I am happy to announce the addition of a new work for Wind Band, now available here at sdunnmusic.com! You can hear a recording and learn how to purchase the piece here.  

Each year I compose a piece for the high school student participants to premiere at our annual University of Mobile Honor Band. This past year was so exceptional and challenging in many ways due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but we were still able, miraculously, to hold the event. Our team went over and beyond in both hard work and creative adaptability to make this happen in a safe, effective manner. Also, the students who attended (in record numbers, actually) were terrifically cooperative, positive and hard working. It turned out to be a great Honor Band.

Because of the unique circumstances, I felt the piece I introduced should be upbeat, hopeful, full of joy and "to the point". The result was "A New Horizon" - where even the title is looking ahead to a better future. It starts with sparking woodwinds and light percussion and quickly builds to an energetic full band. A brief, melodic middle section - still at the same tempo - introduces some new thematic material that is then combined with the opening ideas, leading to a spirited conclusion. The piece has some rhythmic challenges and exists in alternating 3/4 and 4/4 meters for a good portion of the work. However, I was impressed with how quickly the students were able to "lock in" on those things and give such an enthusiastic and effective performance. I hope you will give it a listen!  (Grade 3+)

By the way: Our next University of Mobile Honor Band for high school students will be February 10 - 12, 2022. Registration for that event will be available starting in August of this year at umobile.edu/honorband. We would love to have your students apply.