In a world of secret agents and supervillains, suspense and adventure await! "Spy Hero" sports a cinematic ﬂair to support its simple melodic ﬁgures and recurring rhythms. Solidly scored and widely accessible, this high energy piece oﬀers a programming choice to thrill your students and audience.

Spy Hero (Band Gr. 2) - Greg Danner

"Dark Dances" is sure to grab the ears of everyone around. Through the dark harmony and exciting percussion, everyone will get the melody and enjoy the spotlight. Dark Dances is the perfect piece of music for your program!

Dark Dances (Band Gr. 2) - Patrick Smith

"Dreamweaver" invites both musicians and audiences to reﬂect on how individual choices come together to create a collective journey, symbolizing personal and shared dreams, through tuneful melodies and an introduction to aleatoric music-making.

Dreamweaver (Band Gr. 2) - Mat Campbell

"Give Me Your Hand" is a lush setting of the popular Irish harp tune "Tabhair Dom Do Lámh," written in the early 17th century by Rory Dall O'Cahan. Set in 3/4 time, this flex band arrangement offers elasticity with several tempo & textural changes throughout, helping young performers to improve their musicality. Optional percussion parts add the perfect amount of color without overwhelming the winds.

Give Me Your Hand (Flex Band Gr. 2.5) - arr. Nathan Daughtrey

"March of the Barbarians" paints a picture of an invading barbarian army laying waste to an unsuspecting village through the use of aleatoric techniques. Each section of the band is featured in this captivating work for developing concert bands.

March of the Barbarians (Band Gr. 2) - Wes Stephens

An expressive and lyrical setting of the traditional French carol, "Bring a Torch, Jeanette, Isabella." The music is scored to explore various diﬀerent tonal combinations, but with an eye to playability. This is the perfect change of pace selection for a holiday concert.

Bring a Torch, Jennette, Isabella (Band Gr. 3) - arr. Greg Danner

"Hope" is a sentimental and wishful piece that pushes you through the darkest days you have. Through interesting harmonic language and lush chords, alongside sweeping wood lines and big horn melodies, this piece of music is sure to make your days a little bit better. 

Hope (Band Gr. 3) - Patrick Smith

Find yourself in a very quiet place amongst huge living, breathing trees and allow your music to ﬁll the void in this rich, stately aria for wind band.

Noble Redwoods (Band Gr. 3) - Steven Juliani

A fantastic closer to any concert program, "A Thousand Inner Voices" is sure to challenge musicians and audiences with learning to live with the voices in our heads. This piece was created in collaboration with Dr. Kaitlin Bove and the ...And We Were Heard organization for their 2022 Fundraiser Consortium.

A Thousand Inner Voices (Band Gr. 3) - Mat Campbell

In this response to the Willa Cather poem “Prairie Dawn,” an animated pastoral frolic gives way to a setting of the bittersweet Scottish ballad, “Barbara Allen.” The historical and literary connections in the work provide opportunities for cross-curricular lesson activities. 

Through Purple Mists Ascending (Flex Band Gr. 3) - Ted Allen

From the Provence region of France comes one of the most joyous carols of the season. This setting of "Il est Ne le Divin Enfant" (He is Born, the Divine Infant) celebrates the Christmas story in the liveliest way. Cheerful and eﬀervescent, this arrangement will add a spark to your holiday program.

A Provence Carol (Band Gr. 3.5) - arr. Greg Danner

"13 Stripes 50 Stars" was inspired by the pictures of thousands and thousands of American  Flags ﬂying on the National Mall in place of all the people who were unable to attend the US Presidential Inauguration due to the COVID-19 Pandemic in 2021. The images of so many  ﬂags standing together, without regard for political inclination, struck me as an important  example of unity and resolve; a beautiful tribute to the American spirit and all those who  made sacriﬁces to bring us to today.

