, 2017 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center. 

This recording of Mach 10 was taken at Tennessee Tech University, and was performed by the brass and percussion sections of the Tennessee Tech University Symphony Band under the direction of Mr. Joseph W. Hermann.

Sheet music for Mach 10 is available for purchase here: https://lovebirdmusic.com/collections/brass-fanfares/products/mach-10

and

https://www.jwpepper.com/Mach-10/10766998.item#.WRaLUmjyvcs

Mach 10

Mach 10: Fanfare for Brass and Percussion

Written for brass, percussion, and contrabassoon! Upon New Horizons captures the mystery and excitement of the transitions and new experiences of life in two contrasting themes, sure to stir up your sense of adventure!

Upon New Horizons

Originally written for brass ensemble and re-scored for band, Upon New Horizons captures the mystery and excitement of the transitions and new experiences of life in two contrasting themes, sure to stir up your sense of adventure!

Premiered on April 9, 2019 by the Tennessee Tech University Symphony Band under the direction of Dr. Jeffery Miller.

Upon New Horizons: Fanfare For Concert Band

Fantasía Española was written for the Roane County High School Band and was premiered on December 15, 2019 by the Roane County High School Wind Ensemble under the direction of Zach Williamson.

The altered Phrygian Dominant mode is one of my favorite modes to hear in music, and to compose with. It is the fifth mode of the harmonic minor scale and can be heard in music from all over the world. Fantasía Española, translated as Spanish Fantasy, is inspired by traditional Spanish music, but with my own twist.

Fantasía Española

"So We Meet Again" is inspired by the great re-uniting of friends and family, teachers and students, and colleagues and coworkers as we work to move past the COVID-19 pandemic. As we gather, there is great joy expressed in smiles, cheers, laughter, and tears of joy as humanity comes together once again. Throughout the fanfare you will hear a grand, majestic introduction followed by a bright, joyous flourish! Soon arrives a joyous chorale, ever rising until we return to the original themes.

Copyright © 2020, Andrew E. Lawson, All Rights Reserved

So We Meet Again - Fanfare and Chorale for Brass Ensemble

Andrew E. Lawson an American composer, arranger, orchestrator, and music educator. He currently serves as Band Director at Innovation Academy and Springfield Middle School in Springfield, TN. His responsibilities at iA include directing the Beginning Band and Concert Band, and assisting with Springfield High School Marching Band. In 2022, Lawson was named a Marquis Who's Who  in Music Education.
​
As a composer, Lawson writes for a variety of ensembles including band, orchestra, brass band, brass choir, and chamber ensembles. He is a three-time winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony's International Fanfare Composition Competition (2016, 2019, 2020) and in 2020 had compositions named a semi-finalist and finalist for The American Prize in Wind Band Composition. Andrew also serves as an arranger and orchestrator for Sovereign Grace Music, and in 2022 joined the arranging staff at SouthCoast Music and Design. Over the last decade, Lawson has written over 250 arrangements for churches across the Southeastern United States and continues to write and arrange for the church on a regular basis. Andrew's music has been performed by middle school, high school, collegiate, and professional ensembles including the Roane County High School Wind Ensemble, Tullahoma High School Band, Tennessee Tech University Symphony Band, Liberty University Wind Symphony, UGA Wind Ensemble, and most notably, the Dallas Winds. His music is currently published with Lovebird Music, Brookwright Music, and Murphy Music Press.​

​Andrew is a graduate of Tullahoma High School in Tullahoma, TN and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Instrumental Music Education from Tennessee Technological University. During his time at TTU, he was a member of the Wind Ensemble, Symphony Band, University Orchestra, Bryan Symphony Orchestra, Horn Choir, Clarion Wind Quintet, Aureus Wind Quintet, and the Golden Eagle Marching Band. Lawson has also performed as a guest artist with the Sewanee Symphony Orchestra, and serves as a counselor and instructor at the Summer Music Institute at Tennessee Tech University. During his undergraduate studies, Lawson studied under the instruction of Mr. Joseph Hermann, Dr. Eric Harris, Dr. Brian Diller, Dr. Greg Danner, and Dr. Jeff Miller. 
 
Lawson’s professional affiliations include active memberships in the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association (MTSBOA), Tennessee Music Educators Association (TMEA), Tennessee Bandmasters Association (TBA), High School Band Director's National Association (HSBDNA), National Band Association (NBA), American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME). When away from teaching, composing, and performing, Andrew spends his time hiking, bike riding, kayaking, volunteering at his church,  spending time with friends and family, and playing disc golf.

Andrew E. Lawson

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