BrandonNelson_composer

think we're all aware of local band programs that take on a certain legendary quality over the years. In my area, one such program is that at Kingsford High School (Kingsford, MI). For many years, under the leadership of Ben Sherk, the KHS Bands attained a very high level of musicianship and, in the case of the marching band, showmanship. The whole community fell in love with its unique band program. Of course, one person can't keep going forever, and so, at the beginning of the 2022 school year, Mr. Sherk handed over his baton to Jacob Barnby. It's always a formidable challenge to "fill the shoes" in a legendary program, but through intelligence, determination, and lots of community of support, Mr. Barnby has successfully begun a new chapter for Kingsford. With this piece, I want to both honor the incredible legacy of Mr. Sherk and to wish Mr. Barnby and the whole Kingsford community many continued years of great music making! Onward to new horizons!

“Such was the darkness of that day, the tortures and lamentations of the afflicted, and the power of former presidents, that we walked in the clouds, and could not see our way.” -John Hale, minister and witness to the Salem witch trials Simple explanations are tempting yet ultimately impossible and, indeed, minimize the great human tragedy that was the persecution and killing of “witches” in Salem. What could possibly whip up such a hysteria among colonial Americans, so apparently devoted to quiet stoicism and religious piety? Scholars have been divided for centuries, coming up with pet theories on what compelled this society to turn against certain elements within it. Indeed, many volumes have been written, yet the conclusion we may reach is that a perfect explanation will never be ours. This piece focuses not as much on potential causation, but reflects upon the fundamental nature of guilt, justice, and forgiveness, on both human and divine levels. Does the professed absolution of God clear the conscious completely notwithstanding the blood of the innocent on one's hands? Answers again remain elusive, but the questions are continuously demanded. The title is taken from the Book of Exodus, King James Version. This verse is the clearest and most pointed reference to witches in the Bible and as such has been used as justification for the kinds of persecution seen in Salem by “witch hunters” through the ages. By the end of the Salem killings, twenty innocent people had lost their lives, five others (including two infants) having died while imprisoned. In November 2001, the Massachusetts legislature passed an act exonerating all of those convicted. If there is any positive outcome to this episode of our history, it may be, as put by George Lincoln Burr, “the rock on which the theocracy was shattered.”

An exciting concert opener in the style of a fanfare-and-theme (also suitable for a formal occasion like graduations) inspired by the might and majesty of the eagle.

I was born, raised, and presently live in, Ishpeming, Michigan (with a few different stops along the way). I suppose most people have warm feelings about their hometown, but I truly think Ishpeming is someplace special. The name Ishpeming comes from the Ojibwe word ishpiming, meaning "above", "in the air" or "on high," appropriate given that it lies in elevation above most of the surrounding area. Much of the history of Ishpeming revolves around the discovery of iron ore, and its shining variant called hematite, in the mid-19th century. The population was 6,140 at the 2020 census, less than it was in the 1950s and 1960s when the iron ore mines were running at their peak. Many still remember this "heyday" and have sadly witnessed its gradual decline, like so many other midwestern "Rust Belt" towns. But I still believe in the Ishpeming built on the shining hill. I believe its people still have what the immigrant Finns referred to as "sisu," or a stoic perseverance in the face of daunting odds. There is a bright future as long as there are people who want there to be one and are willing to roll up their sleeves to make it happen, and this piece is humbly dedicated to those folks who are working hard to do just that.

Pax Aeterna (“the peace eternal”) is a musical plea for lasting peace in the world. Using a simple, plaintive melody as its basis, the band brings the listener through dramatic peaks and valleys reflecting on the struggle of realizing the goal of peace.

Introducing...America! In this rousing opener for concert band, we hear many familiar patriotic songs and folk tunes woven together into a fascinating tableau.

A grade 3 concert band setting a favorite old hymn tune.

For those who go unsung, those everyday saints with souls of nobility and charity who go out and build a better world, without expectation of reward or recognition. Please help me and my work by subscribing to my channel and liking this video! Thank you so much for your support!

El Malei Rachamim (God full of compassion) is a Jewish Prayer for the departed that is recited at funeral services, on visiting the graves of relatives, and after having been called up to a reading of the Torah on the anniversary of the death of a relative. The prayer originated in the Jewish communities of Western and Eastern Europe and since the end of the Holocaust, the prayer has been adapted as a memorial prayer for the victims of the Holocaust and of Nazi persecution. This is the text of the prayer and the inspiration for this piece: Merciful God, who dwells above, provide a sure rest upon the Divine Presence's wings, to all souls of our holy and pure brethren whose blood was spilt by the murderers in Auschwitz, Belzec, Bergen Belsen, Dachau, Majdanaek, Sobibor, Treblinka, and other extermination camps in Europe, all the souls of the six million Jews, victims of the European Holocaust, who were murdered, slaughtered, burnt and exterminated for the Sanctification of Thy Name, by the German Nazi assassins and their helpers from the rest of the peoples. Therefore, the Master of Mercy will protect them forever, from behind the hiding of his wings, and will tie their souls with the rope of life. The Everlasting is their heritage, the Garden of Eden shall be their resting room, and they shall rest peacefully upon their lying place, they will stand for their fate at the end of days, and let us say: Amen This piece features a combination of traditional and contemporary composition methods to create a highly emotional and deeply meaningful experience for performer and listener. The subject is explored from a number of angles, including reverence, mystery, grief, anger, and hope. Please help me and my work by subscribing to my channel and liking this video! Thank you so much for your support!

Experience wild, primordial rhythmic drives in this wild ride for concert band reminiscent of engaging ancient dances!