"The Knight Who Seals the Darkness" by Kumi Tanioka, Reo Uratani, Ryotaro Yagi, and Haruki Yamada is the Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity edition of the Legend of Zelda Theme. This theme is fitting for the 35th Anniversary of the Franchise. I arranged the piece for Concert Band for the anniversary. This arrangement includes all phases, including the Rune phase. This is also the first piece that includes the Master Sword Fanfare as well. Such a shame that in Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity this song only plays for about 25 seconds. Happy 35th to the storied franchise and here's to many more.

Arranged on Finale v20 with NotePerformer soundfont.

"The Knight Who Seals The Darkness (Redux)"

The composition of coNNector is a culmination of a rich tapestry of influences. The first and foremost of these influences is a specific section of the interstate in Downtown Atlanta. This is where the two major highways, Interstate 75 and 85, converge. This stretch of road extends all the way from the bustling and dynamic Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world, to the vibrant and lively district of Uptown Atlanta. This road is colloquially known as the Downtown Connector.

The Downtown Connector, a marvel of urban planning and infrastructural development, is notorious for its heavy traffic. It ranks as one of the busiest stretches of interstate in the entire country, accommodating an impressive eight lanes of traffic on both northbound and southbound sides. Day in and day out, it witnesses a flurry of vehicles, making it a significant part of Atlanta's cityscape.

In Atlanta, the act of driving is often compared to racing. There's a certain rhythm to the city's traffic - a symphony of acceleration and deceleration, of quick lane changes and calculated maneuvers. This rhythm, this virtual race that plays out on Atlanta's roads, heavily influenced the creation of coNNector. To encapsulate this atmosphere of speed and adrenaline, synths were heavily used in the work. Their unique sound provides a sense of urgency and velocity, effectively capturing the essence of racing on the city's streets.
coNNector also draws heavy inspiration from the world of video games, specifically racing game franchises. Renowned series such as Ridge Racer, Need for Speed, RUSH, and Midnight Club have all contributed to the atmosphere and themes of coNNector. These games, with their thrilling high-speed races and immersive, competitive atmospheres, have left an indelible mark on the work. Each race in these games, each high-speed chase and nail-biting finish, has found echoes in the composition of coNNector, adding further depth and dimension to the work.

Thus, coNNector is a portrait of life in Atlanta, a nod to the thrill of racing games, and a testament to the transformative power of diverse influences.

Performed by Tristan Keaton

coNNector

​Nicholas J. Cannady (ASCAP) is a composer based in Athens, Ohio, has had their work featured at SEAMUS, SCI Region V Conference, the North American Saxophone Alliance, and the International Saxophone Symposium. A native of Valdosta, Georgia, Nicholas is known for his diverse range of compositions. With a background in music composition from Ohio University School of Music, Nicholas has honed his skills under the mentorship of composer Dr. Robert McClure.

Nicholas's compositions span various genres, including solos, chamber music, wind ensemble pieces, marching ensemble, and electroacoustic compositions. His works showcase his mastery of musical expression and his ability to captivate audiences with his unique and innovative compositions.

In addition to his musical pursuits, Nicholas holds a Masters in Sociology and Bachelors in Sociology and Anthropology from Valdosta State University. This interdisciplinary background enriches his compositions, as he draws inspiration from a wide range of social and cultural influences.

As a composer, Nicholas is dedicated to creating music that evokes emotion and tells a story. His compositions have been performed by renowned ensembles such as The Unheard of Ensemble, Valdosta State University Blazin’ Brigade Marching Band, The University of Incarnate Word Cardinal Marching Band, and a host of high school marching band programs. He continues to actively compose and collaborate with musicians.
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Nicholas currently serves as a Student Success Advisor and instructor for the College of Fine Arts at Ohio University. He is a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America, Inc. and Alpha Kappa Delta National Sociology Honor Society, reflecting his commitment to excellence and his contributions to the musical and academic communities.

coNNector

Nicholas J. Cannady

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