13 Stripes, 50 Stars (Band Gr. 4) - Leslie Gilreath

“Arachnipocalypse” is a spider’s march to world domination. With a familiar theme adjusted to the confines of the octatonic scale, it explores the escapades of a young, determined spider who decides to take over and rule the planet with iron legs.  It is replete with references to the number eight both in rhythmic content and in intervallic nuance.  You can hear the sirens blaring as our gutsy arachnid tramples and lays waste to the opposition on its way to the throne as world ruler. Arachnophobes, you've been warned.  

Arachnipocalypse (Band Gr. 4) - Leslie Gilreath

"Chasing Joy" is a spirited piece for concert band evoking optimism and aspiration.

Chasing Joy (Band Gr. 4) - Dan Adams

Elevate your ensemble's repertoire with In Her Footsteps, a captivating fanfare and ballad paying homage to Barbara Buehlman's enduring legacy. Inspired by her impactful contributions, this piece seamlessly blends powerful melodies and evocative harmonies, oﬀering a profound musical journey that will resonate with performers and audiences alike.

In Her Footsteps (Band Gr. 4.5) - Sean Sumwalt

In this version of music originally found in Juliani’s "Noble Redwoods," "Solemn March" is inspired by the music of Edward Elgar that recalls a stately, noble, solemn procession.

Solemn March (Band Gr. 4) - Steven Juliani

Fanfare 250 is a spirited and uplifting concert band piece composed to celebrate the 250th birthday of the United States of America. With bold brass, soaring melodies, and a sense of patriotic pride, this work captures the energy and optimism of a nation’s milestone celebration.

🎺 Performed by the West Point Band
🎵 Conducted by LTC Daniel Smith-Toven
🎚️ Produced by Noah D. Taylor
🎧 Recording & Mix Engineer: Brandy Lane

Fanfare 250 (Concert Band)

Morgan State University

Magnificent Winds

Dr. Jorim E. Reid Sr., Conductor

From Baltimore’s brick and yellow pine to the streets of Pasadena, the rose that grew in faith now blooms in full sound.”

PRESENTS

Faithful Rose:
A Symphony of Legacy, Sound & City
 
Sunday, April 27th 2025

3:03 PM

Morgan State University – Gilliam Concert Hall  

Featuring: Brittney Wright Guest Solo Artist
Grammy Award Nominated and Morgan State Alum
 
Guest Recording Artist: Carolyn Brewer, Piano
 
Guest Conductor: Jerome Queen, Assistant Band Director

 
Program
 
 
Part I:
1. Halcyon Hearts – Katahj Copley
Guest Conductor: Jerome Queen, Assistant Band Director
A celebration of peace and self-love, this work is rhythmically driven and emotionally vibrant — radiating the serenity and strength of halcyon days.
 
2. Supplication Mvmt. IV from Symphony of Prayer – J. Eric Schmidt
Themed around prayerful reverence, this builds on Halcyon’s tone with dramatic dynamics and yearning. A prayerful call for unity, lifting Morgan’s musical faith.
 
3. Resplendent Glory – Rossano Galante
Shifts into triumphant energy and cinematic grandeur, lifting the emotional arc upward. Cinematic grandeur mirroring Baltimore’s artistry and ambition.
 
4. Come Sunday – Duke Ellington, arr. Paul Murtha
Guest Saxophone Soloist: Shawn McNeill Graduate Conducting Student
Sacred, historical, spiritual, and uniquely African-American—rooted in sacred jazz, honoring Carter and the HBCU legacy. A lyrical and spiritual piece from Ellington’s landmark suite Black, Brown, and Beige. With soulful melodies and a poignant alto sax solo, it stands as a testament to faith, struggle, and grace.
5. Great is thy Faithfulness – Thomas Chisholm, arr. Larry Mack
Guest Solo Artist: Brittney Wright, Voice​​​​Carolyn Brewer, Piano
The emotional and thematic centerpiece—personal, soulful, and worshipful. Gospel center — the emotional and thematic heart.
 
