Red Feathered Soul (midi)

ComposerJim.com
I was asked to write a new work to celebrate Warren Olfert's retirement from North Dakota State University after 25 years. Warren expressed to me that he'd like to have a tone poem, as there aren't many in the wind ensemble repertory. Warren also made the "mistake" roughly 10 years ago of mentioning to me that he loved the music of Genesis. He even sent me a bunch of links; I never knew they might come in handy until 10 years later, when I decided to create a "Genesis tone poem" for him.
More about Genesis: It also means "to start anew".
Anyone who knows Warren knows that retirement will not slow him down. He will make (very good!) beer. He will travel. He will cook. He will continue in music, no doubt. 
So the piece starts out as if in a world of solemn but hopeful exploration. A three-note theme comes in played by the trombones (Warren's instrument). This leitmotif is repeated throughout the piece - little sprinkles of Warren showing up in each tune as we roll along.
Genesis the band - in the early 1970s - was basically creating tone poems. One tune was strung to the next as Peter Gabriel did his thing, changing clothes, changing meters, and singing ballads, resulting in epic rock tunes springing forth. So I tried to create a piece that did the same thing. One tune follows the next, resulting in a journey of exploration (with the occasional backbeat), but all hopefully culminating in a beautiful celebration of Warren. 
I hope you enjoy it - and to Warren: Congratulations on your fabulous career! I can't wait to hear of your new adventures as you start anew.

Genesis - for wind ensemble: NDSU Premiere

Joshua Hobbs (b. 1990) has been hailed as one of the rising stars in the world of composition and his reputation is growing rapidly. He has been selected as a winner of numerous contests, most notably the National Band Association's Young Composer Mentor Project and Dallas Wind Symphony Brass Fanfare Composition Contest.

Joshua holds a master’s degree in Instrumental Conducting from the University of South Florida and a bachelor’s degree in Music Composition from the University of Central Florida. He has studied privately or participated in composition master classes with Mark Camphouse, Brian Balmages, Andrew Boysen Jr., Eric Whitacre, Robert W. Smith, Christopher Marshall, and more. His output includes works for ensembles of all sizes and has been performed around the world by artists including the United States Air Force Band, Scott Hartman, Jeff Nelsen, John Almeida, Summit Brass, Saint Louis Brass, at the New England Conservatory, University of Alabama, at International Trumpet Guild, International Horn Society conferences and on many other occasions.

Joshua’s music is published with Hickman Music Editions, Triplo Press, Balquhidder Music, Dorn Publications, Cimarron Music Press and is promoted through www.Newbandmusic.com. Joshua is registered with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) and resides in Tampa, FL. 

For more information, recordings, and other helpful resources, please visit
WWW.JOSHUAHOBBSMUSIC.COM
Josh’s music has been performed across the country by various ensembles and artists including the Dallas Wind Symphony, Summit Brass, New England Conservatory, University of Alabama, University of Central Florida and many others. In addition to being self published, his music is also available through Hickman Music Editions, Triplo Press and Dorn Publications. He is also promoted through Newbandmusic.com. In 2013, Josh was chosen as a winner of the Dallas Wind Symphony Brass Fanfare Competition. He has studied with Brian Balmages, Robert W. Smith, Thad Anderson, and most recently, Christopher Marshall. Josh’s music is registered with the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP). Josh is a member of the Society of Composers (SCI) as well as the American Composers Forum (ACF) and resides in Tampa, Florida. 

For more information, recordings, and other helpful resources, please visit
www.joshuahobbsmusic.com!

Red Feathered Soul (midi)

Josh Hobbs

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