Liberalitatis Celebranda

Grade 4  |  Duration 7:00

There is a challenge found in each opportunity to create a new composition. I found that I resonated strongly with the commission from Seton Hill University to bring music to life that might celebrate a wonderfully meaningful career of a beloved music professor. Liberalitatis Celebranda is dedicated to Professor Kathleen Campbell in celebration of her 41 years of service to Seton Hill University and the immeasurable impact she had on the music department, the music education community, and the lives of her students.

Kathy Campbell and I led similar lives professionally and are close in age. Having just retired myself at the end of the school year immediately prior to writing this work, it was easy to connect with her situation. We were both band directors who returned to our undergraduate institution to lead their band program for decades, as well as teach other music courses and lessons. The special events one encounters upon retirement, the many moments of saying to oneself, “that’s the last time I’ll do that” (either regretfully or thankfully – think meetings and paperwork, not making music!), and the warm reconnections with former students and colleagues during a final year were still quite fresh for me, as were the many memories that came from looking back over a career as a music educator and band director. I set out to compose music that might capture the energy and depth of the experience found in a life as a musician in academia. The alto saxophone, Professor Campbell’s instrument of choice, is intentionally featured as this work bustles with activity and purpose, as well as calms during nostalgic reflection.

The Latin title Liberalitatis Celebranda can be paraphrased as meaning “a generosity of spirit needing to be celebrated.” Kathy Campbell certainly gave of herself unselfishly over and over again in helping to build the fine musical tradition at Seton Hill University. Just imagine the many lives that she has touched over her career! It is indeed most appropriate to celebrate this generous sharing of her artistry, teaching, and visionary leadership.

The Westmoreland Wind Symphony, conducted by Dr. Christopher Marra, gave a wonderful premiere of the work and the recording and video are from that performance.

See the full score below. Suggested use:

Start playing the audio, then scroll down to the score and open it.  Expand the score to full page and adjust more if needed for your viewing situation.   While viewing the score, drag from the left to the right.  The arrows change two pages at a time.