6. Children’s March: “Over the Hills and Far Away” – Percy Grainger
Featuring: Carolyn Brewer, Piano        
Morgan State Students with Brittany Headen, Graduate Choral Conducting Student
Closes Act I with color, innocence, and forward motion—symbolizing the faithful journey. Uplifting close symbolizing forward motion and youthful hope.
 
 
Intermission
Part II        
 
7. No Shadow of Turning – David Gillingham
Featuring: The Loch Raven United Methodist Church Handbell Choir, Cathy Miles Director and Carolyn Brewer, Piano        
Building on the poignant “Great is thy Faithfulness” theme, a musical fantasy on God’s constancy, faith through change. Opens Part II with spiritual weight and musical depth—a masterwork reflecting divine constancy.
 
8. Midway March – John Williams, arr. Paul Lavender
Military-inspired energy and structure; provides brightness and rhythm following Gillingham. Spirited interlude echoing Baltimore’s grit and grandeur.
 
9. His Eye is on the Sparrow – Traditional, Jorim E. Reid Sr.
Soloist: Shawn McNeill and Carolyn Brewer, Piano and Hammond B3 Organ        
A personal tribute to Ronald Carter with musical reflections from the soloist and composer who are former students and mentees.  A beloved spiritual arranged with reverence and rich harmonization. It speaks of unwavering faith in the face of adversity, performed here with warmth and grace.
10.  Afterlife – Rosano Galante
Metaphor for legacy and musical immortality. Galante’s lush harmonies and cinematic style explore themes of memory, transcendence, and peace. A deeply moving, lyrical work. Symbolic of transition and transformation—emotional intensity, lyrical phrasing, resolution.
 
11. Thank You – Brittney Wright, Traditional, arr. Larry Mack
Carolyn Brewer, Piano
 
12. Ride – Samuel Hazo
A musical thrill ride inspired by a heartfelt journey—this piece was composed as a tribute to Hazo’s mentor, Jack Stamp. It’s a rush of motion, emotion, and inspiration, filled with gratitude and speed.
 
 

 



"Faithful Rose" Concert - Morgan State University Wind Symphony 2025

Originally written for orchestra and later transcribed for concert band by the composer, "Of Lakes and Legends" depicts stories and historic locations around White Bear Lake, MN. There are four movements: Legend of the White Bear, Ride on the Rails, Parlor Recital, and Regatta. This recording is of a live performance by the University of Minnesota Gold Band (Seth Davis, conductor), March 3, 2025.

Of Lakes and Legends - Scenes from White Bear Lake

Shirley Mier is a Twin-Cities based composer, music director and music educator residing in Hudson, WI (near the Twin Cities). Her music has been commissioned by theatres, school bands, and community bands in the Twin Cities area and been performed across the U.S. and in Canada. Theme and Deviations for Band (2003) won the Fifth Annual H. Robert Reynolds National Wind Ensemble Composers Competition and was performed at Carnegie Hall in 2004. She has written numerous scores for theatre, and her published children's theatre works include Madeline’s Christmas and Twas the Night Before Christmas (Dramatic Publishing). Published band works include Steampunk Overture (Grand Mesa), Forge Ahead! (Alfred Music), and Frank Ticheli Composition Contest finalist Maiden Voyage (Grand Mesa). Dr. Mier earned her PhD in Music Composition at the University of Minnesota in 2005 and has taught at Century College in White Bear Lake, MN, since 2007. She is a member of ASCAP, Society of Composers, Inc., and the Dramatists Guild.

Noah D. Taylor is a composer, orchestrator, and arranger of music for the concert hall and for media. 

As the staff arranger for the West Point Band, Noah's compositions and arrangements have been featured on CBS, NBC, and Fox News. Noah was the lead composer and music producer for the 2017 and 2018 Macy's July 4th Fireworks soundtracks, aired on NBC.

Musicianship is MY Allegiance;
Revelation to the Dream;
The divine Inspiration
To drive MY Energy!

Using all genres of MUSIC as levers of vision, vigilance, collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity

For Music Education

New tracks tagged #symphonic band