Union Park-A Musical Portrait by Paul Hemmer (copyright 2021) is a musical interpretation of a legendary family attraction that thrived north of Dubuque, IA from 1890-1934. The 11 short movements include a Trolley Ride, Fountains, Promenade Waltz, Waterfall, 3 short vaudeville attractions that performed in the Mammoth Theater (seating for 3,000)-Comedy Juggler, Kincade Kilties, Napanee School Kids, Rustic Bandstand, Roller Coaster, the deluge, & a tribute to those who perished in the flood and heroes who saved others.

01.Trolley Ride

This MIDI DRAFT of "Where EaglesFly" will be here until after the premier of the composition during the 2017–2018 season of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Maestro William Intriligator, who commissioned the work.

Although I lived in Platteville, WI for most of my formative years, I was born in Dubuque, and we lived in an upstairs apartment on Rhomberg Avenue. One constant feature of Dubuque is the Mississippi River, which flanks the city on its eastern edge and used to flood much of the downtown area. In recent years, the great comeback of the American Bald Eagle has provided an amazing experience for residents and visitors alike; the adults fly gracefully from the bluffs and the tree-lined waterway — including those at Eagle Point Park — remaining even in the winter in areas with open waters that allow them to catch the fish that nourish both themselves and their offspring.

This piece captures the eagle in all of its majesty and follows the growth of the eaglets as they take there first flight — at first shaky and unsure, but they ultimately catch a draft and soar high above in the cloud-doppled crisp blue sky.

Where Eagles Fly • MIDI DRAFT • Rocky J. Reuter, Composer

Premiered on Veteran's Day, November 11, 2017, Where Eagles Fly was commissioned for the 2017-2018 season of the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra by Maestro William Intriligator.

Although I lived in Platteville, Wisconsin, for most of my formative years, I was born in Dubuque. One ever-present feature of Dubuque is the Mississippi River, which flanks the city on its eastern edge and once created historic floods throughout much of the business district. 

In recent years, the great comeback of the American Bald Eagle has provided an amazing experience for Dubuque residents and visitors alike: the adults fly gracefully from the bluffs and the tree-lined waterway - including those at Eagle Point Park - taking up residence even in the winter in areas with open waters that allow them to catch the fish that nourish both them and their offspring.

Capturing the majesty of the eagle, the piece follows the birth and growth of the noble eaglets as they take there first flight - at first shaky and unsure, but they ultimately catch a draft and soar and float high above in the cloud-dappled crisp blue sky.

Inspiration for my compositions comes from many sources, but the ideas behind this work can only be credited to one person: the love of my life, Judy Heiar Reuter. The premiere was also the first time my mother (who has since passed) ever heard my music performed by a professional orchestra, making the moment a deeply personal one for me.

Dr. Rocky J. Reuter (b. 1956) composes music for a vast array of acoustic and electronic ensembles in a myriad of styles, using varied and unique techniques. He is the recipient of numerous commissions nationally and internationally, has been recognized with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, Meet the Composer, Ohio Arts Council Award for Excellence in Composition, and Greater Columbus Arts Council. Recent commissions have come from the Dubuque Symphony Orchestra and the Pi Kappa Lambda National Music Honor Society. His works have previously been featured at the Budapest Autumn Festival, Miscolz Arts Festival, Liszt Academy of Music, Hochschule für Musik in Dresden, Shen Yang Conservatory of Music in China; at international, national, and/or regional conferences of the Society of Composers, Society for Electro-Acoustic Music in the United States, College Music Society, National Association for Music Education, Association for Technology in Music Instruction, and Technology Institute for Music Educators; at state music education conventions in Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgia, and Ohio; and at university and contemporary music events throughout the nation. He has created original works in the electronic studios of the Dresden Hochschule für Musik and the Budapest National Radio at the invitation of the studio directors, and is the co-author of “Electronic Musical Instruments” in the book Technology Guide for Music Educators. Prior to his 30-year tenure as a professor and dean at Capital University Conservatory of Music, he also taught at the schools of music at James Madison University (MME) and The Ohio State University (DMA).

Where Eagles Fly

Where Eagles Fly (Live) • Rocky J. Reuter, Composer

50 year career in radio as a top rated morning personality; 62 years as professional performing musician; composed 4 musical comedies; scored 80 symphonic pops orchestrations - hundreds of swing band charts.

01.Trolley Ride

PaulHemmer

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