About the Work

The title Harmelodic Configurations is in reference to composer Howard Hanson's book, Harmonic Materials of Modern Music. In the Preface, Hanson writes, "If consistency of harmonic-melodic expression is important in musical creation, this theory should bear the most intensive study, for it sets up a basis for the logical expansion of tonal ideas once the germinating concept has been decided upon in the mind of the composer." For this work, I combined the two words harmonic-melodic into one made up word, Harmelodic. By simply adding the word, configuration, I complete the concept in the "mind of the composer". Configuration: a noun - an arrangement of parts or elements; “the outcome depends on the configuration of influences at the time”. 

Harmelodic Configurations (on the tones CBDAAG), was commissioned by Gary Scudder, Band Director at Stockdale Christian School in Bakersfield, California. 

In the late spring of 2006, I called Gary, asking about the possibility of getting copies of the Band Workout Method book he had developed over his many years of teaching. During the conversation, Gary asked if I would consider writing a piece for his band that somehow included the tones CBDAAG. I told Gary I would do it but that it would have to wait until the summer since I also teach elementary and high school band classes. 

I used the notes CBDA for the California Band Directors Association since 2007 was the 50th anniversary of the Conference. Gary asked for me to add A and G for Anniversary Golden. The work began in late June 2006, with sketches of harmonic and melodic configurations of the tones. 

The sketching continued while my wife and I were on our annual camping and fishing trip. Sketches were worked out in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming, a motel room in Missoula, Montana, while fly fishing the Lochsa River in Idaho and at a campground at the base of Mt. Hood in Oregon. The actual writing took place in July and was finished in late August. Each movement reflects the musical influence of my teachers and the composers I was studying at the time.

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