Program Notes

 

“…of strength and courage…” was composed to be playable by ensembles of all levels and intentionally orchestrated to be playable by the younger musician as well taking into account limited ranges and limited rhythmic elements. 

 

“…of strength and courage…” This memorial work is intended as a small musical reflection of the past 200-plus years of military service provided by the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. Inspiration for the work was drawn from several sources, i.e…the picture I took while visiting the Normandy American Cemetery near Omaha Beach, the Old Testament passage from 2 Chronicles 32:7,8, the WWII D-Day “Order of the Day” by General Dwight Eisenhower, and a quote by John Wayne.

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“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or discouraged because of the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater power with us than with him. With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people gained confidence from what Hezekiah the king of Judah said. (2 Chronicles 32:7,8)

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Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen of the Allied Expeditionary Force! 

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You are about to embark upon the Great Crusade, toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you. The hope and prayers of liberty-loving people everywhere march with you. In company with our brave Allies and brothers-in-arms on other Fronts, you will bring about the destruction of the German war machine, the elimination of Nazi tyranny over the oppressed peoples of Europe, and security for ourselves in a free world.

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Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well trained, well equipped, and battle-hardened. He will fight savagely.

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But this is the year 1944! Much has happened since the Nazi triumphs of 1940-41. The United Nations have inflicted upon the Germans great defeats, in open battle, man-to-man. Our air offensive has seriously reduced their strength in the air and their capacity to wage war on the ground. Our Home Fronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned! The free men of the world are marching together to Victory!

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I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle. We will accept nothing less than full Victory!

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Good luck! And let us beseech the blessing of Almighty God upon this great and noble undertaking.    

 

General Dwight Eisenhower

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“Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.” John Wayne

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Instrumentation

Flute 1-2

Oboe

Bb Clarinet 1-2

Bb Bass Clarinet

Bassoon

Eb Alto Saxophone 1-2

Bb Tenor Saxophone

Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1-2

Horn in F

Trombone 1-2

Euphonium

Tuba

String Bass

Timpani

Percussion - (S.D., B.D., Cymbals, Gong, Triangle, Wind Chimes)

Mallets - (Vibraphone, Glockenspiel) 

 

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