A plaintive cry, a hopeful dream

Grade 5+/5  |  Duration 9:30

As a trombonist, I had long thought of creating a feature work for this wonderfully expressive instrument, but for some reason (a sense of inadequacy, most likely), I had shied away from the task. Who would I be kidding — what might I be able to add to its repertoire? The thought was exciting and intimidating.

In our initial discussion about this commission for the United States Air Force Band (my second opportunity to write for this world-class ensemble), its former Commander and Conductor, Col Larry Lang, and I discussed the possibility of writing a work that would feature MSgt Matthew Nudell as the soloist. I was fortunate to make music with Matt (2001-2005) when he was a trombone performance major at St. Olaf College, an institution now quite proud of his accomplishments, especially his membership in the USAF Band.

It was on a trip to the North Shore of Lake Superior with our family that I found the head and heart space necessary to discern the musical ideas that might be developed into this work — a composition that would allow a very fine trombonist’s musicianship to really shine while sharing sincere, meaningful music. In talking with Matt, we both decided that instead of employing the usual pyrotechnics found in so many feature works of late, we would rather explore the instrument's lyrical side. As the title suggests, a listener will hopefully hear a cry and sense a dream. Cries and dreams are common to all of us, and perhaps the listener will relate to this music on personal and universal levels.

Upon the suggestion of Col Don Schofield, Commander of the United States Air Force Band, this work is dedicated to those and their families who serve. My father served in the USAF — I was happy to accept this recommendation.

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